Traumatic brain injury, concussion, and subconcussion are different clinical conditions associated with head injury. These conditions share a common origin, mechanical forces directly or indirectly transmitted to the head. In sports, modalities with high exposure to head traumas require further investigation, especially those in which strikes directly to the head are allowed and a determinant of success, such as combat sports. The causes and effects of brain injuries in combat sports such as Mixed Martial Arts, boxing, Muay Thai, and kickboxing are complex and require a comprehensive investigation of many factors. The objective of this dissertation was to explore the main causes that justify combat sports as the main sport sample when it comes to head injury and the effects of chronic exposure to head trauma in this population. Original studies were developed to assess the head injury risk in competition and in training, the level of knowledge of athletes and coaches, and the consequences of chronic exposure to head traumas in the balance function, brain activity, and spinal cord excitability. The risk of a fight ending due to head strikes in competition is directly related to the weight category, and the risk seems to be exacerbated in female athletes. Combat sports athletes are exposed to numerous strikes to the head in simulated fights on a weekly basis in training, when healthcare professionals are absent. During this time that makes up the bulk of exposures, therefore, athletes and coaches are the ones managing potential cases of concussion. However, coaches are not familiar with assessment tools and don’t often seek out concussion knowledge. Alarmingly, coaches, often prior athletes themselves, are the main source of concussion knowledge for their athletes. High exposure to head trauma both in competition and training in addition to iv poor knowledge and behavior are liable to cause consequences in the nervous system. Athletes chronically exposed to head trauma presented subtle deficits in static balance in the most basic human stance, which is the double-leg over a firm surface. Moreover, while the literature consistently shows impairments in brain function, our study expanded the association between head trauma and nervous system deficits to the least studied component of the nervous system, the spinal cord. While athletic training promotes neuroplastic benefits in spinal cord excitability, these were hindered in a sample of athletes chronically exposed to head traumas. The studies in this dissertation demonstrated that athletes in combat sports are chronically exposed to intentional and repetitive head traumas, and that this exposure is likely associated with long-term functional detriments in balance and spinal cord excitability. / Graduate

Face aux données conflictuelles de la littérature sur le VO2 requis d’exercices de boxe (sparring, palettes de frappe et sac de frappe), surtout pour le “vrai” sparring avec coups de poings au visage, une nouvelle méthode basée sur une mesure de VO2 “post-exercice” fut développée, validée (Annexe 1) et utilisée pour ré-évaluer le coût énergétique de ces exercices de boxe. Neufs boxeurs mâles expérimentés, de 22.0±3.5 ans et 71.4±10.9 kg avec un VO2pic de 62.2±4.1 ml·kg-1·min-1 (moyenne ± écart type) furent mesurés lors 1) d’un test progressif maximal sur tapis roulant en laboratoire 2) d’un entrainement standardisé de boxe en gymnase et 3) d’exercices de boxe standardisés en laboratoire. Des VO2 requis de 43.4±5.9, 41.1±5.1, 24.7±6.1, 30.4±5.8 et 38.3±6.5 ml·kg-1·min-1, respectivement obtenues pour le sparring, les palettes de frappe et le sac de frappe à 60, 120 et 180 coup·min-1, situe l’intensité de ces exercices autour de ~70 %VO2pic. / In view of contradictory data in the literature on VO2 requirements of boxing exercises (sparring, pad work, punching bag), particularly for “true” sparring with punches to the face, a new method based on “post-exercise” VO2 measurements was developed, validated (Annex 1) and used to reassess the energy cost of these boxing exercises. Nine experienced male boxers of 22.0±3.5 years old and 71.4±10.9 kg with a VO2peak of 62.2±4.1 ml·kg-1·min-1 (mean ± standard deviation) were measured during 1) a maximal multistage treadmill test in the laboratory 2) a standardized boxing training in the gymnasium and 3) standardized boxing exercises in the laboratory. VO2 requirements of 43.4±5.9, 41.1±5.1, 24.7±6.1, 30.4±5.8 and 38.3±6.5 ml·kg-1·min-1, respectively obtained for sparring, pad work and punching bag at 60, 120 and 180 b·min-1, situate the intensity of those exercises around ~70 %VO2peak.

