title: The Neuromuscular Qualities of Higher- and Lower-Level Mixed-Martial-Arts Competitors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether the maximal strength, impulse, and power characteristics of competitive mixed-martial-arts (MMA) athletes differ according to competition level.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-nine male semiprofessional and amateur MMA competitors were stratified into either higher-level (HL) or lower-level (LL) performers on the basis of competition grade and success. The 1-repetition-maximum (1RM) squat was used to assess lower-body dynamic strength, and a spectrum of impulse, power, force, and velocity variables were evaluated during an incremental-load jump squat. In addition, participants performed an isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) and 1RM bench press to determine whole-body isometric force and upper-body dynamic strength capabilities, respectively. All force and power variables were expressed relative to body mass (BM).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The HL competitors produced significantly superior values across a multitude of measures. These included 1RM squat strength (1.84 ± 0.23 vs 1.56 ± 0.24 kg BM; P = .003), in addition to performance in the incremental-load jump squat that revealed greater peak power (P = .005-.002), force (P = .002-.004), and velocity (P = .002-.03) at each load. Higher measures of impulse (P = .01-.04) were noted in a number of conditions. Average power (P = .002-.02) and velocity (P = .01-.04) at all loads in addition to a series of rate-dependent measures were also superior in the HL group (P = .005-.02). The HL competitors' 1RM bench-press values approached significantly greater levels (P = .056) than the LL group's, but IMTP performance did not differ between groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Maximal lower-body neuromuscular capabilities are key attributes distinguishing HL from LL MMA competitors. This information can be used to inform evidenced-based training and performance-monitoring practices.
authors.forename: Lachlan P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: Emma M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Beckman
authors.forename: Vincent G
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: G Gregory
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Haff
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D016139:Martial Arts / Q000502:physiology*; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D055070:Resistance Training
keywords: athletic performance; combat sports; contact sports; force–velocity relationship; jump squat