Leonardo Vidal Andreato

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Simulated Competition Part II: Physical Performance, Time-Motion, Technical-Tactical Analyses, and Perceptual Responses.

Abstract Andreato, LV, Julio, UF, Gonçalves Panissa, VL, Del Conti Esteves, JV, Hardt, F, Franzói de Moraes, SM, Oliveira de Souza, C, and Franchini, E. Brazilian jiu-jitsu simulated competition part II: Physical performance, time-motion, technical-tactical analyses, and perceptual responses. J Strength Cond Res 29(7): 2015–2025, 2015—The aim of this study was to analyze performance, time structure, technical actions, and perceptual responses in Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes during a simulated competition. For this purpose, 10 athletes were analyzed in a simulated competition (4 matches of 10 minutes). Physical tests and scales of the perception of effort and recovery were applied. The matches were recorded for the purpose of technical-tactical analysis and to determine the time structure. The main results show that in the simulated competition, reaction time (F 2.5,17.6 = 2.7; p = 0.087; &eegr; 2 = 0.28) and flexibility (F 7,63 = 1.5; p = 0.172; &eegr; 2 = 0.15) were unchanged across the matches. An analysis of variance showed a significant difference for grip endurance using the kimono (F 2.0,15.9 = 8.1; p = 0.004; &eegr; 2 = 0.50), which was not confirmed by the Bonferroni test. Jump height indicated postactivation potentiation after match 2 (F 7,63 = 3.5; p = 0.003; &eegr; 2 = 0.28). The maximal isometric handgrip strength in the dominant hand (F 3.2,28.6 = 2.9; p = 0.049; &eegr; 2 = 0.24) and in the nondominant hand (F 7,63 = 3.8; p = 0.002; &eegr; 2 = 0.30) showed a decline after matches 3 and 4. Although these data indicate the onset of fatigue, the effort/pause ratio of the matches was not altered (F 3,12 = 0.6; p = 0.624; &eegr; 2 = 0.13). The perceptions of effort (F 3,27 = 0.9; p = 0.469; &eegr; 2 = 0.09) and recovery (F 1.9,17.0 = 2.4; p = 0.125; &eegr; 2 = 0.21) and the degree of fatigue reported (F 1.5,13.8 = 0.5; p = 0.588; &eegr; 2 = 0.05) did not change during the simulated competition. Thus, it may be concluded that the execution of successive matches causes a decline in maximal isometric handgrip strength. No changes in the time structure of the matches or in the perceptual responses were observed.

Perfil morfológico de atletas de elite de Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Athletes from many sports that are categorized by body mass tend to reduce it to fit in lower categories. Such reduction can compromise the athletes performance and health. In order to determine the most appropriate category, the body composition is highly relevant, especially to avoid excessive reduction. Thus, this study analyzed the morphological profile of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu elite athletes. The sample was composed of 11 athletes, aged 25.8 ± 3.3 years, medalists in national and/or international competitions. The analysis was performed to determine the anthropometric body composition and somatotype. Body fat score from this population was 10.3 ± 2.6 % fat, a high percentage of muscle mass (61.3 ± 1.5 %), and predominant mesomorphic component (5.5 ± 1.0) was observed. The points of highest and lowest fat accumulation were respectively abdominal (15.7 ± 6.3 mm) and chest (6.8 ± 1.5 mm) regions. It can be concluded that athletes from this sport showed higher body mass during the preparatory period than in competitive conditions (4.4 ± 2.4 %); however, they showed low body fat, high muscle mass percentage and predominant mesomorphic component.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Simulated Competition Part I: Metabolic, Hormonal, Cellular Damage, and Heart Rate Responses

Abstract Andreato, LV, Julio, UF, Panissa, VLG, Esteves, JVDC, Hardt, F, de Moraes, SMF, de Souza, CO, and Franchini, E. Brazilian jiu-jitsu simulated competition part I: Metabolic, hormonal, cellular damage, and heart rate responses. J Strength Cond Res 29(9): 2538–2549, 2015—The aim of this study was to analyze physiological responses in Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes during simulated competition. To this end, 10 athletes (age: 28 ± 4 years, body mass: 81.8 ± 7.4 kg, body fat: 13.0 ± 4.8%, systematic practice: 11 ± 4 years) were analyzed in simulated competition (4 matches of 10 minutes). Blood samples were taken to assess energy demand, hormonal responses, and cell damage. Additionally, the heart rate variability (HRV) response was analyzed. The main results show that in simulated competition, during the last matches, athletes had lower lactate (p < 0.001), epinephrine (p < 0.001), norepinephrine (p < 0.001), and insulin (p = 0.002) concentrations. Increases observed in creatine kinase (p < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.007), and creatinine (p < 0.001) seen, especially, in the last matches are indicative of possible cell damage. The HRV reflected a decrease in the RR medium (average of the normal R-R intervals) (p = 0.001) during the competition. Thus, it is concluded that successive matches from competition generate a gradual decrease of adrenergic and glycolytic activities, which is accompanied by a gradual increase in cell damage markers and decrease in the RR medium of the HRV.

