Physical fitness and anthropometric profile of mixed martial arts athletes

Authors

  • Bruno Ferreira Marinho Martial Arts and Combat Sports Research Group, School of Physical Education and Sport, Universidade de São Paulo.
  • Fabrício Boscolo Del Vecchio Martial Arts and Combat Sports Research Group, School of Physical Education and Sport, Universidade de São Paulo. Universidade Federal de Pelotas.
  • Emerson Franchini Martial Arts and Combat Sports Research Group, School of Physical Education and Sport, Universidade de São Paulo.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18002/rama.v6i2.4

Keywords:

mixed martial arts, combat sports, physical assessment

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the physical fitness and anthropometric profile of mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes and the correlations between these variables.

Subjects and methods: Thirteen male MMA athletes (30 ± 4 years-old) participated in this study. They were submitted to anthropometric measurements and the following tests: adapted flexitest, sit-ups, push-ups, long jump, flexed arm hang, 1RM bench press and squat.

Results: Main results are as follows: body mass (kg): 82.1 ± 10.9; body fat (%): 11.87 ± 5.11; flexibility (score): 18.38 ± 4.07; sit-ups (rep): 43 ± 11; push-ups (rep): 41 ± 9; long jump (m): 2.19 ± 0.25; flexed arm hang (s): 34 ± 11, 1RM bench- press (kg): 76 ± 23; 1RM squat (kg): 73 ± 15. Furthermore we observed results showed significant correlations between anthropometric variables and physical fitness: body fat and long jump (R = -0.75); body fat and flexed arm hang (R= -0.67); height and squat 1RM (R = 0.67); arm circumference and bench press 1RM (R = 0.77).

Conclusion: MMA athletes involved in this investigation have showed poor neuromuscular performance. Body fat was negatively correlated with both power and strength endurance performance, while arm circumference was positively related to upper body maximum strength.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Métricas alternativas

References

Amtmann, J. A. (2004). Self-reported training methods of mixed martial artists at a regional reality fighting event. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 18(1), 194-196.

Amtmann, J. A., Amtmann, K. A., & Spath, W. K. (2008). Lactate and rate of perceived exertion responses of athletes training for and competing in a mixed martial arts event. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 22(2), 645-647.

Amtmann, J. (2010). High intensity training and the Mixed Martial Artist. New York: Nova Science.

Andreato, L. V., Moraes, S. M. F., Gomes, T. L. M., Esteves, J. V. C., Andreato, T. V., & Franchini, E. (2011). Estimated aerobic power, muscular strength and flexibility in elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes. Science and Sports, (en prensa).

Araújo, C. G. S. (2004). Flexitest: an innovative flexibility assessment method. United States: Human Kinetics.

Artioli, G. G., Gualano, B., Franchini, E., Batista, R. N., Polacow, V. O., & Lancha, A. H., Jr. (2009). Physiological, performance, and nutritional profile of the Brazilian Olympic Wushu (kung-fu) team. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23(1), 20-25.

Aruga, S., Onda, T., Aso, K., Yamashita, Y., Nakanishi, H., Shirase, H., et al. (2003). Measurement of barbell lifting capacity and making strength standards in judo players. Tokai Journal of Sports Medical Science, 15, 7-17.

Braith, R. W., Graves, J. E., Leggett, S. H., & Pollock, M. L. (1993). Effect of training on the relationship between maximal and submaximal strength. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 25(1), 132-138.

Braswell, M., Szymanski, D., Szymanski, J., Dixon, E., Gilliam, S., Wood, R., et al. (2010). Physiological Differences In Mixed Martial Artist And Traditional Martial Artists: A Pilot Study. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24, 1.

Bratic, M., Radovanovic, D., & Nurkic, M. (2008). The effects of preparation period training program on muscular strenght of first-class judo athletes. Acta Medica Medianae, 46(4), 22-26.

