The caloric cost of combat sports and martial arts training in relation to health recommendations – initial research

Abstract

Background The aim of study was to expand the knowledge about the caloric cost (CC) of trainings in selected combat sports and martial arts, in the context of daily recommended physical activity necessary for health. Material & Methods: The study was conducted in a total of 89 men who recreationally trained 3–4 times a week aikido, capoeira, jujutsu, kick boxing, kyokushin karate, traditional karate, vma (various martial arts). For the measurements of training CC, “Caltrac Monitor” accelerometers (Muscle Dynamics, Inc. Torrance, CA, USA) were used. CC of three 60-minute workouts was monitored in each of the seven tested combat sports and martial arts, and the average results were given in kilocalories per hour (kcal/h) (absolute CC of exercises). The intensity of exercises was measured by multiplicity of metabolic equivalent (MET) (index of relative CC of trainings). Absolute and relative values of CC in each martial arts were compared to health-oriented physical activity (PA) recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine. Results: We have demonstrated that the majority of men taking part in combat sports and martial arts trainings met the criteria of daily physical activity for health. Conclusions: In the further studies on CC of combat sports and martial arts practice, measurement devices should be used that allow estimation of the ratio of training exercises with low, moderate, high and very high intensities.