Evaluation of training and performance in thai boxe

Introduction. It is assessed that in the combat sports the best performance highly depends on technical-tactical and energetic features. Therefore particular attention have to be paid in fully understanding this assumption, questioning about the simplest but equally relevant ways to evaluate the peculiarities of the combat actions and to improve the planning of the training and its outcomes. Lehmann’s test (1994), analysis of [La] and perceived exertion can be useful methods to exploit. The aim of this study was to examine these pointers and their relations with the performances in Thai-boxers at different level. Methods 10 non-competitive (NC) and 10 competitive (C) Thai-boxers volunteered in the study. The Lehmann’s test (LT, 4 series of consecutive Jab punches for 6 s, 1 min rest) was twice repeated in two consecutive days. The number of Jab punches (JP), the [La] (by a fingertip blood sample, 3 min post-test) and the perceived exertion (RPE, by the Borg scale, 0-10) were collected. The outcomes of the matches performed by C athletes were also surveyed (victories, 8±2.3, mean±SD). The reliability of LT, the differences between athletes by level and correlations of results after LT and the performances of the C athletes were accomplished. Results In NC, the ICC of JP, [La] and RPE were 0.89, 0.96 and 0.49, respectively. In C, the ICC of JP, [La] and RPE were 0.87, 0.82 and 0.94, respectively. LT is then reliable both in NC and in C. C performed a significantly higher number of JP than NC (43.26±2.01 vs 48.05±2.95, p<0.01), as well as they showed a lower [La] (6.93±0.92 vs 5.63±0.46, mM, p<0.01). No differences were found in RPE. In C, a significant negative correlation was found between [La] and JP (rho=-0.98, p<0.01). Positive correlation was found between the outcomes (victories) in the competitions and JP (rho=0.86, p<0.01). Discussion In Thai boxers, the Lehmann’s test is a proper and useful method to evaluate the ATP-PC System. The results showed that LT is directly related to the training level, then it can be easily employed by coaches as a training support. Furthermore, competitive athletes perform the test better than the non-competitive also thanks to the enhanced economy that their actions allow as a consequence of a more fully-developed technical skills. This economy also combines with the energetic outcomes of the training. The positive correlation between JP and the results (victories) in the competitions confirms that the high intensity of the punches combinations is an essential element in Thai boxe. References Lehmann G., Mosch N., Lilge W., 1994, Untersuchungen zur Struktur der Leistungsvorassetzungen des Taekwondokampfers, Leistungssport, 24, 3, 21-26. Lehmann G., 1997, L’allenamento della resistenza negli sport di combattimento, SDS-Rivista di Cultura Sportiva, 38, 16, 19-25.