Martial Arts as a Tool for Enhancing Attention and Executive Function: Implications for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - A Literature Review.

With a focus on its implications for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this review study seeks to investigate the possible advantages of martial arts training on attention and executive function. Common cognitive impairments seen in a variety of psychiatric diseases, such as depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, include difficulties in attention and executive function. Training in martial arts, which is known for its demanding physical and mental requirements, has drawn interest as a potential intervention for improving cognitive function. An overview of the most recent research on how martial arts training affects focus and executive function is given in this publication. The results demonstrate the potential of martial arts as a strategy for enhancing executive function and attention-related cognitive functions. The article also explores the implications of adding martial arts instruction to CBT therapies, arguing that doing so might be a beneficial supplementary strategy to improve treatment outcomes. With information on the possible advantages of martial arts training for attention and executive function, this review paper adds to the expanding corpus of research on non-pharmacological therapies for cognitive enhancement.

Judo for older adults: the coaches' knowledge and needs of education.

This study aimed to explore the views of judo coaches on their perceived knowledge (PK) and needs for education (NE) for training older practitioners. In total, 470 international (Europe = 48%, Americas = 22%, Africa = 23%, Asia = 5% and Oceania = 2%) judo coaches (IJF: level 1 = 55,3%, level 2 = 33%; judo black belt: 3,4 ± 1,7 dan; F = 15%; university education: 68% >BA) responded an online survey encompassing demographic information and 35 items relevant to training older adults (Aging process; Safety and First Aid; Organization & Environment; Physiology and Fitness; Psychology & Mental Health; Teaching & Training) to be rated on a 7-point Likert scale for PK and NE. Non parametric statistics (p > 0.05) was applied to ascertain differences and relationships between PK and NE, respectively. A bivariate go-zone plot was used to highlight items with the lowest PK and the highest NE mean values. The coaches reported high PK (4.5 ± 0.3 pt) and NE (4.7 ± 0.1 pt) values, with significant higher PK values emerging for high education levels and judo experience. In considering their unique needs and special role, the judo coaches presented valuable insights to develop a sustainable educational curriculum tailored to train older judo practitioners.

Distal rupture of the biceps brachii tendon in a female mixed martial arts athlete: a case report.

The distal rupture of the biceps brachii muscle tendon (DBT) accounts for 3% of biceps ruptures. Diagnosis typically relies on high clinical suspicion and complementary imaging studies, with >90% of cases documented in males between the fourth and sixth decades of life. Reports of DBT ruptures in females are scarce, mostly involving partial and degenerative injuries. Here, we present an unprecedented case of a 28-year-old female professional mixed martial arts athlete with a total traumatic DBT rupture. The athlete underwent surgical repair using anchor reattachment technique. No complications were observed, and the athlete showed satisfactory outcomes, being cleared for physiotherapy after 2 weeks and returning to sports after a 3-month postoperative period.

Impact Force and Velocities for Kicking Strikes in Combat Sports: A Literature Review.

Kicking strikes are fundamental in combat sports such as Taekwondo, karate, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and mixed martial arts. This review aimed to explore the measurement methods, kinematics such as velocities, kinetics such as impact force, determinants, and injury potential of kicking strikes in combat sports. Searches of Academic Search Premier, The Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were conducted for studies that measured kicking velocity and impact force. A total of 88 studies were included in the review. Studies most frequently involved only male participants (49%) aged between 18 and 30 years of age (68%). Studies measuring velocity predominantly implemented camera-based motion capture systems (96%), whereas studies measuring impact force displayed considerable heterogeneity in their measurement methods. Five primary strikes were identified for which foot velocities ranged from 5.2 to 18.3 m/s and mean impact force ranged from 122.6 to 9015 N. Among the techniques analysed, the roundhouse kick exhibited the highest kicking velocity at 18.3 m/s, whilst the side kick produced the highest impact force at 9015 N. Diverse investigation methodologies contributed to a wide value range for kicking velocities and impact forces being reported, making direct comparisons difficult. Kicking strikes can be categorised into throw-style or push-style kicks, which modulate impact through different mechanisms. Kicking velocity and impact force are determined by several factors, including technical proficiency, lower body strength and flexibility, effective mass, and target factors. The impact force generated by kicking strikes is sufficient to cause injury, including fracture. Protective equipment can partially attenuate these forces, although more research is required in this area. Athletes and coaches are advised to carefully consider the properties and potential limitations of measurement devices used to assess impact force.

