Biochemical Differences Between Official and Simulated Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Matches.
BACKGROUND
One of the goals for training in combat sports is to mimic real situations. For mixed martial arts (MMA), simulated sparring matches are a frequent component during training, but a there is a lack of knowledge considering the differences in sparring and competitive environments.


OBJECTIVE
The main objective of this study was to compare biochemical responses to sparring and official MMA matches.


METHODS
Twenty five male professional MMA fighters were evaluated during official events (OFF = 12) and simulated matches (SIM = 13). For both situations, blood samples were taken before (PRE) and immediately after (POST) matches. For statistical analysis, two-way analysis of variance (time x group and time x winner) were used to compare the dependent parametric variables. For non-parametric data, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used and differences were confirmed by Mann-Whitney tests.


RESULTS
No significant differences were observed among the groups for demographic variables. The athletes were 26.5 ± 5 years with 80 ± 10 kg, 1.74 ± 0.05 m and had 39.4 ± 25 months of training experience. Primary results indicated higher blood glucose concentration prior to fights for OFF group (OFF= 6.1 ± 1.2 mmol/L and SIM= 4.4 ± 0.7 mmol/L; P < 0.01) and higher ALT values for OFF group at both time points (OFF: PRE = 41.2 ± 12 U/L, POST = 44.2 ± 14.1 U/L; SIM: PRE = 28.1 ± 13.8 U/L, POST = 30.5 ± 12.5 U/L; P = 0.001). In addition, the blood lactate showed similar responses for both groups (OFF: PRE= 4 [3.4 - 4.4] mmol/L, POST= 16.9 [13.8 - 23.5] mmol/L; SIM: PRE = 3.8 [2.8 - 5.5] mmol/L, POST= 16.8 [12.3 - 19.2] mmol/L; P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, MMA official and simulated matches induce similar high intensity glycolytic demands and minimal changes to biochemical markers of muscle damage immediately following the fights. Glycolytic availability prior to the fights was raised exclusively in response to official matches.
Superior School of Physical Education, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Faculty of Physical Education, Faculty Anhanguera of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
Victor
V
Silveira Coswig
Institute of Exercise Physiology and Wellness, University of Central Florida, Orlando, United States of America.
David
D
Hideyoshi Fukuda
Biological Sciences Center, Londrina State University, Londrina, Brazil.
Solange
S
de Paula Ramos
Superior School of Physical Education, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
Fabricio
F
Boscolo Del Vecchio
Athletic Performance; Blood Physiological Phenomena; Creatine Kinase; Martial Arts