Anthropometric profile and anaerobic capacity of martial arts and combat sports athletes

Aim. The aim of the present study was to compare selected anthropometric parameters and anaerobic capacity in representatives of two types of hand-to-hand combat as an example of differences between training in martial arts and combat sports. Methods. The study included 28 taekwon-do athletes (M age = 19.7 yr., SD = 2.21, years of training = 7.9 yr., SD = 1.89) and 28 Greco-Roman wrestlers (M age = 19.0 yr., SD = 1.78, years of training = 6.9 yr., SD = 1.95) at a high competitive national level. Fundamental parameters of anaerobic capacity as well as selected biometric indices were assessed. Results. Taekwon-do athletes demonstrated body mass lower by 5.9% (p>0.05) and body height higher by 1.5% (p>0.05) than wrestlers. Also, their level of adiposity was lower (by 19.3%, p<0.05). Taekwon-do athletes achieved higher values of maximal power (by 1.2 W/kg, p<0.001) and total work (by 28.5 J/kg, p<0.001). Conclusions. The type of a hand-to-hand combat requires a different bioenergetic potential and anthropometric profile of competitors.