The relationships between external and internal training loads in mixed martial arts.

Kirk, Christopher; Langan-Evans, Carl; Clark, David R.; Morton, James P.

Abstract

As a multidisciplined combat sport, relationships between external and internal training loads and intensities of mixed martial arts (MMA) have not been described. The aim of this study was to determine the external loads and intensities of MMA training categories and their relationship to internal loads and intensities. Twenty MMA athletes (age = 23.3 [5.3] y, mass = 72.1 [7.2] kg, stature = 171.5 [8.4] cm) were observed for 2 consecutive weeks. Internal load and intensity (session rating of perceived exertion [sRPE]) were calculated using the Foster RPE for the session overall (sRPE-training load [TL]) and segmented RPE (segRPE-TL) for each training category: warm-up, striking drills, wrestling drills, Brazilian jiujitsu (BJJ) drills, striking sparring, wrestling sparring, BJJ sparring, and MMA sparring. External load and intensity were measured via Catapult OptimEye S5 for the full duration of each session using accumulated Playerload (PLdACC) and PLdACC per minute (PLdACC center dot min-1). Differences in loads between categories and days were assessed via Bayesian analysis of variance (BF10 >= 3). Predictive relationships between internal and external variables were calculated using Bayesian regression. Session overall sRPE-TL = 448.6 (191.1) arbitrary units (AU); PLdACC = 310.6 (112) AU. Category segRPE-TL range = 33.8 (22.6) AU (warm-up) to 122.8 (54.6) AU (BJJ drills). Category PLdACC range =44 (36.3) AU (warm-up) to 125 (58.8) AU (MMA sparring). Neither sRPE-TL nor PLdACC changed between days. PLdACC was different between categories. Evidence for regressions was strong-decisive except for BJJ drills (BF10 = 7, moderate). R2 range = .50 to .77, except for warm-up (R2 = .17), BJJ drills (R2 = .27), BJJ sparring (R2 = .49), and session overall (R2 = .13). While MMA training categories may be differentiated in terms of external load, overall session external load does not change within or between weeks. Resultant regression equations may be used to appropriately plan MMA technical/tactical training loads.

Citation

KIRK, C., LANGAN-EVANS, C., CLARK, D.R. and MORTON, J.P. 2024. The relationships between external and internal training loads in mixed martial arts. International journal of sports physiology and performance [online], 19(2), pages 173-184. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2023-0037

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 21, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Dec 21, 2023
• Publication Date: Feb 29, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jan 15, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 15, 2024
• Journal: International journal of sports physiology and performance
• Print ISSN: 1555-0265
• Electronic ISSN: 1555-0273
• Publisher: Human Kinetics
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 173-184
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2023-0037
• Keywords: Playerload; Rating of perceived exertion; Combat sports; Bayes factor
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2189210