SHORT REVIEW: ACCELEROMETRY MEASUREMENT IN MMA

BACKGROUND 

The ability to pace oneself in any physical activity (whether in training or competition) is critical to achieving successful competition results, as well as training in a fashion conducive to optimal outcomes and minimising the risk of overtraining. For endurance training modalities, developing a pacing strategy is fairly straightforward. In multi-faceted activities such as combat sports, however, the recording activity loads presents a significant challenge. The use of accelerometry is one proposed method of recording activity athletes and subsequently guiding pacing strategies.

METHODS

This current study involved re-analysis of a previous study. Whereas the previous study provided data by individual round, this looked at the data by each individual minute. 6 elite-level male MMA athletes participated in a 5-minute, 3-round sparring session. 

Each athlete was fitted with a Minimax X3 110HZ triaxial accelerometer (Catapult innovations) at the T3/4 vertebrae level. The findings from the accelerometer were referenced with time motion analysis camera footage. 

FINDINGS

  • Accelerometry was correlated with overall athlete performance as measured by time motion analysis, and was not biased between modalities (grappling vs striking).
  • Accelerometry was not able to distinguish between different intensities of activity. 
  • Analysing this data by minute allowed the researchers to identify specific trends in activity:
    • A decline in activity from rounds 1 to 3
    • A decline in activity from minutes 1 to 4, followed by a spike in activity in minute 5, in the 1st round.
    • A spike in activity in the third round, followed by a decline in activity in the last 2 minutes of round 2.
    • A decline in activity in the last 3 minutes of round 3
    • Winners displayed superior pacing strategies throughout the bout

IMPLICATIONS

Whilst conducted on a relatively small sample size, this study delivered promising results in terms of accelerometry methods being an effective way of tracking player load in mixed martial arts. This technology does, however, need to become more accessible to athletes and gyms before realising widespread use.

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