MIXED MARTIAL ARTS INDUCES SIGNIFICANT FATIGUE AND MUSCLE DAMAGE UP TO 24 HOURS POST-COMBAT.

This study investigates the physiological/physical responses to a simulated mixed martial arts (MMA) competition over 24 hours. Twelve fighters performed a simulated MMA competition, consisting of three 5-minute MMA matches. Physiological/physical data were assessed before (T_rest), directly after round 1 (T_rd1), round 2 (T_rd2) and round 3 (T_rd3), and then 30 minutes (T_{recovery30min}) and 24 hours (T_recovery24h) post competition. Heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood lactate concentration ([La^-]) were assessed at T_rest, T_rd1, T_rd2, and T_rd3. Biological data were collected at T_rest, T_rd3, T_{recovery30min}, and T_recovery24h. Physical tests were performed at T_rest, T_{recovery30min}, and T_recovery24h. HR, RPE, and [La^-] were high during competition. Leukocytes, hemoglobin, total protein, and glycemia were increased at T_rd3 compared with all other time points (p ≤ 0.05). Cortisol was increased at T_rd3 compared with T_rest and T_recovery24h (p ≤ 0.05). Testosterone was higher at Trd3 and T_{recovery30min} than T_rest (p < 0.001). Higher values of uric acid were noted during recovery periods (p < 0.001). Lactate dehydrogenase was lower at T_rest compared with Trd3, T_{recovery30min}, and T_recovery24h (p ≤ 0.05). Countermovement jump was higher at Trest than Trecovery30min (p = 0.020). Consequently, MMA is a high-intensity intermittent combat sport that induces significant fatigue and muscle damage, both of which are still present at 24 hours post competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]