Assessing The Key Physical Capabilities in Striking Combat Sports: Reliability And Reproducibility of A New Test

Abstract

The rules and the technical aspect of combat sports make it difficult to determine key performance indicators. Therefore, the assessment of striking sports discipline-specific key components may be relevant. This study aims to present a test assessing specifically the fighters striking force-velocity (F-V) capabilities. 10 MMA fighters performed FV (two-point (TP) and multiple-point (MP) methods) and fatigue tests using the landmine punch exercise (LPE) which is considered a specific exercise for striking combat sports. A high within-subject intra-session and inter-session reliability and reproducibility were found for the FV profiles parameters and the fatigue test (most CVs<10%, ICCs>0.67, ES < 0.2 for F₀, V₀, P_max, S_fv, P_peak, P_mean, P_min and FI%  and r > 0.9). Moreover, the TP and MP methods showed high validity and agreement (r >0.88 and ES <0.37). The novel LPE test presented in this pilot study is a highly reproducible tool for evaluating both mechanical and anaerobic components specific to the discipline. Athletes and coaches may use this test to better understand striking performance in combat sports.