O judô é um esporte de combate com características intermitentes, com alta demanda fisiológica. O desenvolvimento da potência aeróbia máxima em atletas de judô pode contribuir para a recuperação e a manutenção da intensidade dos esforços durante o combate, e para a recuperação entre os diferentes combates de uma competição. Em geral, a avaliação dessa capacidade física tem sido realizada por meio da aplicação de testes progressivos até a exaustão em esteira ou ciclo-ergômetro, os quais possuem baixa validade ecológica e não permitem a obtenção de parâmetros para a prescrição do treinamento específico da modalidade. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi elaborar e testar a validade, reprodutibilidade e sensibilidade de um teste progressivo até a exaustão utilizando-se do uchi-komi (entrada de golpes), para mensurar a potência aeróbia máxima de atletas de judô. Doze atletas de judô do sexo masculino participaram desse estudo e foram submetidos a quatro sessões de avaliação, em dias distintos e, separadas por um intervalo de, no mínimo, 48 horas, exceto para a última sessão, que foi conduzido sete dias após a realização da terceira sessão. Para determinar a validade de critério, foram conduzidos três testes progressivos até a exaustão: teste de membros superiores (MMSSteste), membros inferiores (MMIIteste) e teste de uchi-komi (UKteste), os quais foram aleatorizados e distribuídos entre a primeira e a segunda sessões. Na etapa seguinte os mesmos atletas foram avaliados na terceira e quarta sessões para determinar a reprodutibilidade do UKteste. Além disso, também foi confirmado se os atletas alcançaram o verdadeiro consumo máximo de oxigênio, por meio de um teste de confirmação (UKconf). Para essa finalidade, 12 atletas de judô, incluindo 6 atletas que participaram do estudo de validade e reprodutibilidade, realizaram dois testes (UKteste e UKconf), separados por um intervalo de 20 minutos. A análise descritiva de todas as variáveis dependentes foi apresentada como média e desvio padrão. A validade do UKteste foi determinado por intermédio de uma análise de variância a um fator (tipo de teste) pela comparação do UKteste, MMSSteste e MMIIteste e pelo coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Quando observada diferença significante, foi conduzido o teste de post-hoc de Bonferroni. A reprodutibilidade do UKteste foi determinada por meio do teste t de Student para dados pareados, coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI), erro típico (ET) e ET como coeficiente de variação (CV). A sensibilidade do UKteste foi calculada pela menor variação detectável (MVD) para diferentes tamanho de efeito (0,2; 0,6 e 1,2 multiplicado pelo desvio padrão entre sujeitos) e classificados como marginal, médio, e bom, respectivamente. Além disso, a mínima mudança detectável (MMD) em uma dada variável foi calculada por meio da equação: ET x 1,96 * ?2. O nível de significância foi estabelecido em p < 0,05. A validade do UKteste foi confirmado pelo coeficiente de correlação de Pearson com valores de consumo pico de oxigênio (V? O2pico) classificados como quase perfeita. Não houve diferença nas variáveis mensuradas no UKteste e UKconf, além disso, os resultados mostraram que o UKteste possui boa reprodutibilidade relativa com CCI classificado como muito alta para a percepção subjetiva de esforço e quase perfeita CCI para o V? O2pico, frequência cardíaca máxima e intensidade aeróbia máxima. Adicionalmente, o teste apresentou boa reprodutibilidade absoluta, apresentando um ET como CV menor que 5%. Variações médias no tamanho do efeito podem ser adequadamente detectadas para o V? O2pico, intensidade aeróbia máxima e frequência cardíaca máxima. Em conclusão, o UKteste mostrou ser um teste válido e reprodutível para avaliar a potência aeróbia máxima de atletas de judô / Judo is a combat sport with intermittent characteristics and high physiological demand. The development of maximal aerobic power in judo athletes can contribute to the recovery and maintenance of efforts intensity during a combat, and to the recovery between different combats in a competition. In general, the evaluation of this physical capacity has been performed through the application of graded exercise tests in treadmill or cycle ergometer, which have low ecological validity, and do not enable the collection of parameters for specific training prescription to the modality. Thus, the objective of this study was to elaborate and test the validity, reliability and usefulness of a graded exercise tests using uchi-komi (repetition