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Background: Kickboxing is a combat sport that encompasses various forms of competition. K1 kickboxing is conducted without any restrictions on the force of strikes, and the bout can end prematurely through a knockout. Headgear has been introduced in amateur kickboxing to safeguard the head. However, scientific studies have shown that despite their use, serious head injuries can still occur. The aim of this study was to evaluate the temporal structure of the bout by calculating the number of head strikes in K1 kickboxing bouts with and without headgear., Methods: Thirty K1 kickboxing bouts were analyzed, with 30 participants included in the study. The fights were conducted according to the World Association Kickboxing Organization (WAKO) rules. The bouts consisted of three rounds of 2 min each, with a 1 min break between rounds. Sparring pairs were arranged according to weight categories. The first bouts were conducted without headgear, and two weeks later, the fights were repeated with WAKO-approved headgear. The number of head strikes was assessed retrospectively by analyzing video recordings of the bouts, categorizing strikes as hand or foot strikes, and differentiating between strikes that hit the head directly or indirectly., Results: The results showed statistically significant differences between bouts with and without headgear in terms of the number of strikes to the head ( p = 0.002), strikes directly to the head ( p < 0.001), all hand strikes to the head ( p = 0.001), hand strikes directly to the head ( p = 0.003), and foot strikes directly to the head ( p = 0.03). Higher values were observed in bouts with headgear., Conclusions: Headgear increases the probability of direct strikes to the head. Therefore, it is important to familiarize kickboxers with the use of headgear in their sport to minimize head injuries.

Background: Individuals with a psychotic disorder are at an increased risk of becoming victim of a crime or other forms of aggression. Research has revealed several possible risk factors (e.g. impaired social cognition, aggression regulation problems, assertiveness, self-stigma, self-esteem) for victimization in patients with a psychotic disorder. To address these risk factors and prevent victimization, we developed a body-oriented resilience training with elements of kickboxing: BEATVIC. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Methods/Design: Seven mental health institutions in the Netherlands will participate in this study. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the BEATVIC training or the control condition: social activation. Follow-ups are at 6, 18 and 30 months. Short term effects on risk factors for victimization will be examined, since these are direct targets of the intervention and are thought to be mediators of victimization, the primary outcome of the intervention. The effect on victimization will be investigated at follow-up. In a subgroup of patients, fMRI scans will be made before and after the intervention period in order to assess potential neural changes associated with the effects of the training. Discussion: This study is the first to examine the effectiveness of an intervention targeted at victimization in psychosis. Methodological issues of the study are addressed in the discussion of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to investigate whether the personality dimension of conformism/nonconformism was a predictor of stress coping styles in athletes training combat sports, and to present the characteristics of this personality dimension in the context of the competitors' adaptive/innovative sport performance. Scores of 346 males practising combat sports such as kick boxing, MMA, thai boxing, boxing and wrestling were analyzed. The participants completed the Creative Behaviour Questionnaire (KANH III) measuring the conformity/nonconformity personality dimension and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) measuring stress coping styles. The comparative analyses were conducted only for the groups of conformists and nonconformists. Differences in stress coping styles between conformists and nonconformists training combat sports were found as nonconformists tended to prefer the task-oriented coping style. Conclusively, a higher rate of nonconformity was associated with increasingly frequent occurrence of task-oriented coping and decreasingly frequent emotion-oriented coping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to investigate the possible effects of acute training on hypofyse hormone levels and some biochemical analytes in kick-boxers. The study was included 23 healthy professional male kick-boxers (age range: from 17 to 32 years and BMI range: from 19.0 to 24.2). Sportsmen were exposed to a total of 95-minute training program including training and a kick-boxing match. Venous blood samples and urine were taken from sportsmen just before and immediately after training and some biochemical analytes were analyzed. The evaluation of pre- and post-training serum levels of analytes have shown that growth hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, prolactine, throide stimulating hormone, adrenalin and noradrenalin levels were significantly increased and serum insulin-like growth factor I and free thyroxine levels were significantly decreased by training. There were no significant differences between pre- and post-training serum levels of other biochemical analytes; luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, cortisole and dopamin. Our results have revealed the fact that exercise alters pituitary functions and this increment is associated with response to exercise stress. "We are in agree with the previous recommendations about regulary screening of pituitary functions and total hormonal status of competing and retired kick-boxers.". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Sport field research approaches mainly the relationship between nutrition and sport performance, not taking into consideration the level of the nutrition information of the athletes who practice combat sports. Aims. The purpose of this study was to determine nutrition habits and information levels of sportsmen interested in fighting sports and analyze the relation between them. Methods. This research comprises a general screening model. The study was performed in 162 Licensed Sportsmen included in branches of Kickbox, Muai-Thai, Box, Taekwondo under the Van Erciş Youth and Sport Club. With permission from their club, previous scientific studies were evaluated to determine their nutrition habits and information levels and a questionnaire form developed by Göral was used. Statistical estimations were done in the SPSS (version 15.0) program. Frequencies and percentage values of relevant data were estimated, the chi-square test was performed to analyze the relation between the sportsmen's demographic information and nutrition information level. Results. Looking at the nutrition information points: 67.3% of the sportsmen (n=109) had 4 points and below, 22.8% of them (n=37) registered 5 points. 6 points were registered for 7.4% (n=12), 7 points for 1.9% (n=3) and 8 points for 0.6% (n=1). Nobody registered 0, 1, 9 and 10 points from the questionnaire regarding the nutrition of sportsmen. Conclusions. According to the data from our study, media is mostly seen as an information resource for suitable and balanced nutrition data and habits, which are important for increasing the sportsmen's performance. Thus, validity and reliability of information are not considered to be enough because of insufficient information means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effects of short-term intensive exercise on liver enzymes and serum lipid levels with kick boxing athletes. Methods: 23 voluntary athletes who were between the ages of 15-46 and who engaged in kick-boxing have taken place this study. Athletes were made to do 45 minutes of warming-up, breathing, and stretching and 50 minutes of technical and tactical practices and then they were made to do a training match, which is equal to a 2 minutes 3 circuits (1 minute rest) kick-box match. In venous blood samples which were taken from athletes before and after training, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamine transpeptidase (GGT), enzyme activity and total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides serum levels were analyzed via spectrophotometric method in Beckman Coulter AU 5800 auto analyzer. Body composition measurements of athletes were made with Tanita TBF 300 brand device, which works with bio-impedance analysis (BIA) system. Results: As a result of our study, statistically increases in serum ALT, AST, ALP and GGT enzyme activities and in serum total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C levels were detected following short-term intensive exercise, but no significant difference was observed in TG levels after intensive exercise. Conclusion: The blows to the abdomen during kickboxing sports competitions result in increased liver enzymes and increased serum lipids may occur to meet energy demand of the body during exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. High-performance training does not only constitute physical effort, but also a number of supporting psychological, medical and physiotherapeutic activities. The purpose of this study was to characterize physiotherapeutic methods applied in supporting training and biological regeneration of athletes of martial sports and arts. Materials and methods. 149 athletes of judo, aikido, kickboxing and taekwondo participated in the survey. The author's survey constituted the study tool. Differences were calculated using the chi-squared and t-Student test for independent groups, assuming p⩽0.05 as the minimum significance level. Results. Regular use of physiotherapy treatments supporting trainings and post-exercise regeneration was declared by 103 (69%) of the studied athletes (75% judo athletes, 26% aikido athletes, 65% kickboxing athletes and 70% taekwondo athletes). Selection of treatments was diverse (p<0.05), but the most frequently applied treatment indicated by representatives of all disciplines was sauna. Regular use of complementary exercises was declared by 123 (83%) studied athletes (84% judo athletes, 62% aikido athletes, 88% kickboxing athletes and 93% taekwondo athletes). No significant differences were observed regarding the selection of complementary physiotherapeutic exercises among representatives of various disciplines. Among complementary exercises the studied athletes did stretching most frequently (44%). Conclusions. 1. The most commonly used physiotherapy treatments include the ones which are easily accessible (sauna, taping, massage). Nonetheless, their effectiveness is scientifically proven. 2. Among treatments and exercises used by athletes there are modern forms, such as kinesiotaping or stabilizing exercises, which show professionalism of coaches and sports physiotherapists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The main cognitive objective of the article was to compare muscular force moment values of extensors and flexors of the knee joint measured under static and isokinetic conditions in kickboxing and taekwondo athletes. Materials and methods. 28 female and male athletes who practice kickboxing and taekwondo ITF participated in the study. The study of muscular force moments was conducted using the Biodex System 4 Pro device. Measurements of muscular force moments of extensors and flexors of the knee joint under static and isokinetic conditions. Differences between the results were established using the Mann-Whitney U test, assuming p≤0.05 as the minimum significance level. Results. In the study of the peak value of the maximum muscular force moment of knee joint extensors of the dominant and non-dominant limbs, men practicing kickboxing achieved significantly higher values than taekwondo athletes (p<0.05). Similar relations were not observed in case of flexors. Asymmetry of knee joint extensors and the flexor-extensor relation were indicated in taekwondo athletes. Significant differences of the studied parameters were not observed in women. The study of muscular force moments measured under static conditions did not indicate any significant differences between the groups in any of the parameters. Conclusion. Kickboxing and taekwondo athletes were