ECSS Paris 2023: CP-AP16
INTRODUCTION: Hypoxic training is frequently used to enhance sea-level exercise performance (Bonetti and Hopkins, 2009). Recently, the application of hypoxic training for accelerating return to play has gained popularity (Narang et al., 2024). The use of hypoxic training for aiding in return to play whilst simultaneously preparing an athlete for the Olympic Games is yet to be explored. Therefore, the aims of this study were: (1) to examine data collected from a 12-week hypoxic training programme on exercise performance of an elite judoka returning from injury and preparing for the Olympics; (2) to explore the practices and perceptions of an elite judoka on the efficacy of hypoxic training for return to play and Olympic preparation. METHODS: This study adopted a single-subject case-study research design which allowed for a detailed analysis of the individual physiological changes and responses to hypoxic training in an elite judoka. An elite female judoka completed a 12-week hypoxic training programme developed and implemented by British Judo. Exercise testing (2,000 m time-trial) was completed throughout the programme to measure aerobic performance. A 20-minute semi-structured interview was conducted by the primary researchers post-Olympic Games to explore the judoka’s experiences and perceptions of hypoxic training. Data collected from the testing sessions were reported using relative percentage change. Interview data was analysed using a 6-step thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006). RESULTS: Time-trial performance was improved after 6 weeks of training (07:36 (-3.8%) ~95% maximum heart rate (MHR)) and was further improved at week-10 (07:28 (-5.49%) ~96% MHR)) of the programme when compared to pre-altitude time-trial performance (07:54). Eight sub-themes were organised into three higher-order themes: Altitude Training Practices, Altitude Training Benefits and Altitude Training Drawbacks. The first theme was used to describe previous and current altitude training methods adopted by the judoka (e.g. ‘we definitely did some interval sessions’). The second theme captured the judokas perception of the advantages that altitude training provided her with (e.g. ‘I’ve never felt that fit in a competition ever’). The final theme encapsulated the judokas views on the negative effects of altitude training (e.g. ‘we realized we go away a lot, so it was kind of interrupted training’). CONCLUSION: Findings demonstrate that hypoxic training is an effective strategy for improving fitness during return to play and for enhancing exercise performance during Olympic preparation in an elite judoka. Hypoxic training was viewed as a beneficial aid to improving fitness, exercise performance and psychophysiological responses from training. Despite potential scheduling issues, applying an adaptable, athlete-led approach to coaching was suggested to overcome this concern. Additionally, improved motivation, enjoyment and athlete buy-in may enhance adherence to future training programmes in judokas.
Read CV Joshua TillECSS Paris 2023: CP-AP16
INTRODUCTION: Mixed Martial Artists (MMA) performance relies on a complex interplay of anaerobic power, aerobic capacity, and local muscular performance. However, traditional energy system assessments focus largely on systemic metabolism, often overlooking local muscular metabolism. This study investigates local muscle oxygenation in conjunction with systemic metabolism to better understand sport-specific energy system demands in professional MMA fighters. METHODS: Twenty-eight male professional MMA fighters completed comprehensive Energy System Profiling (ESP) using an Air-Bike Elite (Assault Fitness), following a protocol developed by the UFC Performance Institute (2021). This protocol consisted of two assessments: (1) a 1-minute all-out maximal glycolytic power (MGP) test followed by a 2-minute active recovery, and (2) a maximal aerobic power (VO2 Max) test using an 8-minute incremental protocol to exhaustion, during which assessments were taken before exercise, during exercise, and one-minute post-exercise for both assessments. Data was collected from the Air-Bike, recording absolute and relative power output (PWR). Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) devices (Train.Red) were positioned on m. rectus femoris to assess muscular oxygenation, with a primary focus on Tissue Saturation Index (TSI, %) to evaluate oxygen extraction rates in the lower body. Respiratory gas exchange was measured using a metabolic analyzer (K5, COSMED) to assess oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and ventilation parameters throughout the testing protocols. RESULTS: For both assessments, baseline TSI was 71 +/- 6.2%. The MGP results showed a mean PWR of 10.3 W/kg, with a minimum TSI of 41%, VO2 of 48 ml/kg/min, and a peak RER of 1.3. The 1-minute post-recovery TSI was 63%. The VO2 Max test showed a mean PWR of 6.6 W/kg, a minimum TSI of 43% at Peak VO2, VO2 of 52 ml/kg/min, and a maximum RER of 1.3, with a post-recovery TSI of 61%. A TSI of 48% at Threshold 2 during the VO2 Max test showed a strong correlation (r = 0.85) with the minimum TSI value reached in the MGP test. CONCLUSION: The MGP results showed a significant drop in TSI, followed by a rapid recovery, indicating that athletes can quickly restore muscle oxygenation after short, intense glycolytic bouts. This suggests that their recovery is more efficient following high-intensity efforts compared to prolonged aerobic exertion, as reflected by slower recovery rates during the VO2 Max. Strong correlation between the minimal TSI during the MGP and the TSI at Threshold 2 in the VO2 Max highlights the interconnected relationship between the shift to anaerobic metabolism during the VO2 Max test and the oxygen utilization demands observed during the MGP test. This emphasizes the often-overlooked role of local muscular performance and monitoring within ESP, providing a more comprehensive evaluation of an MMA fighters energy systems strengths and deficiencies.