training), to measure the maximal aerobic power of judo athletes. Twelve male judo athletes participated in this study. They were submitted to 4 assessment sessions on different days separated by at least 48 hours, except in the last session which was performed 7 days after the 3rd session. In order to determine the criterion validity, 3 graded exercise tests were performed: upperbody (UBtest), lower-body cycle ergometer tests (LBtest) and uchi-komi (UKtest), which were randomized and distributed between 1st and 2nd sessions. In the next step, the same athletes were evaluated in the 3rd and 4th sessions to determine the reliability of the UKtest. Further, it was also confirmed whether athletes achieved true maximum oxygen uptake through a confirmation test (UKconf). For this purpose, 12 judo athletes, including 6 athletes who participated in the validity and reliability studies, performed 2 tests (UKtest and UKconf), separated by a 20-minute interval. The descriptive analysis of all dependent variables was presented by mean and standard deviations. The validity of the UKtest was determined through a one-way analysis of variance (test type), comparing the UKtest, UBtest and LBtest, and by the Pearson correlation coefficient. When a significant difference was observed, the Bonferroni post-hoc test was conducted. The UKtest reliability was determined by the test-retest comparison, using Student\'s t-test for paired data, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and typical error (TE) as coefficient of variation (CV). The UKtest usefulness was calculated by the smallest worthwhile change (SWC) for different effect sizes (0.2, 0.6 and 1.2 multiplied by the standard deviation among subjects) and classified as marginal, average and good, respectively. In addition, the minimal detectable change (MDC) in each variable was calculated using the equation: TE × 1,96 × ?2. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. The validity of the UKtest was confirmed by the Pearsom correlation coefficient with values of peak oxygen consumption (V? O2peak) classified as nearly perfect. There were no differences between variables measured in the UKtest and in the UKconf. Also, results showed that the UKtest had good relative reliability, with ICC classified as very large (rated perceived exertion) and almost perfect (V? O2peak, maximal heart rate and maximum aerobic intensity). Moreover, the test presented good absolute reliability, with a TE as CV lower than 5%. Mean variations in effect size could be adequately detected for V? O2peak, maximal aerobic intensity and maximal heart rate. In conclusion, the UKtest proved to be a valid and reliable test to evaluate the maximal aerobic power of judo athletes

Face aux données conflictuelles de la littérature sur le VO2 requis d’exercices de boxe (sparring, palettes de frappe et sac de frappe), surtout pour le “vrai” sparring avec coups de poings au visage, une nouvelle méthode basée sur une mesure de VO2 “post-exercice” fut développée, validée (Annexe 1) et utilisée pour ré-évaluer le coût énergétique de ces exercices de boxe. Neufs boxeurs mâles expérimentés, de 22.0±3.5 ans et 71.4±10.9 kg avec un VO2pic de 62.2±4.1 ml·kg-1·min-1 (moyenne ± écart type) furent mesurés lors 1) d’un test progressif maximal sur tapis roulant en laboratoire 2) d’un entrainement standardisé de boxe en gymnase et 3) d’exercices de boxe standardisés en laboratoire. Des VO2 requis de 43.4±5.9, 41.1±5.1, 24.7±6.1, 30.4±5.8 et 38.3±6.5 ml·kg-1·min-1, respectivement obtenues pour le sparring, les palettes de frappe et le sac de frappe à 60, 120 et 180 coup·min-1, situe l’intensité de ces exercices autour de ~70 %VO2pic. / In view of contradictory data in the literature on VO2 requirements of boxing exercises (sparring, pad work, punching bag), particularly for “true” sparring with punches to the face, a new method based on “post-exercise” VO2 measurements was developed, validated (Annex 1) and used to reassess the energy cost of these boxing exercises. Nine experienced male boxers of 22.0±3.5 years old and 71.4±10.9 kg with a VO2peak of 62.2±4.1 ml·kg-1·min-1 (mean ± standard deviation) were measured during 1) a maximal multistage treadmill test in the laboratory 2) a standardized boxing training in the gymnasium and 3) standardized boxing exercises in the laboratory. VO2 requirements of 43.4±5.9, 41.1±5.1, 24.7±6.1, 30.4±5.8 and 38.3±6.5 ml·kg-1·min-1, respectively obtained for sparring, pad work and punching bag at 60, 120 and 180 b·min-1, situate the intensity of those exercises around ~70 %VO2peak.