characterized by a similar structure of biomechanical parameters of lower limbs (differences concerned only isokinetic measurements in men). It may results from their training which is similar regarding their comprehensive and targeted preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To verify whether active recovery (AR) applied after a kickboxing match resulted in better performance in anaerobic tests when compared to passive recovery (PR). Methods: Eighteen kickboxers volunteered to participate on a Kickboxing match preceded and followed by anaerobic tests: squat jump (SJ), the counter movement jump (CMJ) and the upper-body Wingate test. Blood lactate (BL), heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were analyzed before and after rounds. The recovery sessions consisted of 10min at 50% of maximal aerobic speed or PR. BL was measured at 3, 5 and 10 min after the match, while HR, RPE and anaerobic power were assessed after the recovery period. Results: BL, HR and RPE increased significantly (P<0.001) during the match. BL was lower (P<0.001) after AR compared to PR at 5 min and 10 min (e.g. AR: 8.94 ± 0.31 mmol.l-1, PR: 10.98 ± 0.33 mmol.l-1). However, PR resulted in higher (P<0.05) upper-body mean power (4.65 ± 0.5 W.kg-1) compared to AR (4.09 ± 0.5 W.kg-1), while SJ and CMJ were not affected by the recovery type. Conclusion: The lactate removal was improved with AR when compared with PR, but AR did not improve subsequent performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, martial arts involvement is often described in controversial terms. While some studies report increased anti-social behavior as a result of martial arts involvement, other findings refer to a more positive social and personal development. This paradox has resulted in an ambiguous public discourse on their value and legitimacy as socially accepted sports, often leading to a dichotomization between "good" and "bad" styles of martial arts. Up until now however, there has been a lack of empirical proof that this "good versus bad" perspective divides along the lines of specific martial arts styles. Consequently, the distinct moral and medical concerns regarding the effects of involvement in harder martial arts-combined with their increased popularity, as well as their perceived positive outcomes for specific target groups-have resulted in a growing demand among policy makers to develop (or rethink) their strategy towards the regulation and support of these sports. By means of a case-study approach, the present paper discusses some of the key issues regarding the regulation of a number of full contact martial arts (e.g., kickboxing, Muay Thai, MMA), which are considered to be problematic for (sport) authorities, and which confront sports policy makers in Flanders. In describing the Flemish case, this paper aims to highlight the need to develop a sound martial arts policy that can provide a legitimation base for the provision and organization of full contact martial arts, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation / Turkiye Fiziksel Tip ve Rehabilitasyon Dergisi is the property of Turkish Society of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: To verify whether active recovery (AR) applied after a kickboxing match resulted in better performance in anaerobic tests when compared to passive recovery (PR). Methods: Eighteen kickboxers volunteered to participate on a Kickboxing match preceded and followed by anaerobic tests: squat jump (SJ), the counter movement jump (CMJ) and the upper-body Wingate test. Blood lactate (BL), heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were analyzed before and after rounds. The recovery sessions consisted of 10min at 50% of maximal aerobic speed or PR. BL was measured at 3, 5 and 10 min after the match, while HR, RPE and anaerobic power were assessed after the recovery period. Results: BL, HR and RPE increased significantly (P<0.001) during the match. BL was lower (P<0.001) after AR compared to PR at 5 min and 10 min (e.g. AR: 8.94 ± 0.31 mmol.l-1, PR: 10.98 ± 0.33 mmol.l-1). However, PR resulted in higher (P<0.05) upper-body mean power (4.65 ± 0.5 W.kg-1) compared to AR (4.09 ± 0.5 W.kg-1), while SJ and CMJ were not affected by the recovery type. Conclusion: The lactate removal was improved with AR when compared with PR, but AR did not improve subsequent performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a study which analyzes the hematological, oxidative stress, and immunological pa rameters in elite combat sports athletes. The study included eighteen karate professionals, 15 wrestlers, and 14 kickboxers, and used general liner model to show differences between the parameters in the athletes. The methods and results of the study are also discussed.

Copyright of Collegium Antropologicum is the property of Croatian Anthropological Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a 30 min nap (N30) on the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) both during and after Ramadan. Ten physically active kickboxers (age: 21.20 ± 1.61 years, height: 174.80 ± 4.34 cm, body mass: 73.30 ± 7.10 kg and body mass index (BMI): 24.00 ± 2.21 kg/m 2 ) voluntarily performed the RAST test after an N30 and in a no-nap condition (NN) during two experimental periods: the last ten days of Ramadan (DR) and ∼3 weeks after Ramadan (AR). During each DR-NN, DR-N30, AR-NN and AR-N30 protocol, kickboxers performed RAST performance. A statistically significant difference was found between Ramadan periods (DR vs. AR) in terms of max power (W) (F = 80.93; p 1 < 0.001; η 2 p = 0.89), minimum power (W) (F = 49.05; p 1 < 0.001; η 2 p = 0.84), average power (W) (F = 83.79; p 1 < 0.001; η 2 p = 0.90) and fatigue index (%) results (F = 11.25; p 1 = 0.008; η 2 p = 0.55). In addition, the nap factor was statistically significant in terms of the max power (W) (F = 81.89; p 2 < 0.001; η 2 p = 0.90), minimum power (W) (F = 80.37; p 2 < 0.001; η 2 p = 0.89), average power (W) (F = 108.41; p 2 < 0.001; η 2 p = 0.92) and fatigue index (%) results (F = 16.14; p 2 = 0.003; η 2 p = 0.64). Taking a daytime nap benefits subsequent performance in RAST. The benefits of napping were greater after an N30 opportunity for DR and AR.