Anthropometric profile and physiological performance of Colombian elite mixed martial arts athletes
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Abstract
It is essential to describe performance profiles and implement training loads for MMA athletes participating in competitions, as well as to explore and develop new training models as a priority for MMA coaches. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anthropometric characteristics and physical performance of contemporary elite male mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. Professional Colombian Mixed Martial Artists were assessed before participating in the sport combat championship (Mean age = 30.80 ± 4.56 years, height = 174.00 ± 3.43 cm, weight = 77.97 ± 8.84 Kg). Athletes underwent evaluations on body composition and sports performance parameters including bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA), VO2max, maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and handgrip strength and other variables. The evaluations revealed a mean muscle mass of 64.67% ± 5.20% (95% CI, 67.89%-61.44%), body fat percentage of 10.93% ± 4.31% (95% CI, 13.60%-8.25%), Ponderal index of 14.79 ± 1.50 (95% CI, 15.72-13.86) and bone mass 3.45 ± 0.27 (95% CI, 3.61-3.28). Mean VO2max was 63.23 ± 5.50 ml/min-1/Kg-1 (95% CI, 66.64-59.81). This information can assist in assessing and evaluating sports performance as well as in developing and optimizing specific training regimes and identifying talents.
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