INTRODUCTION: The combat sports tournaments are divided by rigid strips weight, aiming to balance disputes, minimizing the differences among the competitors. One of the methods for rapid body mass loss is calorie restriction with consequent reduction of carbohydrate, which despite its efficacy has been an area of controversy. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of two nutritional strategies for gradual loss of body mass with different proportions of carbohydrates among Jiu Jitsu practitioners. METHODS: Study of clinical type, with 18 practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for two months with dietary intervention 28 days, the sample was divided into two groups (reduction of carbohydrate - R-CHO and appropriate carbohydrate - A-CHO). They assessed the nutritional status, body composition, psychological state, hormonal parameters and physical tests, and dietary monitoring. The statistical analysis used was a two-way ANOVA, with the significance level of p = 0.05. RESULTS: Most practitioners (88.9%) in both groups were able to obtain the loss of body mass with fitness category (> 3%), and the consequent decrease in BMI and body fat percentage, without using dehydration. The power of the lower limbs was significantly greater after nutritional intervention for R-CHO group (Δ = 0,030). In relation to hormone data was increased T4 to R-CHO (Δ = 0,553) group and decreased Free T4 for group ACHO (Δ = -0,081). In relation to diet adherence monitoring, both groups decreased daily calories, and only the R-CHO group had a significant decrease in carbohydrate without decreasing frequency of training and without a change in mood. CONCLUSION: Participants undergo a diet with reduced carbohydrate and regular training, got lost effective body mass without negative change in physical performance and minimizing hormonal changes. / INTRODUÇÃO: Os esportes de combate nos torneios são divididos por faixas rígidas de peso, visando equilibrar as disputas, minimizando as diferenças entre os competidores. Um dos métodos para perda de massa corporal rápida é a restrição calórica com consequente diminuição do carboidrato, que apesar da sua eficácia tem sido uma área de controvérsia. OBJETIVO: analisar o efeito de duas estratégias nutricionais para perda de massa corporal gradual com diferentes proporções de carboidratos entre praticantes de Jiu jitsu. MÉTODOS: Estudo do tipo clínico, com 18 praticantes de Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, durante dois meses com intervenção dietética de 28 dias, a amostra foi dividida em dois grupos (redução de carboidrato – R-CHO e adequado carboidrato - A-CHO). Foram avaliados o estado nutricional, composição corporal, estado psicológico, parâmetros hormonais e testes físicos, além de monitoramento dietético. A análise estatística utilizada foi a Anova two-way, tendo como nível de significância p≤0,05. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos praticantes (88,9%) de ambos os grupos conseguiram obter a perda de massa corporal com adequação da categoria (>3%), e consequente diminuição do IMC e do percentual de gordura, sem utilizar da desidratação. A potência de membros inferiores foi significativamente maior após intervenção nutricional para o grupo de R-CHO (Δ = 0,030). Já em relação aos dados hormonais houve aumento do T4 para o grupo R-CHO (Δ = 0,553) e diminuição de T4 livre para o grupo A-CHO (Δ = -0,081). Em relação ao monitoramento de adesão da dieta, ambos os grupos diminuíram calorias diárias, e apenas o grupo R-CHO teve diminuição significativa do carboidrato, sem diminuir frequência de treinos e sem alteração do humor. CONCLUSÃO: Os participantes submetidos a uma dieta com redução de carboidrato e treinamento regular, obteve perda de massa corporal eficaz, sem alteração negativa de desempenho físico e minimizando alterações hormonais.