Intra-unit reliability and movement variability of submission grappling external load as measured by torso mounted accelerometery

Abstract

Submission grappling consists of skills and movements used in combat sports to physically control opponents whilst trying to apply choke holds and joint locks. There is currently no accepted method of monitoring external load in grappling-based sports due to the absence of key variables such as distance, velocity or time. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether PlayerLoad is a reliable variable for measuring external load of submission grappling movements, with a secondary aim of determining the between repetition variance of submission grappling movements. 7 experienced submission grapplers were recruited. Each wore a torso mounted Catapult ® Optimeye S5 microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device and completed 5 repetitions of each of the following: 4 submission techniques; 5 transition techniques; 2 guard pass techniques; 2 takedown techniques. Accumulated PlayerLoad (PLd ACC ) was recorded as a marker of absolute load, with accumulated PlayerLoad per minute (PLd ACC ∙min -1 ) representing relative load. Reliability of each was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC (3,1) ) (≥ 0.70). Between repetition movement variation was assessed via coefficient of variation with 95% confidence intervals (CV, 95%CI) (acceptable ≤ 15%, good ≤ 10%). PLd ACC ICC (3,1) range = 0.78–0.98, with CV range = 9–22%. PLd ACC ∙min -1 ICC (3,1) range = 0.83–0.98, with CV range = 11–19%. Though several variables displayed CV > 15%, all had 95%CI lower boundaries ≤ 15%. Whilst PlayerLoad was found to be a reliable measure for submission grappling, relatively high CVs across most techniques examined suggest PlayerLoad may not be appropriate for measuring changes in external load for individual movements in submission grappling. However, it may prove a useful tool for monitoring the external load of full, grappling-based, training sessions within an individual.

Training Load Is Correlated with Changes in Creatine Kinase and Wellness over a 12-Week Multi-Stage Preparatory Training Block for a Major Competition in International Boxers

“…Although this provides the reader with an insight into the internal training loads associated with training in elite amateur boxing, it does not provide any objective measures related to the external training load, defined as the physical work completed [46]. Previous studies on boxing and combat sports have reported on external loads using simulated training protocols [14,47,48]; however, no study to date has investigated the validity and reliability of external-load monitoring in practice within elite-amateur-boxing training environments. Furthermore, although the session RPE has been proposed as a reliable method for monitoring in boxing [28], there are a number of factors that have been shown to potentially influence an individual's perceived rating of exertion [49].…”

The Relationships Between External and Internal Training Loads in Mixed Martial Arts

“…Summated from the magnitude of changes in accelerations in the three cardinal planes 17 , Playerload is proposed as a global score of external load and intensity 18 . We have previously demonstrated the high reliability of Playerload in measuring isolated MMA related movements 19,20 , in addition to providing insight into the external load of simulated bouts 21,22 . The relationship between Playerload and internal load, however, has not yet been examined in an MMA training environment.…”