Brown, L., & Weir, J. (2001). ASEP procedures recommendation I: accurate assessment of muscular strength and power. Journal of Exercise Physiology, 4(3), 1-21.

Clark, R. R., Oppliger, R. A., & Sullivan, J. C. (2002). Cross-validation of the NCAA method to predict body fat for minimum weight in collegiate wrestlers. Clinical Jounal of Sport Medicine, 12(5), 285-290.

Del Vecchio F. B., Hirata S, & Franchini E. (2011). A review of time-motion analysis and combat development in mixed martial arts matches at regional level tournaments. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 112(2), 639-648.

Doria, C., Veicsteinas, A., Limonta, E., Maggioni, M. A., Aschieri, P., Eusebi, F., et al. (2009). Energetics of karate (kata and kumite techniques) in top-level athletes. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 107(5), 603-610.

Fagerlund, R., & Hakkinen, H. (1991). Strength profile of finnish judoists-measurement and evaluation. Biology of Sport, 8(03), 143-149.

Franchini, E., Del Vecchio, F. B., Matsushigue, K. A., & Artioli, G. G. (2011). Physiological profiles of elite judo athletes. Sports Medicine, 41(2), 147-166.

Franchini, E., Nunes, A. V., Moraes, J. M., & Del Vecchio, F. B. (2007). Physical fitness and anthropometrical profile of the Brazilian male judo team. Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 26(2), 59-67.

Franchini, E., Takito, M. Y., & Bertuzzi, R. (2005). Morphological, physiological and technical variables in high-level college judoists. Archives of Budo, 1, 1-7.

Giampietro, M., Pujia, A., & Bertini, I. (2003). Anthropometric features and body composition of young athletes practicing karate at a high and médium competitive level. Acta Diabetologica, 40(1), 145-148.

Heller, J., Peric, T., Dlouha, R., Kohlikova, E., Melichna, J., & Novakova, H. (1998). Physiological profiles of male and female taekwon-do (ITF) black belts. Jounal of Sports Sciences, 16(3), 243-249.

Horswill, C. A., Miller, J. E., Scott, J. R., Smith, C. M., Welk, G., & Van Handel, P. (1992). Anaerobic and aerobic power in arms and legs of elite senior wrestlers. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 13(8), 558-561.

Imamura, H., Yoshimura, Y., Uchida, K., Nishimura, S., & Nakazawa, A. (1998). Maximal oxygen uptake, body composition and strength of highly competitive and novice karate practitioners. Applied Human Science, 17(5), 215-218.

Johnson, B. L., & Nelson, J. K. (1979). Practical Measurements for Evaluation in Physical Education. Minnesota: Burgess.

Kraemer, W. J., Fry, A. C., Rubin, M. R., Triplett-McBride, T., Gordon, S. E., Koziris, L. P., Lynch, J. M., Volek, J. S., Meuffels, D. E., Newton, R. U., & Fleck, S. J. (2001). Physiological and performance responses to tournament wrestling. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(8), 1367-1378.

Kraemer, W. J., Vescovi, J. D., & Dixon, P. (2004). The physiological basis of wrestling: Implications for conditioning programs. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 26(2), 10-15.

Krstulovic, S., Zuvela, F., & Katic, R. (2006). Biomotor systems in elite junior judoists. Collegium Antropologicum, 30(4), 845-851.

Little, N. G. (1991). Physical performance attributes of junior and senior women, juvenile, junior, and senior men judokas. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 31(4), 510-520.

Lohman, T. G. (1992). Advances in body composition assessment. Canada: Human Kinetics

Milanez, V., Lima, M.S, Gobatto, C., Perandini, L., Nakamura, F., & Ribeiro, L. (2010). Correlates of session-rate of perceived exertion (RPE) in a karate training session. Science and Sports, 26(1), 38-43.

Mirzaei, B., Curby, D. G., Rahmani-Nia, F., & Moghadasi, M. (2009). Physiological profile of elite Iranian junior freestyle wrestlers. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23(8), 2339-2344.