Read CV Brett GrelleECSS Paris 2023: CP-AP16
INTRODUCTION: The movement dynamics of the knee and hip joints emerge as a crucial component among the key biomechanical parameters that determine kicking performance. The influence of hip and knee isokinetic strength on the biomechanics of the kicking motion is significant, as these forces contribute to the overall effectiveness and accuracy of the strike [1]. The coordination of these muscle groups is essential for generating the necessary power and stability during the kicking action [2] METHODS: The study was conducted with the voluntary participation of 20 elite taekwondo athletes. The isokinetic strength performance of the athletes knee and hip joints was assessed using a Cybex (Humac Norm) isokinetic dynamometer (CSMI, Stoughton, MA). Knee extension (EXT) and flexion (FLX) torques were analyzed at 60°/s, 180°/s, and 300°/s angular velocities, and hip FLX and EXT torques were analyzed at 60°/s and 180°/s angular velocities. Kicking speeds were measured using Kinovea (0.9.5). RESULTS: The analysis of the relationship between athletes left kick speed and isokinetic knee strength revealed statistically significant correlations in the dominant limb at 60°/s FLX (r = 0.463), 180°/s FLX (r = 0.647), 300°/s EXT (r = 0.506), and 300°/s FLX (r = 0.704). In contrast, no significant relationships were found between the dominant limb isokinetic strength and right kick speed (p > 0.05). On the other hand, significant correlations were identified between left kick speed and the non-dominant limb at the hip joint for 60°/s EXT (r = 0.527), 180°/s EXT (r = 0.517), 300°/s EXT (r = 0.575), and 300°/s FLX (r = 0.471). Similarly, statistically significant relationships were observed between right kick speed and the non-dominant limb at 60°/s EXT (r = 0.566), 180°/s EXT (r = 0.468), and 300°/s EXT (r = 0.506). REFERENCES [1] P. V. Sarmet Moreira, C. Falco, L. L. Menegaldo, M. F. Goethel, L. V. de Paula, and M. Goncalves, ‘Are isokinetic leg torques and kick velocity reliable predictors of competitive level in taekwondo athletes?’, Plos One, vol. 16, no. 6, p. e0235582, Jun. 2021, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235582. [2] N. Hammami, B. Zinoubi, F. Hamdi, A. Nouri, A. Zouita, and C. Dziri, ‘Isokinetic profile of knee muscles in Olympic elite taekwondo practitioners’, Sci. Sports, vol. 28, no. 4, pp. 188–195, Sep. 2013, doi: 10.1016/j.scispo.2013.01.003. CONCLUSION: The results revealed significant relationships between right and left kicking velocities and knee and hip isokinetic torques. Significant relationships were observed especially at 180°/s angular velocity in hip isokinetic strength and at 60°/s, 180°/s, and 300°/s angular velocities in the knee. These findings indicate that lower extremity isokinetic strength contributes to kicking performance and suggest that focusing on these angular velocities in training programs may be beneficial.
Read CV Bora YükselECSS Paris 2023: CP-AP16