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF REPETITIONS, TOTAL WEIGHT LIFTED AND NEUROMUSCULAR FATIGUE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH DIFFERENT TRAINING BACKGROUNDS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance, as well as neuromuscular activity, in a strength task in subjects with different training backgrounds. Participants (n = 26) were divided into three groups according to their training backgrounds (aerobic, strength or mixed) and submitted to three sessions: (1) determination of the maximum oxygen uptake during the incremental treadmill test to exhaustion and familiarization of the evaluation of maximum strength (1RM) for the half squat; (2) 1RM determination; and (3) strength exercise, four sets at 80% of the 1RM, in which the maximum number of repetitions (MNR), the total weight lifted (TWL), the root mean square (RMS) and median frequency (MF) of the electromyographic (EMG) activity for the second and last repetition were computed. There was an effect of group for MNR, with the aerobic group performing a higher MNR compared to the strength group (P = 0.045), and an effect on MF with a higher value in the second repetition than in the last repetition (P = 0.016). These results demonstrated that individuals with better aerobic fitness were more fatigue resistant than strength trained individuals. The absence of differences in EMG signals indicates that individuals with different training backgrounds have a similar pattern of motor unit recruitment during a resistance exercise performed until failure, and that the greater capacity to perform the MNR probably can be explained by peripheral adaptations.

The Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Post-Training Recovery in Jiu-Jitsu Athletes

Objectives The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of using hyperbaric oxygen therapy during post-training recovery in jiu-jitsu athletes. Methods Eleven experienced Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes were investigated during and following two training sessions of 1h30min. Using a cross-over design, the athletes were randomly assigned to passive recovery for 2 hours or to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (OHB) for the same duration. After a 7-day period, the interventions were reversed. Before, immediately after, post 2 hours and post 24 hours, blood samples were collected to examine hormone concentrations (cortisol and total testosterone) and cellular damage markers [creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)]. Moreover, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and recovery (RPR) scales were applied. Results Final lactate [La] values (control: 11.9 ± 1.4 mmol/L, OHB: 10.2 ± 1.4 mmol/L) and RPE [control: 14 (13–17 a.u.), OHB: 18 (17–20 a.u.)] were not significantly different following the training sessions. Furthermore, there was no difference between any time points for blood lactate and RPE in the two experimental conditions (P>0.05). There was no effect of experimental conditions on cortisol (F1,20 = 0.1, P = 0.793, η2 = 0.00, small), total testosterone (F1,20 = 0.03, P = 0.877, η2 = 0.00, small), CK (F1,20 = 0.1, P = 0.759, η2 = 0.01, small), AST (F1,20 = 0.1, P = 0.761, η2 = 0.01, small), ALT (F1,20 = 0.0, P = 0.845, η2 = 0.00, small) or LDH (F1,20 = 0.7, P = 0.413, η2 = 0.03, small). However, there was a difference between the two experimental conditions in RPR with higher values at post 2 h and 24 h in OHB when compared to the control condition (P<0.05). Conclusions Thus, it can be concluded that OHB exerts no influence on the recovery of hormonal status or cellular damage markers. Nonetheless, greater perceived recovery, potentially due to the placebo effect, was evident following the OHB condition.

High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise and its Effects on Heart Rate Variability and Subsequent Strength Performance

Prupose: To investigate the effects of a 5-km high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on heart rate variability (HRV) and subsequent strength performance. Methods: Nine trained males performed a control session composed of a half-squat strength exercise (4 × 80% of one repetition maximum—1 RM) in isolation and 30-min, 1-, 4-, 8-, and 24-h after an HIIE (1-min at the velocity peak:1-min passive recovery). All experimental sessions were performed on different days. The maximum number of repetitions (MNR) and total weight lifted (TWL) during the strength exercise were registered in all conditions; in addition, prior to each session, HRV were assessed [beat-to-beat intervals (RR) and log-transformed of root means square of successive differences in the normal-to-normal intervals (lnRMSSD)]. Results: Performance in the strength exercise dropped at 30-min (31%) and 1-h (19%) post-HIIE concomitantly with lower values of RR (781 ± 79 ms; 799 ± 134 ms, respectively) in the same recovery intervals compared to the control (1015 ± 197 ms). Inferential analysis did not detect any effect of condition on lnRMSSD, however, values were lower after 30-min (3.5 ± 0.4 ms) and 1-h (3.3 ± 0.5 ms) with moderate and large effect sizes (0.9 and 1.2, respectively) compared with the control condition (3.9 ± 0.4 ms). Conclusion: Both RR and lnRMSSD seem to be associated with deleterious effects on strength performance, although further studies should be conducted to clarify this association.