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Actually, the increase on combat sport practitioners, as such the changing among modality is evident. Therefore, it is important to investigate which real motivations to practice of such sports. Additionally identify personality characteristics of these athletes is important because this variable could be influence on competition performance. The aim of the current study was to identify the motivations for sports and main personality characteristics and finally, to correlate the two variables. To do so were evaluated 150 athletes, age over 18 years, of both sexes, from four combat sports (Boxing, Wrestling, Judo and Taekwondo). Two instruments were used: Scale of Reasons for Sports Practice (SRSP) and the model of Big Five Personality (BFP). The results showed that, on motivational dimensions, skills with higher scores were health and technical, indicating the great importance that these variables have to combat sports athletes. The results showed that personality of Combat sports athletes had as a major feature of Kindness. Finally, after correlate the motivation to sports with personality characteristics in combat sports athletes, we conclude that there is no correlation between the variables studied. / Atualmente o crescimento no número de praticantes de esporte de combate, bem como a rotatividade entre modalidade é evidente. Portanto é importante investigar quais as reais motivações para a prática desse tipo de esporte. Adicionalmente identificar características de personalidade desses atletas também é importante, pois essa variável também pode exercer influência no desempenho durante uma competição. O presente estudo objetivou identificar as motivações para a prática esportiva, as principais características de personalidade e por fim, correlacionar as duas variáveis. Para isso foram avaliados 150 atletas de 4 modalidades de esportes de combate (Boxe, Luta Olímpica, Judô e Taekwondo) com idade superior a 18 anos, de ambos os sexos. Foram utilizados dois instrumentos: Escala sobre Motivos para a Prática Esportiva (EMPE) e o modelo de Cinco Grandes Fatores da Personalidade (CGF). Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que as dimensões motivacionais que receberam maior pontuação foram saúde e técnica, apontando o quanto essas variáveis têm importância para atletas de esportes de combate. Quanto aos traços de personalidade, podemos afirmar que os atletas praticantes de esportes de combate possuem como característica de personalidade mais pontuada a Amabilidade. Por fim, correlacionando o tipo de motivação à prática esportiva aos traços de personalidade em atletas de esporte de combate, concluímos que não há correlação entre as variáveis estudadas.

Title: Evaluation of postural stability in subjects engaged in combatand non-contact sports Objectives: The aim of this diploma thesis is to investigate the influence of contact itself during sport activities on postural stability of athletes. Methods: Into this quasi-experiment study there were picked 16 atheletes (n=16) in age from 22 to 35 years. Selected individuals were divided into two groups of eight according to their sporting activity (combat sports, baseball. In the mentioned individuals the postural stability was measured. To measure postural stability the computerized dynamic posturography of EquiTest Smart System from Neurocom was used. Measured data were processed using Neurocom Balance Manager Software. For the analysis of the data following statistical methods - paired t-test, Mann-Whitney test and rate of clinical signifikance (Cohen's d) were used. Results: The results indicate that individuals performing in combat sports were reaching higher mean scores in Limits of Stability than baseball players. This fact has been statistically and clinically proven. On the other hand baseball players reached higher mean Equilibrium Scores in Sensory organization test, however this fact has not been statistically nor clinically proven. No significant differences between the groups in motor...