Acute Effects of the Dry Needling Session on Gastrocnemius Muscle Biomechanical Properties, and Perfusion with Latent Trigger Points - A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial in Mixed Martial Arts Athletes.

The study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of a dry needling (DN) therapy session on biomechanical properties, muscle power, perfusion, and pressure pain threshold of the gastrocnemius muscle with latent trigger points. Twenty mixed martial arts athletes (MMA) were randomly divided into two groups: experimental (eDN, n = 10) and sham (qDN, n = 10) to undergo one session of DN either with a real or a qazi needle. The measurements were taken at rest, 1-5 minutes after the DN (Post1-5min) and 24h after the DN (Post24h). DN significantly increased the muscle perfusion (Post1-5min and Post24h, p < 0.001), reduced its tone (Post1-5min and Post24h, p < 0.001) and stiffness (Post1-5min, p < 0.05; Post24 h, p < 0.001), and improved its elasticity (Post1-5min and Post24h, p < 0.001). DN also caused a significant increase in pressure pain threshold (Post1-5min, p < 0.001; Post24h, p < 0.05) and in muscle power (Post24h, p < 0.01). The DN session increased the blood perfusion and improved the biomechanical properties of the gastrocnemius muscle, which led to improved muscle power. The DN also had an analgesic effect. These effects were maintained at 24 h, which suggests that DN could facilitate muscle recovery in a post-exercise period of MMA athletes.

Connections of bullying experienced by Kyokushin karate athletes with the psychological state: is "a Cure for Bullying" safe?

Although some authors propose practicing martial arts as a prevention against bullying, little is known about bullying among karate athletes and the consequences of negative behaviour for athletes' psychological state. This study aims to explore the effect of bullying on the psychological state of Kyokushin karate athletes. A total of 371 athletes were surveyed to measure bullying experiences and signs of stress, anxiety, and depression. It was determined that 75.5% of Kyokushin karate athletes had experienced unethical behaviour by their coaches or other athletes towards them at least once, and the scores on the signs of stress, anxiety, and depression correlated with damage in the fields of communication, social relations, and physical health. The results of binary logistic regression have shown that the qualifications of karate athletes and their participation in competitions influence the risk of being bullied. Organisations in which Kyokushin karate athletes do sports should devote more attention to preventing bullying among karate athletes themselves, especially when preparing for competitions as bullying can harm communication, social relations, and physical health.

Effects of a family judo program on sleep quality in youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a family-based judo program on sleep quality in youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). METHODS: Eighteen youth (13.17 years ± 3.76, 78% male) diagnosed with ASD participated in a 14-week family judo program. Sleep quality was assessed using the Actigraph GT9X accelerometer pre- and post-judo intervention. Non-parametric paired t-tests were conducted to examine changes in sleep quality variables. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in sleep efficiency (p = .05), and a significant decrease in both sleep latency (p = .001) and wake after sleep onset (p = .02) following participation in the judo program. There were no changes in sleep duration observed in this sample (p = .83). CONCLUSION: Participation in a family judo program may improve sleep quality in youth with ASD. More research is necessary to understand the mechanisms by which judo may improve sleep quality in youth with ASD.

Implementation of a Budo group therapy for psychiatric in- and outpatients: a feasibility study.

Introduction: Physical exercise has been shown to have numerous health benefits on co-morbid somatic conditions in psychiatry and can also enhance mental health. Thus, it is not difficult to recommend physical training programs as part of an integrated and holistic treatment approach for mental health disorders. However, getting patients to participate and keeping them engaged is a major challenge. Programs based on martial arts training could be interventions improving physical and mental health with higher attachment rates. The structured discipline, holistic approach integrating physical and mental elements, and empowering activities, may explain higher participant attachment rates. Methods: Thus, the main objective of this feasibility study is to describe a newly established group therapy program incorporating interventions from martial arts training with its physical and philosophical parts including mindfulness and breath work. Results: During the 14-month study period from April 2021 to May 2022, a Budo group therapy was used by 215 individual persons with a total of 725 group therapy participations. Retention in the program was good across all settings and very good for persons who participated as outpatients. The mean age of the participants was 33.5 years with a range from 14 to 69 years of age, and about 41% of the participants were female. The therapy program was able to address patients over the whole spectrum of psychiatric diagnoses. Satisfaction and motivation were uniformly self-reported as very good. Patients self-reported improved mental and physical health after participating in a Budo session compared to pre-session. Discussion: Budo group therapy thus can be seen as a feasible, well-accepted and promising new transdiagnostic treatment approach, combining physical activation with resilience enhancement. With minimal contraindications, a broad spectrum of individuals seeking mental health support can engage in this group therapy.

