Physiological responses and external validity of a new setting for taekwondo combat simulation

Abstract

Combat simulations have served as an alternative framework to study the cardiorespiratory demands of the activity in combat sports, but this setting imposes rule-restrictions that may compromise the competitiveness of the bouts. The aim of this study was to assess the cardiorespiratory responses to a full-contact taekwondo combat simulation using a safe and externally valid competitive setting. Twelve male national level taekwondo athletes visited the laboratory on two separate occasions. On the first visit, anthropometric and running cardiopulmonary exercise assessments were performed. In the following two to seven days, participants performed a full-contact combat simulation, using a specifically designed gas analyser protector. Oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]), heart rate (HR) and capillary blood lactate measurements ([La-]) were obtained. Time-motion analysis was performed to compare activity profile. The simulation yielded broadly comparable activity profiles to those performed in competition, a mean [Formula: see text] of 36.6 ± 3.9 ml.kg-1.min-1 (73 ± 6% [Formula: see text]) and mean HR of 177 ± 10 beats.min-1 (93 ± 5% HRPEAK). A peak [Formula: see text] of 44.8 ± 5.0 ml.kg-1.min-1 (89 ± 5% [Formula: see text]), a peak heart rate of 190 ± 13 beats.min-1 (98 ± 3% HRmax) and peak [La-] of 12.3 ± 2.9 mmol.L-1 was elicited by the bouts. Regarding time-motion analysis, combat simulation presented a similar exchange time, a shorter preparation time and a longer exchange-preparation ratio. Taekwondo combats capturing the full-contact competitive elements of a bout elicit moderate to high cardiorespiratory demands on the competitors. These data are valuable to assist preparatory strategies within the sport.

Fig 1. Combat simulation setting.

Fig 2. Gas analyser placement during the combat.

Fig 3. Heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake (V˙O2) profiles during the combat simulation.

Mean values (± standard deviation) of $\dot{\text{V}}{\text{O}}_2$ and HR, sampled 20 seconds (HR averaged every 20s) across the simulation. p–Significance level for interactions, calculated with repeated measures ANOVA (time x round, or time x interval), and ES (effect size) was calculated with Cohen’s f.

Fig 4. Percentage of time spent in specific heart rate intensity zones during the combat simulation.

Significant differences confirmed in Friedman test, with Dunn post-hoc (p<0.05). ^a Denotes significant different from the 95–100% zone. ^b Denotes significant different from the 90–94% zone. ^d Denotes significant different from the 80–84% zone. ^e Denotes significant different from the <80% zone.