This study aims to compare the effect of sprint distance and repetition number on performance, physiological responses, and energy systems contributions. Eighteen male university league soccer players (age: 19.9 ± 1.6 years, height: 177.9 ± 4.7 cm, body mass: 72.4 ± 6.3 kg, percentage body fat: 8.9 ± 1.8, training experience: 7.4 ± 1.6 years) completed two different repeated sprint protocols: 20 × 20 m (20 × 20) and 10 × 40 m (10 × 40) with 15s and 30s rest intervals, respectively. Oxygen uptake (VO2) were measured during the rest, exercise, and recovery phases. Rest and peak blood lactate concentrations were determined. Using VO2 and lactate values, the energy system contributions were calculated using a mono-exponential model and mathematical calculations. Energy systems contributions and total energy expenditure (TEE) were calculated both for the entire protocol (overall) and for the sprints only. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), peak and mean heart rate (HR) responses were significantly higher in the 20 × 20 whereas lactate response was higher in the 10 × 40. TEE was similar between the 10 × 40 (586.3 ± 60.8 kJ) and 20 × 20 (595.6 ± 57.5 kJ). For overall estimations, the 10 × 40 and 20 × 20 presented similar results of oxidative (47.5 ± 5.4 vs 45.7 ± 5.1 kJ min−1) and phosphagen (44.7 ± 5.4 vs (42.9 ± 4.8 kJ min−1) systems contributions whereas glycolytic contribution was higher in the 10 × 40 (15.5 ± 2.2 vs 12.8 ± 2.3 kJ min−1). For sprints only estimation, the phosphagen (257.6 ± 31.5 vs 225.2 ± 28.2 kJ min−1), glycolytic (89.4 ± 13.4 vs 67.3 ± 12.5 kJ min−1), and oxidative (76.9 ± 6.9 vs 72.0 ± 7.9 2 kJ min−1) systems contributions were higher in the 10 × 40. Although HR and RPE responses were higher in the 20 × 20, phosphagen (during sprints) and glycolytic (during both sprints and overall protocol) were higher in the 10 × 40 protocol. Therefore, the 10 × 40 protocol seems more reasonable for developing or evaluating the anaerobic systems.

Purpose: This study investigated the test-retest reliability and discriminant validity of the Kickboxing Anaerobic Speed Test (KAST) and established a comparison with the maximal cycling sprint test (MCST). Methods: Forty-two male kickboxing athletes (18 elite and 24 sub-elite) participated in this study. Kickboxers performed the tests in both single and multiple forms. The KAST_single was composed of kicks and punches, performed as quickly as possible until 5 reps of a 4 techniques’ combination (i.e., straight left punch, right-roundhouse kick, straight right punch, and left-roundhouse kick) were completed. The MCST_single was composed by a single 6-s maximal effort. The KAST_multiple was performed using 5 sequential sets of the single form following a 10s rest interval between sets. The MCST_multiple was performed using 5 × 6 s repeated cycling efforts with 10s rest intervals. The tests and retests were carried out on separate occasions. To establish the test’s discriminatory capability, elite and sub-elite athletes were compared. Results: All tests’ performance scores showed excellent relative and absolute reliability (ICC > 0.900, SEM ≤ 0.98 s for KASTs and ≤ 0.74 W•kg⁻¹ for MCST tests). Significant correlations between the identical versions were “large” (r > 0.70). Receiving operating characteristic analyses indicated that the KASTs and cycling tests were able to effectively discriminate between elite and sub-elite kickboxers. Additionally, the findings showed that KAST_single, MCST_single, KAST_multiple, and MCST_multiple correctly classified the groups by 78.6%, 73.6%, 88.1%, and 78.6%, respectively. Conclusions: This study supported the test-retest reliability and the discriminant validity of the KAST_single and KAST_multiple to evaluate kickboxing athletes.