The effects of pre-task music on choice visual reaction time in elite taekwondo athletes.

OBJECTIVES: The effects of music on sport performance mainly involved endurance or resistance exercises overlooking possible effects on reaction time, which is deemed essential in martial arts for a proficient performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the exposure to pre-task music on choice visual reaction time in elite taekwondo athletes. DESIGN: Repeated measure study design. METHODS: Reaction time and mean Heart Rate (HRmean) were recorded in twenty young taekwondo athletes (17.5 ±â€¯2.5 years old) while performing a roundhouse kick in response to different visual stimuli after three warmup conditions: listening to self-selected music (SM), research-selected music (RM) or no music (CC). Moreover, Feeling Scale (FS), Felt Arousal Scale (FAS) were recorded before (T0) and after warmup (T1) in each testing session. RESULTS: SM and RM elicited significantly faster reaction times compared to CC (-3.3 % and -5.2 %, respectively). No significant difference in reaction time was observed between SM and RM. The FS and FAS scores were significantly higher at T1 compared to T0 in the SM and RM conditions, whereas no difference between T0 and T1 was observed in the CC condition. No difference was observed for HRmean between SM, RM and CC conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Listening to SM and RM during the warmup improved choice visual reaction times in elite taekwondo athletes. These results suggest the use of music as a performance-enhancing strategy prior to combat competition or training in martial arts.

Exploring the role of traditional martial arts in enhanching physical fitness and health management

In social development, due to the prevalence of a physically active lifestyle among youths, the importance of physical activities (PA), categorized as martial arts (MA) has increased. The purpose of the study is to gain knowledge about the relationships between chosen and used MA kinds and the composition of teenagers' weekly PA, taking into account gender variations. The research included 1,000 male and 1,200 female athletes. This may emphasize the connection between martial arts and physical fitness. Actively practicing martial arts, such as Karate or taekwondo, greatly enhances a variety of physical fitness facets, such as cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. It helps improve general physical health by reducing body fat, building muscle, etc. A comprehensive approach to fitness is provided by martial arts training, which combines aerobic workouts, strength training, and stretching routines. Martial arts improve mental health, discipline, self-confidence, and physical benefits. As a result, martial arts help to promote general health and well-being by offering a practical way to develop and maintain physical fitness. The current study supports the existence of strong correlations between MA preference and performance and active PA in boys. Like other kinds of PA, teenagers who participate in MA throughout the year can fulfill the weekly PA recommendation. It is necessary to do further study on the correlations between participation in MA and the likelihood of adhering to the PA recommendations compared to other forms of PA (AU)

The effects of training type and area size variations on the physiological and session rating of perceived exertion responses during male judo matches.

Modified exercise prescription in judo is commonly used to activate the energy systems in different magnitudes. In order to study the physiological and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) responses according to area sizes (i.e., 4 m × 4 m, 6 m × 6 m and 8 m × 8 m) and training mode variations (i.e., groundwork, ne-waza; standing combat only, tachi-waza; and free combat, free randori), eighteen male judo athletes (age: 22.6 ± 1.8 years) were randomly assigned, on separate days, to 9 experimental conditions (3 area sizes × 3 training modes) with each condition lasting 4 min. Delta lactate [La] was calculated based on the blood lactate values measured before and after every condition. Heart rate (HR) was measured during and after each bout and RPE recorded at the end of each combat. The results showed that mean and peak HR, percentage of maximum HR (% HRmax), delta [La] values and RPE scores were lower in 4 m × 4 m compared to 6 m × 6 m and 8 m × 8 m, and in groundwork training mode compared to standing combat and free randori (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, the 6 m × 6 m condition induced lower delta [La] values than 8 m × 8 m (p < 0.001) and free randori resulted in higher RPE scores than standing combat (p = 0.001). In conclusion, different training variables can be easily manipulated in a variety of different ways to specifically activate the energetic systems. Focusing on groundwork, the 6 m × 6 m area size was found to be the most suitable condition to induce a higher cardiovascular response, while the standing combat and free randori in 6 m × 6 m resulted in increased glycolytic activation compared to the groundwork condition.