Weight loss in mixed martial arts athletes

The mixed martial arts (MMA) is among the sports with higher spectators increase in the world. This fact can be observed in growth of exposure on media and increased num ber of practitioners and spectators [1]. This sport is composed by combination of boxing, Muay Thai, karate, taekwondo, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo and other disciplines specific techniques. Nowadays, the MMA is practiced in various countries being the sixth more popular sport in United States of America [2]. Despite the notoriety achieved, few studies aimed to investigate the different fields of this sport. Among the studies that have been conducted involving MMA, most focused on the injuries happened during combat [2-5]. In many sports, especially in combat sports, the athletes are divided according to body mass. This strategy is adopted to leave the disputes more balanced. However, it is commonly observed that athletes conduct some arrangements to reduce large amounts of body mass to move to lighter categories, in an attempt to compete against smaller and weaker opponents [6]. In fact, there are data indicating that boxers [7,8], judokas [9,10], wrestlers [11], Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes [9-12], taekwondo athletes [13,14] and karate athletes [9] adopt methods to reduce the body mass prior to a competition, but no study has been conducted involving the MMA. This practice can be harmful, because it negatively alters the humor profile, sports performance and health, especially when the magnitude of reduced mass is high [6,15]. It is not difficult to find reports of combat sports athletes reducing a large percentage of body mass. For example, in university level Olympic wrestling (n = 63), 89% of the athletes reported to be engaged in some procedure to reduce body mass prior

Different sports, but the same physical and physiological profiles?

We would like to congratulate Dr. Lachlan P. James and colleagues for their work ‘‘Towards a Determination of the Physiological Characteristics Distinguishing Successful Mixed Martial Arts Athletes: A Systematic Review of Combat Sport Literature’’, published recently in Sports Medicine [1]. In recent years, mixed martial arts (MMA) has seen an exponential growth in both the number of practitioners/athletes and the number of sporting events. Thus, to draw a physical and physiological profile of athletes of this modality would be of great help to the organization and prescription of training, as the authors reported and tried to describe through a (much appreciated) systematic review. However, some factors make us question the applicability of the results. In our view, the results of this review provide important information to distinguish between the physiological profiles of athletes of different modalities (boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, kickboxing, Muay Thai and wrestling), but such results cannot be extended to MMA specifically. In Table 1, it can be seen that no article specifically dealing with MMA met the search criteria to be included in the systematic review [1]. This fact is inherent in the low number of studies involving the sport, which are mostly studies describing injuries involving MMA [2–6]. In all, eight articles referred to wrestling, eight referred to judo, four referred to karate, two referred to boxing, and one referred to Brazilian jiu-jitsu; none referring to kickboxing, Muay Thai or MMA were added. This fact is extremely important in interpreting the results because the main modalities of striking (Muay Thai and kickboxing) are not considered in the study, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which is a modality of grappling included in the training of almost all MMA athletes, is considered in only one study [1]. Furthermore, the fact that judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu are played in a kimono uniform (judogi or gi) can greatly influence the physiological responses of the athletes (e.g. isometric endurance strength of the flexor and extensor muscles of the forearm due to grip contests in the course of the match). Indeed, approximately 50 % of judo matches is taken up by the participants battling for grips [7, 8]. Thus, it is plausible that the grappling athletes have high isometric and dynamic endurance strength in the flexor and extensor muscles of the forearm. However, the key factor in our objection to the applicability of the results is due to the fact that the results are from elite athletes engaged in their modalities of origin and not in MMA. There is consensus that the physiological adaptations are specific to the training carried out and this principle must be considered to maximize the performance of sports combat athletes [9, 10]. Training for MMA and MMA competitions reflects the fact that the physiological and metabolic demands of these contests are significantly different, a fact that can change the morphophysiological profile of these athletes over the long-term. In major competitions, the professional MMA match time comprises three to five rounds of 5 min, with 1 min of rest between rounds. This total match time (15–25 min, & Leonardo Vidal Andreato vidal.leo@hotmail.com

Comment on: “Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Total, Abdominal and Visceral Fat Mass: A Meta-Analysis”

