Acid–Base Balance, Blood Gases Saturation, and Technical Tactical Skills in Kickboxing Bouts According to K1 Rules

Abstract

Background: Acid–base balance (ABB) is a major component of homeostasis, which is determined by the efficient functioning of many organs, including the lungs, kidneys, and liver, and the proper water and electrolyte exchange between these components. The efforts made during competitions by combat sports athletes such as kickboxers require a very good anaerobic capacity, which, as research has shown, can be improved by administering sodium bicarbonate. Combat sports are also characterized by an open task structure, which means that cognitive and executive functions must be maintained at an appropriate level during a fight. The aim of our study was to analyze the changes in ABB in capillary blood, measuring levels of H+, pCO2, pO2, HCO3−, BE and total molar CO2 concentration (TCO2), which were recorded 3 and 20 min after a three-round kickboxing bout, and the level of technical and tactical skills presented during the fight. Methods: The study involved 14 kickboxers with the highest skill level (champion level). Statistical comparison of mentioned variables recorded prior to and after a bout was done with the use of Friedman’s ANOVA. Results: 3 min after a bout, H+ and pO2 were higher by 41% and 11.9%, respectively, while pCO2, HCO3−, BE and TO2 were lower by 14.5%, 39.4%, 45.4% and 34.4%, respectively. Furthermore, 20 min after the bout all variables tended to normalization and they did not differ significantly compared to the baseline values. Scores in activeness of the attack significantly correlated (r = 0.64) with pre–post changes in TCO2. Conclusions: The disturbances in ABB and changes in blood oxygen and carbon dioxide saturation observed immediately after a bout indicate that anaerobic metabolism plays a large part in kickboxing fights. Anaerobic training should be included in strength and conditioning programs for kickboxers to prepare the athletes for the physiological requirements of sports combat.

Main research areas in kickboxing investigations: an analysis of the scientific articles of the Web of Science Core Collection

“…Indicators of homeostasis determine the possibility of success. An analysis of the level of acid balance and technical and tactical indicators of kickboxing athletes in the dynamics of the fight was carried out in the study [45]. Elite athletes demonstrated a change in blood oxygen and carbon dioxide saturation immediately after the fight.…”

Comparison of Head Strike Incidence under K1 Rules of Kickboxing with and without Helmet Protection—A Pilot Study

“…Many researchers have addressed the issue of helmet use in combat sports [ 34 , 35 ], but comprehensive analyses comparing fights with and without helmets are lacking. Recent studies in kickboxing focus mainly on the analysis of physiological variables during fights [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ] and the implementation of innovative training methods [ 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ]. It is worth noting that a comparison of the number of blows to the head in fights with and without a helmet could encourage a more in-depth verification.…”

Does Beetroot Supplementation Improve Performance in Combat Sports Athletes? A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…In fact, the development of a physical and physiological profile suitable to the requirements of each discipline determines performance in both striking and grappling contests [ 21 ]. However, the repetitive high intensity nature of combat sports leads to high levels of peripheral fatigue, impairing performance [ 22 , 23 ]. Since NO is purported to delay fatigue and increase exercise tolerance, which are essential factors when exercising at high intensities [ 7 ], NO 3 − intake could have a significant impact on combat sports performance [ 24 ].…”