Acute Anterior Thigh Compartment Syndrome in a Young Mixed Martial Arts Fighter.

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the thigh is an uncommon injury, and diagnosis of such cases can be easily delayed or even missed due to the rare nature of this condition.  We present a case of ACS of the thigh in a young, healthy mixed martial arts (MMA) semi-professional athlete with no history of previous medical illnesses and normal coagulation.  This MMA fighter sustained a direct blow to the anterolateral aspect of his left thigh with a strong kick during a sparring match with his opponent.  After early surgical fasciotomy, this athlete returned to his pre-injury state and athletic performance within six to eight months postoperatively. Our literature review asserts that young athletic males with high muscle mass, engaging in contact sports, are at a higher risk of developing ACS of the thigh.

Increasing trend in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu injuries presenting to U.S. emergency departments - a 10-year analysis and injury profile.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate injury trends in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) participation by presenting to U.S. emergency departments over a 10-year period and formulate an injury profile. METHODS: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database was queried for martial arts related injuries from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2021. Codes and narratives were examined to compile data for patients sustaining BJJ-related injuries. RESULTS: From 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2021 there were 7,722 (NE = 282,315) ED-diagnosed martial arts related injuries with 911 (NE = 36,023) BJJ-related injuries identified. Regression analysis demonstrated an increasing trend in the annual incidence of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu injuries presenting to the ED (R2 = 0.934; SE = 2.069: p < .0001). Average age was 25.68 years of age (range 4-83). The most common injury diagnoses were sprains/strains and other/not listed at 27.68% and 26.39%. The most commonly injured body parts were the upper trunk, and the shoulder comprising 13.66% and 12.14% of injured body parts, respectively. The most commonly fractured region was toes, at 14.15% of all fractures. The most common dislocations occurred at the shoulder and knee, at 32.49% and 28.45% of dislocations, respectively. The most common mechanisms of injury specifically identified were indeterminate contact between players, fall onto ground, or fall onto another player comprising 18.62% and 17.17%, of injuries, respectively. CONCLUSION: There was an increasing trend of BJJ-related injuries presenting to U.S. Emergency Departments. The most common diagnoses and body parts injured were sprains/strains and upper trunk and shoulder, respectively. The most commonly fractured and dislocated regions were toes and shoulder, respectively. The most common mechanisms of injury were indeterminate contact or falling. This study provides novel information concerning trends in injury and injury profiles for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu related injuries.

Neuroanatomical correlates of aggressiveness: a case-control voxel- and surface-based morphometric study.

Aggression occurs across the population ranging on a symptom continuum. Most previous studies have used magnetic resonance imaging in clinical/forensic samples, which is associated with several confounding factors. The present study examined structural brain characteristics in two healthy samples differing only in their propensity for aggressive behavior. Voxel- and surface-based morphometry (SBM) analyses were performed on 29 male martial artists and 32 age-matched male controls. Martial artists had significantly increased mean gray matter volume in two frontal (left superior frontal gyrus and bilateral anterior cingulate cortex) and one parietal (bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus and precuneus) brain clusters compared to controls (whole brain: p < 0.001, cluster level: family-wise error (FWE)-corrected). SBM analyses revealed a trend for greater gyrification indices in martial artists compared to controls in the left lateral orbital frontal cortex and the left pars orbitalis (whole brain: p < 0.001, cluster level: FWE-corrected). The results indicate brain structural differences between martial artists and controls in frontal and parietal brain areas critical for emotion processing/inhibition of emotions as well as empathic processes. The present study highlights the importance of studying healthy subjects with a propensity for aggressive behavior in future structural MRI research on aggression.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in body segments in Judo and Jiu-jitsu athletes / Prevalência de dor musculoesquelética nos segmentos corporais em atletas de Judô e Jiu-jitsu