Fundação de Apoio a Pesquisa e à Inovação Tecnológica do Estado de Sergipe - FAPITEC/SE / The objective was to analyze Global Active Stretching (GAS) practice concerning strength enhancement and injury prevention support in combat sports, it was inspected the effect of regular GAS practice on the performance of judo practioners, in physical tests and analysed the GAS effect in supporting the maintenance and restitution of normal values of upper limbs thermal asymmetry in jiu-jitsu practioners. The sample for these studies was composed by 12 judo practioners, for the period of 10 weeks and 18 jiu-jitsu practioners for the period of three consecutive days. They were separated into experimental group and control group. For judo practioners, the results show that the regular practice of GAS optimized the flexibility gain and vertical jump, with a gain of 3.00 ± (1.09) cm and 2.49 ± (0.63) cm respectively, and did not reflect on the results of the other tests. For jiu-jitsu practioners, the regular practice of GAS enhanced the healing process for the forearm area after competition, decrease in the ΔTP (°C) of 0.18°C. Therefore the regular practice of GAS increases the flexibility of back chain and the performance in vertical jump CMJ, for judo practioners, and does not interfere at the maintenance of normality of thermal , for contralateral upper limbs areas, in jiu jitsu athletes being able to restore normal values of thermal asymmetry in the forearm posterior region. / Objetivando analisar a prática do Stretching Global Ativo (SGA) para otimização da força e auxílio na prevenção de lesões em esportes de combate, verificou-se o efeito da prática regular do SGA no desempenho de judocas em uma bateria de testes físicos, assim como o efeito dessa prática no auxílio da manutenção e restituição de valores normais da assimetria térmica para membros superiores de jiujitsukas. Para compor a amostra dos estudos foram recrutados 12 judocas no período de 10 semanas e 18 jiujitsukas por três dias consecutivos, divididos em grupo experimental e grupo controle. Os resultados apontam que a prática regular do SGA potencializou o ganho de flexibilidade e impulsão vertical, com ganho de 3,00 ± 1,09 cm e 2,49 ± 0,63 respectivamente, e não foi prejudicial em outros testes para atletas de judô. Já para jiujitsukas, a prática do SGA acelerou o processo de recuperação para região do antebraço após a competição, diminuindo em 0,18°C o ΔTP (°C). Conclui-se que, a prática do SGA aumenta a flexibilidade da cadeia posterior e o desempenho no salto vertical de judocas, e não prejudica a manutenção da normalidade térmica em regiões contralaterais dos membros superiores de competidores de jiu jitsu podendo restituir valores normais de assimetria térmica na região posterior do antebraço.

In der hier vorliegenden Studie wurde ein bisher noch nicht beachteter Teil der Sportwissenschaften untersucht. Nach einer umfassenden Literaturrecherche und qualitativen Interviews wurden im Zeitraum von 2005 bis 2006 von über 500 Kampfstilschülern - und Trainern Aggressionswerte sowie sportpädagogisch und -soziologisch relevante Fakten erhoben. Hierbei wurden bewusst solche Personen befragt, die Stile mit überdurchschnittlich hartem Trefferkontakt trainieren. Neben Muay Thai, Freefight und Eskrima unter anderem Krav Maga Maar, Kyushinkai Karate und Grappling. Neben der Schaffung eines umfassenden Grundlagenmaterials zu Themen wie Herkunft, Alter, Bildung, und persönlichen Interessen werden Trainingsgewohnheiten ausgewertet und Beziehungen zu folgenden Faktoren hergestellt: Spontane Aggression, Reaktive Aggression, Summenaggression, Aggressionshemmung, Erregbarkeit und Offenheit. Zur Erfassung der genannten Faktoren wurde der FAF-Test verwendet. Neben einer überdurchschnittlichen Bildung, und im allgemeinen sehr geringen Aggressionswerten konnten auch Tendenzen festgestellt werden, nachdem einige Schüler ihr erlernten Techniken für gezielte Aggressionen außerhalb des Trainings nutzen. Weitere unerwartete Ergebnisse fanden sich unter anderem in den unterschiedlichen Einschätzungen von Trainern und ihren Schülern im Bezug auf deren pädagogischen Einfluss jenseits des Techniktrainings. / The aim of this study is to investigate a field of physical education which has been ignored up to now. After a literature review and a qualitative interview analyses more than 500 martial arts coaches and students have been asked from 2005 to 2006 to collect aggressiveness values and different sports pedagogy and -sociologic relevant data .The study was targeted at "hard -style" martial arts such as Muay Thai, Freefight, Escrima, Krav Maga Maar, Kyushinkai Karate and Grappling. One of the aims was to collect substructal data such as social background, age, education and hobbies. The training data was evaluated and related to the following factors using the FAF Test: Spontaneous Aggression, Reactive Aggression, Aggressionsum, Aggression Escapement, Impulsiveness and Openness. Beside an above-average education and in general low aggressiveness factors the results of the study were a tendency towards the utilisation of martial arts techniques for violent behaviour outside the dojo. Further results include different ratings in the effectiveness of the pedagogical impact of teacher on their students.