The particular responsibility of referees in combat sports lies in their decision-making to enforce the rules of the sport, which requires considerable experience and a multitude of skills, including perception, categorization, memory processing, and information integration. As a cost-effective alternative to in-tournament training, this research aims to evaluate the novel video-based serious game called “JudgED” to train martial arts referees’ decision-making processes through immediate feedback. The effectiveness of the JudgED game was assessed by (a) measuring decision accuracy and specific reaction time, (b) calculating a theoretical probability of correct scoring, and (c) comparing these results with real competition judging agreement data. A field study was conducted to analyze the performance of 16 kickboxing referees. The study involved two video-based tests in the serious game. The performance data for JudgED were obtained via a procedure that compares the players’ inputs in the serious game with expert-defined decisions. The results were compared to real-competition data gathered through qualitative analysis of kickboxing fights (n = 400 fights/1200 bouts) at the WAKO World Championships 2021. The findings showed an average decision accuracy of 43.011% and an average reaction time of 1.022 s. For further comparison, binominal distribution for the probability of correct final decisions (between 15.3% and 67.2%) in JudgED and Fleiss’ Kappa interrater reliability for JudgED (Ring: $\kappa$ = 0.371; Tatami: $\kappa$ = 0.398; p < 0.001) and tournament decisions (by bout: $\kappa$ = 0.114; by fight $\kappa$ = 0.063; by outcome $\kappa$ = 0.166; p < 0.001) were calculated. The results suggest that more training is required to improve referee decision accuracy, and JudgED bears the potential to work as a suitable supporting system.

This study aimed to investigate the attitudes of combat and team sports athletes towards the use, storage, and hygiene conditions of mouthguards, with the goal of understanding disparities in usage and maintenance practices and their implications for oral health. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 394 athletes (316 combat athletes and 78 team athletes). Participants completed a 28-question survey assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding mouthguard use, hygiene, and maintenance. The survey included questions on demographic data, mouthguard usage habits, cleaning methods, and storage practices. Combat sports athletes exhibited significantly higher rates of mouthguard use (100%) compared to team sports athletes (29.5%) (chi square [χ²] = 258.971, p<0.001). Significant differences were also found in cleaning (χ² = 252.195, p<0.001) and storage practices (χ² = 14.195, p = 0.002), with combat athletes demonstrating better adherence to recommended guidelines. Common complaints about mouthguards included difficulties with speaking (χ² = 7.792, p = 0.005) and breathing (χ² = 11.431, p = 0.001), with combat athletes reporting fewer issues. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and education on mouthguard use among team sports athletes. Dentists and coaches play a crucial role in promoting proper mouthguard use, hygiene, and maintenance to prevent sports-related dental injuries. Emphasis should be placed on the benefits of custom-made mouthguards for improved comfort and protection.