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A notable gap persists in understanding the prevalence of pain and musculoskeletal injuries in combat sports. This study offers a comprehensive exploration of the most affected anatomical regions. Such an investigation is pivotal for refining clinical strategies involving preventive measures and physiotherapeutic interventions. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional observational study. Individuals aged 18 years or over, combat sport modalities practitioners, of both genders, and capable of answering the questionnaire were included. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 71 athletes. Female athletes practiced 12.65% Judo and 21.51% practiced Jiu-jitsu, while 26.58% of male athletes practiced Judo and 39.24% Jiu-jitsu. The mean age was 31.14±11.75 years, and body mass index of 27.69 kg/m2 (±5.31). The average time of practice was 8±10.59 years. The regions most affected by pain in the last 12 months were the lumbar spine (90%), knees (90%) and wrists/ hands (60%). Female Judo presented a significant index of pain in the last 12 months in the upper limbs, and the neck was the region identified as most responsible for limiting activities. In the last 7 days, the thoracic and lumbar spine regions were more significant. In female Jiu-jitsu, in the 12-month and 7-day analyses, the ankle/foot were the most affected regions when compared to the male gender, and the knees were identified as most responsible for limiting activities. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive description of the main regions affected by musculoskeletal disorders and pain is of fundamental importance for the development of prevention and physiotherapeutic treatment strategies.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Persiste uma lacuna notável na compreensão da prevalência da dor e das lesões musculoesqueléticas nos esportes de combate. Este estudo oferece uma exploração abrangente das regiões anatômicas mais afetadas. Tal investigação é fundamental para refinar estratégias clínicas envolvendo medidas preventivas e intervenções fisioterapêuticas. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional transversal. Foram incluídos indivíduos com idade igual ou superior a 18 anos, praticantes de modalidades esportivas de combate, de ambos os sexos e capazes de responder ao questionário. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva e o teste Qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: A amostra final foi composta por 71 atletas. Das atletas do sexo feminino, 12,65% praticavam Judô e 21,51% praticavam Jiu-jitsu, enquanto 26,58% do sexo masculino praticavam Judô e 39,24% Jiu-jitsu. A média de idade foi de 31,14±11,75 anos, e índice de massa corporal de 27,69 kg/ m2 (±5,31). O tempo médio de prática foi de 8±10,59 anos. As regiões mais afetadas pela dor nos últimos 12 meses foram coluna lombar (90%), joelhos (90%) e punhos/mãos (60%). O Judô feminino apresentou índice significativo de dor nos últimos 12 meses em membros superiores, sendo o pescoço identificado como o maior responsável pela limitação das atividades. Nos últimos 7 dias, colunas torácica e lombar foram mais significativas. No Jiu-jitsu feminino, em 12 meses e 7 dias, tornozelo/pé foram mais afetados quando comparado ao masculino, e os joelhos foram os maiores responsáveis pela limitação das atividades. CONCLUSÃO: Uma descrição abrangente das principais regiões afetadas por dor e lesões musculoesqueléticas é de fundamental importância no desenvolvimento de estratégias de prevenção e tratamento fisioterapêutico.

O ensino de lutas/artes marciais como uma prática de educação libertadora: entremeando círculos de cultura, situações-problema e jogos / The teaching of fights/martial arts as a liberating education practice: interspersing crop circles, situational issues, and games / La enseñanza de lucha/artes marciales como práctica de educación liberadora: intercalando círculos en las cosechas, problemas situacionales y juegos

RESUMO A inserção das Lutas/Artes Marciais no campo escolar tem sido tema frequente no campo da Educação Física. As obras de Paulo Freire emergem como possibilidade para atuação pedagógica nesse tema. Realizou-se uma pesquisa-formação qualitativa, com observação, análise e reflexão sobre a experiência com três turmas de Ensino Médio de uma escola pública do município de Lavras (Brasil), somando-se 44 horas/aula. Recorreu-se a um diário de bordo para registro. Os resultados apontaram para uma vasta bagagem cultural dos estudantes sobre o assunto. Concluiu-se que o ensino de práticas como essa, numa perspectiva de educação libertadora, pode contribuir com a formação de sujeitos autônomos, com visões ampliadas de mundo.

