The metabolic demands and ability to sustain work outputs during kickboxing competitions

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The aim of this study was to determine heart rates, lactate levels and rates of perceived exertion responses to kickboxing competitions. A further aim was to evaluate the number of attacks and leg strength throughout the competitions. Ten kickboxers participated in the study and completed two kickboxing fights with the same opponent, at 1 week apart. After each round, lactate levels and rates of perceived exertion (CR-10 scale) were recorded, and heart rates were measured continuously throughout the competitions. One fighter from each fight was isokinetically tested for identifying lower extremity strength variations during kickboxing competitions. Each fight was also recorded by a video camera to analyse the technical actions performed. The study results suggest that metabolic demands imposed on kickboxing athletes progressively increase from round one to round three, represented by mean cardiovascular responses, lactate levels and rates of perceived exertion. However, concentric quadriceps strength, hamstring strength, hamstring-to-quadriceps strength ratio, and number of kicking and punching attempts decreased significantly over the course of consecutive rounds. In summary, it is observed that kickboxers experienced a higher physiological stress and lower work outputs during consecutive rounds.