Antrenman bilimi, sporcuların performansını artırmak ve uzun vadeli başarı sağlamak için sürekli gelişen bir alan olmuştur. Ancak günümüzün dinamik spor dünyasında, sadece kısa vadeli performans artışı değil, uzun süreli sürdürülebilir bir gelişim de giderek daha fazla önem kazanmaktadır. Sürdürülebilirlik kavramı, antrenman bilimi içinde, hem sporcuların fiziksel ve zihinsel sağlığını korumayı hem de spor kaynaklarını ve çevresel etkiyi optimize etmeyi içerir. Bu bağlamda, sürdürülebilir bir antrenman yönetimi, sporcuların uzun yıllar boyunca en üst düzeyde performans gösterebilmesi ve sporun gelecek nesiller için aynı etkiyi devam ettirebilmesi açısından kritik bir rol oynamaktadır. Antrenman bilimi alanında sürdürülebilirlik, üç temel bileşen etrafında şekillenir: fizyolojik, psikolojik ve çevresel. Fizyolojik sürdürülebilirlik, sporcuların aşırı antrenman, sakatlık ve yorgunluk gibi sorunlarla karşılaşmadan gelişimlerini sürdürebilmelerini sağlamayı hedefler. Psikolojik sürdürülebilirlik ise sporcuların zihinsel dayanıklılığını artırarak, motivasyonlarının uzun süre devam etmesine katkı sağlar. Çevresel sürdürülebilirlik ise antrenman süreçlerinde kullanılan malzeme, ekipman ve tesislerin çevre dostu olmasını ve antrenmanların doğaya minimum zarar vermesini içerir. Bu noktada, nitel araştırmalar, sürdürülebilir antrenman uygulamalarının anlaşılması ve geliştirilmesi açısından önemli bir yöntemdir. Niteliksel araştırma yöntemleri, sporcuların bireysel deneyimlerini, antrenörlerin stratejilerini ve uzun vadeli başarı planlarını daha derinlemesine anlamamıza olanak tanır. Mülakatlar, vaka incelemeleri ve katılımcı gözlem gibi nitel yöntemler, sürdürülebilir antrenman programlarının nasıl yapılandırılması gerektiği konusunda değerli bilgiler sunar. Örneğin, nitel araştırmalar yoluyla sporcuların antrenman süreçlerinde karşılaştıkları zorluklar, motivasyon kayıpları ya da sürdürülebilir bir başarı için hangi stratejilerin daha etkili olduğu gibi sorulara yanıt bulmak mümkündür. Aynı şekilde, antrenörlerin sürdürülebilirlik konusundaki bakış açıları, bu alandaki politikaların ve uygulamaların iyileştirilmesine yardımcı olabilir. Bu kitap, antrenman bilimi alanında sürdürülebilirlik konusunu derinlemesine ele almakta ve bu süreçte nitel araştırmaların nasıl bir katkı sağladığını irdelemektedir. Kitap boyunca, antrenmanların sürdürülebilirliğini artırmak için kullanılabilecek stratejilere ve bu stratejilerin uygulanabilirliğini destekleyen nitel araştırma bulgularına yer verilecektir. Sporcu sağlığı ve performansının sürdürülebilirliği üzerine odaklanan bu çalışma hem akademisyenler hem de pratikte çalışan antrenörler için değerli bir kaynak olmayı hedeflemektedir. Ayrıca bu kitap Sürdürülebilir Spor ve Niteliksel Araştırmalar Serimizin üçüncü kitabını oluşturmaktadır. Alan yazına bilimsel olarak büyük anlamlar katacak bir araştırma kitabı olması temennisiyle.

BACKGROUND: Based on recent research, slight performance differences, particularly dependent on the state of recovery, might be crucial for tournament success among elite-caliber kickboxers. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to; a) determine which strength-power tests could discriminate better between elite and top-elite kickboxers and, b) to evaluate changes in testing results between fatigued and well-rested athletes. METHODS: Twenty-two international kickboxers (including World and European Champions) volunteered to participate in this study. Nine kickboxers were assigned to the top-elite group and 13 to the elite group based on their highest tournament achievements. Subjects performed the Wingate test (Win) for anaerobic power; countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) for neuromuscular power; push-ups and pull-ups for strength endurance; squats (SQ) and bench press (BP) for maximal dynamic strength; handgrip, leg, and back strength for isometric strength after full rest, following the fatigue and advanced fatigue protocols. RESULTS: Discriminant function analysis correctly classified the groups at 60.5%, 75.3%, and 86.3% in the resting, fatigue, and advanced fatigue protocols, respectively. Furthermore, all strength-power performances have significantly decreased and lactatepeak increased (p< 0.05) after the fatigue and advanced fatigue protocols in both groups. Significant interaction were also observed in the Winpeak (p< 0.001, ηp2= 0.559), Winmean (p= 0.009, ηp2= 0.246), CMJ (p= 0.010, ηp2= 0.273), push-ups (p< 0.001, ηp2= 0.389), SQabsolute (p= 0.001, ηp2= 0.337), BPabsolute (p= 0.014, ηp2= 0.235) and, Lactatepeak (p= 0.026, ηp2= 0.220). CONCLUSION: Resistance to fatigue may be the key component for distinguishing elite-level athletes. Thus, strength-power tests should be performed following a certain level of fatigue for the elite athletes due to distinguish them more effectively.