ABSTRACT The insertion of Fights/Martial Arts in the school field has been a frequent theme in the field of Physical Education. Paulo Freire's works emerge as a possibility for pedagogical action in this theme. A qualitative research was carried out, with observation, analysis and reflection on the experience with three high school classes from a public school in the municipality of Lavras (Brazil), adding up to 44 hours/class. A logbook was used for recording. The results pointed to a vast cultural baggage of students on the subject. It was concluded that the teaching of practices like this, in a perspective of liberating education, can contribute to the formation of autonomous subjects, with expanded views of the world.

RESUMEN La inserción de las Luchas/Artes Marciales en el ámbito escolar ha sido un tema frecuente en el campo de la Educación Física. Las obras de Paulo Freire emergen como una posibilidad de acción pedagógica en esta temática. Se realizó una investigación cualitativa, con observación, análisis y reflexión sobre la experiencia con tres clases de secundaria de una escuela pública del municipio de Lavras (Brasil), sumando 44 horas/clase. Para el registro se utilizó un cuaderno de bitácora. Los resultados apuntaron a un vasto bagaje cultural de los estudiantes sobre el tema. Se concluyó que la enseñanza de prácticas como ésta, en una perspectiva de educación liberadora, puede contribuir a la formación de sujetos autónomos, con visiones ampliadas del mundo.

Preparation and sports performance of multilayer flexible anti stabbing fabric martial arts sports composite conjugate materials.

Puncture-resistant clothing plays an important role in martial arts. This article studies the preparation process of multi-layer flexible stab-resistant fabrics, analyzes the sports properties of the fabric, and explores the potential application of stab-resistant clothing in martial arts. This article uses ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber as raw material, preprocesses it, including fiber cleaning, drying, lamination, and laminating them together through needle punching, then soaks the laminated fibers in resin, and the soaked fibers solidifies to form a specific flexible puncture-resistant fabric. This article prepares three types of layered fabrics, namely woven fabrics, nonwoven materials, and composite materials of nonwoven materials + woven fabrics + nonwoven materials, and analyzes the kinematic characteristics of the three layered fabrics. Experimental results show that when the number of layers is 4, the average breaking tensile forces of woven fabrics, nonwoven materials and composite materials are 3400, 4600 and 3860 respectively, and the average breaking elongations are 11.8%, 40.6% and 17.4% respectively. This shows that woven fabrics have the highest levels of air permeability and moisture permeability.

Transgender competition in combat sports: Position statement of the Association of ringside physicians.

The Association of Ringside Physicians (ARP) is committed to the concept of fair competition. It advocates for two equally skilled and matched athletes to keep bouts fair, competitive, entertaining, and, most importantly, safe for all combatants. Numerous studies have proven that transgender women may have a competitive athletic advantage against otherwise matched cis-gender women. Likewise, transgender men may suffer a competitive disadvantage against cis-gender men. These differences - both anatomic and physiologic - persist despite normalization of sex hormone levels and create disparities in competitive abilities that are not compatible with the spirit of fair competition. More importantly, allowing transgender athletes to compete against cisgender athletes in combat sports, which already involve significant risk of serious injury, unnecessarily raises the risk of injury due to these differences. Hence the ARP does not support transgender athlete competition against cisgender athletes in combat sports.

Effects of Olympic Combat Sports on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Non-Athlete Population: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This systematic review aimed to assess the available body of published peer-reviewed articles related to the effects of Olympic combat sports (OCS) on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in the non-athlete population. The methodological quality and certainty of evidence were evaluated using PRISMA, TESTEX, RoB, and GRADE scales. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42023391433). From 4133 records, six randomized controlled trials were included, involving 855 non-athletes (mean age = 27.2 years old). The TESTEX scale reported all studies with a ≥ 60% (moderate-high quality) score. The GRADE scale indicated moderate to low certainty of evidence. It was only possible to perform a meta-analysis on direct methods to maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). The main results indicated significant differences in favor of OCS compared to active/passive controls in VO2max (SMD = 4.61; 95%CI = 1.46 to 7.76; I2 = 99%; p = 0.004), while the individual results of the studies reported significant improvements in favor of the OCS on the indirect methods of the CRF. OCS improved CRF in a healthy non-athlete population of different ages, specifically showing a significant improvement in VO2max with direct tests, such as cardiopulmonary tests. However, moderate to low certainty of evidence is reported, so no definitive recommendations can be established.