Pollock, M. L., Wilmore, J. H., & Fox, S. M. (1990). Exercise in health and disease: evaluation and prescription for prevention and rehabilitation (2ª ed.). Philadelphia: Saunders

Probst, M. M., Fletcher, R., & Seelig, D. S. (2007). A comparison of lower-body flexibility, strength, and knee stability between karate athletes and active controls. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 21(2), 451-455.

Roschel, H., Batista, M., Monteiro, R., Bertuzzi, R., Barroso, R., Loturco, I., Ugrinowitsch, C., Tricoli, V., & Franchini, E. (2009). Association between neuromuscular tests and kumite performance on the Brazilian Karate National Team. Journal of Sports Science Medicine, 8(3), 20-24.

Rouveix, M., Bouget, M., Pannafieux, C., Champely, S., & Filaire, E. (2007). Eating attitudes, body esteem, perfectionism and anxiety of judo athletes and nonathletes. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 28(4), 340-345.

Sbriccoli, P., Camomilla, V., Di Mario, A., Quinzi, F., Figura, F., & Felici, F. (2010). Neuromuscular control adaptations in elite athletes: the case of top level karateka. European Journal Applied Physiology, 108(6), 1269-1280.

Schick, M. G., Brown, L. E., Coburn, J. W., Beam, W. C., Schick, E. E., & Dabbs, N. C. (2010). Physiological Profile of Mixed Martial Artists. Medicina Sportiva, 14(4), 182-187.

Schmidt, W. D., Piencikowski, C. L., & Vandervest, R. E. (2005). Effects of a competitive wrestling season on body composition, strength, and power in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III college wrestlers. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 19(3), 505-508.

Sertic , H., Segedi, I., & Milanovic , D. (2006). Anthropological and fitness status of Croatian judoists. Archives of Budo, 2, 24-27.

Shephard, R. J. (1988). PAR-Q, Canadian Home Fitness Test and exercise screening alternatives. Sports Medicine, 5(3), 185-195.

Silva, J. J. R., Vecchio, F. B. D., Picanço, L. M., Takito, M. Y., & Franchini, E. (2011). Time-Motion analysis in Muay-Thai and Kick-Boxing amateur matches. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 6(3), 1-7.

Sterkowicz-Przybycie, K. (2010). Technical diversification, body composition and somatotype of both heavy and light Polish jujitsukas of high level. Science and Sports, 25(4), 194-200.

Taylor, A. W., & Brassard, L. (1981). A physiological profile of the Canadian judo team. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 21(2), 160-164.

Thomas, S. G., Cox, M. H., LeGal, Y. M., Verde, T. J., & Smith, H. K. (1989). Physiological profiles of the Canadian National Judo Team. Canadian Journal of Sport Sciences, 14(3), 142-147.

Toskovic, N. N., Blessing, D., & Williford, H. N. (2002). The effect of experience and gender on cardiovascular and metabolic responses with dynamic Tae Kwon Do exercise. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 16(2), 278-285.

Toskovic, N. N., Blessing, D., & Williford, H. N. (2004). Physiologic profile of recreational male and female novice and experienced Tae Kwon Do practitioners. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 44(2), 164-172.

World Health Organization (2010). BMI classification. Disponible en http://apps. who.int/bmi/index.jsp?introPage=intro_3.html. [Consulta 11/29/ 2010].

Yoon, J. (2002). Physiological profiles of elite senior wrestlers. Sports Medicine, 32(4), 225-233.

Published

2012-05-27

How to Cite

Marinho, B. F., Del Vecchio, F. B., & Franchini, E. (2012). Physical fitness and anthropometric profile of mixed martial arts athletes. Revista de Artes Marciales Asiáticas, 6(2), 11–18. https://doi.org/10.18002/rama.v6i2.4

Issue

Section

Articles