The Neuromuscular Qualities of Higher- and Lower-Level Mixed-Martial-Arts Competitors

作者：James Lachlan P; Beckman Emma M; Kelly Vincent G; Haff G Gregory

来源：International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2017, 12(5): 612-620.

DOI：10.1123/ijspp.2016-0373

• combat sports
• jump squat
• athletic performance
• contact sports
• force-velocity relationship

Purpose: To determine whether the maximal strength, impulse, and power characteristics of competitive mixed-martial-arts (MMA) athletes differ according to competition level. Methods: Twenty-nine male semiprofessional and amateur MMA competitors were stratified into either higher-level (HL) or lower-level (LL) performers on the basis of competition grade and success. The 1-repetition-maximum (1RM) squat was used to assess lower-body dynamic strength, and a spectrum of impulse, power, force, and velocity variables were evaluated during an incremental-load jump squat. In addition, participants performed an isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) and 1RM bench press to determine whole-body isometric force and upper-body dynamic strength capabilities, respectively. All force and power variables were expressed relative to body mass (BM). Results: The HL competitors produced significantly superior values across a multitude of measures. These included 1RM squat strength (1.84 +/- 0.23 vs 1.56 +/- 0.24 kg BM; P = .003), in addition to performance in the incremental-load jump squat that revealed greater peak power (P = .005.002), force (P = .002.004), and velocity (P = .002.03) at each load. Higher measures of impulse (P = .01.04) were noted in a number of conditions. Average power (P = .002.02) and velocity (P = .01.04) at all loads in addition to a series of rate-dependent measures were also superior in the HL group (P = .005.02). The HL competitors' 1RM bench-press values approached significantly greater levels (P = .056) than the LL group's, but IMTP performance did not differ between groups. Conclusions: Maximal lower-body neuromuscular capabilities are key attributes distinguishing HL from LL MMA competitors. This information can be used to inform evidenced-based training and performance-monitoring practices.

• 出版日期2017-5