Anaerobic power output and its relationship with the physical fitness indices among combat sports athletes

Abstract

Background: Combat sports have attained significant global popularity. In addition to the requisite physical, technical, and tactical skills, physiological characteristics like anaerobic power are crucial for executing short, high-intensity combative activities. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to investigate the relationship of anaerobic power output with the selected physical fitness indices among combat sports athletes. Methods: A total of forty (n=40) well-trained combat sports athletes (Judo and Wushu-Sanda) volunteered to participate in the study. A 30-second Wingate test (WAnT) was administered to determine the lower body anaerobic power (Watts). The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: Fatigue index scores were significantly higher in Judokas compared to Wushu-Sanda athletes. However, no significant differences were observed in other physical and physiological characteristics. Sex-specific differences existed, with female judokas exhibiting significantly greater flexibility and a lower fatigue index compared to Wushu Sanda athletes. In contrast, there were no such sport-specific differences observed among male athletes. Across the 25th and 75th percentiles of anaerobic power cut-points, there were significant differences observed among height, aerobic power, back strength, and handgrip strength. Conclusions: Sex and body weight exhibited the strongest association and emerged as the best predictors of maximum anaerobic power using multiple stepwise regression analyses. Even though other variables, such as height, handgrip strength (right), back strength, aerobic power, and recovery heart rate, exhibited significant correlations. The study offers practitioners valuable guidance on tailoring training regimens to meet the demands of both anaerobic and aerobic power in combat sports athletes, taking into account both sex and sport.