Differences in the performance of bullfighters during a bullfight. Does bull behavior have direct influ-ence on the variables determining professional bullfighter’s performance?

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyze whether the physiological variables and movement time of bullfighters are different with each bull fought during a professional bullfight. For this purpose, heart rate monitors were used to record heart rate parameters and GPS to record the speed and distance traveled of three bullfighters during the fight with six bulls (n = 6). The results found show that performance variables such as maximum heart rate (P <0.001; CV = 53.55%), TRIMPS (P = 0.006; CV = 53.55%), total distance traveled (P = 0.001; CV = 26.45), average speed (P = 0.001; CV = 26.45) different with each bull due to the variability in the behavior of the bull during the fight, which increases as the intensity increases. At the same time, the average heart rate achieved by the bullfighters during the fight, despite being different with each of the bulls (p <0.001), presents a coefficient of variation of 4.24%, which means that the average heart rate parameters are homogeneous. It is possible to establish indications that the average heart rate of the bullfighters is within the confidence interval (143.61, 169.06). Our findings could help physical trainers and researchers better understand the context of bullfighting from the point of view of sports performance. Key words: Bull, performance, heart rate, variability, bullfighter.