We would like to congratulate Maillard et al. [1] on their review, Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Total, Abdominal and Visceral Fat Mass: A Meta-Analysis, published recently in Sports Medicine [1]. This is an extremely relevant topic since obesity is a pandemic health problem [2, 3] and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to be an effective training method for the improvement of several physiological parameters [4, 5], including the body composition of overweight/obese individuals [6]. The results presented by Maillard et al. [1] contribute tremendously to this area of research. However, we feel the data should be interpreted with caution and would like to address five crucial points of concern. The first of these points is the ambiguous description and analysis of certain studies included in the meta-analysis. For example, we highlight the reported lengths of the exercise sessions. In Table 2, Maillard et al. [1] demonstrate that, in the study by Shepherd et al. [7], the HIIT protocol ranged between ‘‘18–25’: [15–60 s (90% HRmax)/45–120 s active R])’’ during the follow-up; however, the HIIT protocol actually ranged between 8–15’. This difference is due to the warm-up (5-min) and cooldown (5-min) periods of the exercise session, overestimating, at times, the length of the session by more than 100%. Similarly, in another study [8], the warm-up (6min) was also included in the length of the exercise session. Furthermore, the analysis of the effect of HIIT on abdominal fat mass needs to be clarified (Fig. 3). Maillard et al. [1] consider certain studies to have had more than one HIIT protocol, but some of these HIIT protocols are nonexistent. For example, the authors reported that Heydari et al. [9] had four protocols and that Trapp et al. [10] and Kong et al. [11] had two protocols, but only one HIIT protocol was observed in each of these studies. The second point of concern is the inclusion of studies with potential confounding factors, such as protocols in which the HIIT intervention group also received another type of intervention. For example, in the studies by Cassidy et al. [12] and Hallsworth et al. [13], the participants performed 60 s of band-resisted upper-body exercise during the 3-min recovery periods between effort intervals. In the study conducted by Hornbuckle et al. [14], which consisted of a 16-week intervention in the HIIT group, the subjects only performed continuous effort at an intensity corresponding to 60–70% maximum heart rate (HRmax) for 4 weeks, but Maillard et al. [1] did not mention this. Furthermore, in the studies by Hutchison et al. [15] and Terada et al. [16], the individuals from the HIIT group performed moderate-intensity continuous training (60’ at 70% maximal oxygen consumption—VO2max and 30–60’ at 40% oxygen consumption reserve [VO2R]) for 1 day each week. The third point of concern is the inclusion of studies that did not meet the proposed eligibility criteria: the metaanalysis should involve only HIIT protocols, as these protocols have a ‘‘target intensity ‘near the maximal’ effort (i.e., between 80 and 100% of the peak heart rate [PHR]),’’ and will exclude studies that involve sprint interval training & Leonardo Vidal Andreato vidal.leo@hotmail.com

Physiological, Nutritional and Performance Profiles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes

Abstract This study analysed the physiological, nutritional and performance profiles of athletes practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu. To this end, 15 athletes that practiced Brazilian jiu-jitsu (aged: 28 ± 5 years; 8 brown belts and 7 black belts; training experience: 11 ± 4 years) underwent anthropometric measurements (body composition and somatotype), dietary evaluation (24 h recall) and physical fitness tests (movement time, dynamometer handgrip, kimono grip strength, vertical jump and sit-and-reach tests). The athletes had 12.7 ± 4.8% of body fat, 59.2 ± 5.0% of muscle mass and their somatotype was dominated by the mesomorphic component (5.3 ± 2.0), followed by endomorphic (3.7 ± 1.5) and ectomorphic (1.4 ± 0.9) components. Nutritional assessment suggested a diet consisting of 54 ± 7% of carbohydrates, 19 ± 4% of protein and 27 ± 6% of lipids. Movement time on the handgrip tests was 0.42 ± 0.05 s, for handgrip strength, 53 ± 7 kgf was found for the dominant hand and 50 ± 9 kgf for the non-dominant hand. For the countermovement jump, the jiu-jitsu athletes reached 41 ± 5 cm. Athletes remained 30 ± 14 s in the maximum static suspension test gripping a kimono, and reached 27 ± 8 cm in the sit-and-reach test. Overall the sample presented average levels of body fat, elevated muscle mass and a predominantly mesomorphic somatotype. Diet was generally poor, with low carbohydrate intake, high protein intake and adequate lipid intake. Maximum isometric handgrip strength was consistent with observations of other athletes in this sport discipline. However, the performance in the maximum static suspension test gripping a kimono was lower than in other Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes. Movement time was comparable and lower body muscle power was worse compared to athletes in similar sports. Additionally, flexibility was rated as poor.