Comparison of Mental Toughness and Power Test Performances in High-Level Kickboxers by Competitive Success.
BACKGROUND
Kickboxing is a high-intensity intermittent striking combat sport, which is characterized by complex skills and tactical key actions with short duration.


OBJECTIVE
The present study compared and verified the relationship between mental toughness (MT), countermovement jump (CMJ) and medicine ball throw (MBT) power tests by outcomes of high-level kickboxers during National Championship.


METHODS
Thirty two high-level male kickboxers (winner = 16 and loser = 16: 21.2 ± 3.1 years, 1.73 ± 0.07 m, and 70.2 ± 9.4 kg) were analyzed using the CMJ, MBT tests and sports mental toughness questionnaire (SMTQ; based in confidence, constancy and control subscales), before the fights of the 2015 national championship (16 bouts). In statistical analysis, Mann-Withney test and a multiple linear regression were used to compare groups and to observe relationships, respectively, P ≤ 0.05.


RESULTS
The present results showed significant differences between losers vs. winners, respectively, of total MT (7(7;8) vs. 11(10.2;11), confidence (3(3;3) vs. 4(4;4)), constancy (2(2;2) vs. 3(3;3)), control (2(2;3) vs. 4(4;4)) subscales and MBT (4.1(4;4.3) vs. 4.6(4.4;4.8)). The multiple linear regression showed a strong associations between MT results and outcome (r = 0.89), MBT (r = 0.84) and CMJ (r = 0.73).


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that MT will be more predictive of performance in those sports and in the outcome of competition.
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, Zarzouna,Tunisia.
Maamer
M
Slimani
Physical Education School, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
Bianca
B
Miarka
Qatar University, College of Arts and Sciences, Sport Science Program, Doha, Qatar.
Walid
W
Briki
High Institute of Applied Biology of Medenine, Gabes,Tunisia.
Foued
F
Cheour
Championship; Martial Arts; Mental Toughness; Power