The study shows that MMA sparring hits blood health harder than boxing

The study shows that MMA sparring hits blood health harder than boxing

New research finds MMA athletes have more detrimental blood changes than boxing, revealing greater risks and a greater need for sport-specific recovery strategies.

Study:Changes in the rheological properties of blood in martial artists (Boxing vs MMA). Photo credit: Biofoto/Shutterstock.com

A recent study analyzing blood viscosity and flow characteristics in martial arts athletes shows that simulated MMA (mixed martial arts) sparring sessions result in more pronounced changes in deformability, aggregation and plasma volume in red blood cells compared to boxing matches. The results will be published inScientific reports.

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Martial artists often conduct dynamic sessions of direct confrontation. These sports such as kickboxing, boxing and MMA rely on anaerobic processes during sessions and generate high physiological stress. This level of physical exertion leads to significant changes in the rheological properties of blood.

Rheological properties of blood refer to blood viscosity and flow properties. These properties are determined by the complex interaction between different blood components such as plasma and red blood cells (RBCs). Blood viscosity is influenced by hematocrit (the percentage of RBCs), plasma viscosity, RBC deformability, and aggregation, which together affect blood flow in the body.

RBCs must be deformed to facilitate easy transport through narrow capillaries to ensure cellular oxygen delivery. Physical exercise is known to either increase or decrease the deformability of RBCs and is expected to significantly influence the rheological properties of blood.

In the current study, researchers examined the rheological properties of blood in two groups of martial arts athletes, specifically those who participated in boxing and MMA, and compared them to those of a control group of participants who led a sedentary lifestyle.

Study design

The study population included 16 boxers and 16 MMA performers who were elite-level athletes and participated regularly. The control group included 14 non-weight-bearing men who led a sedentary lifestyle.

Blood samples were collected from martial artists before and after dynamic sessions of direct confrontation (standardized simulated sparring, unofficial matches). Red blood cell deformability (elongation index at different shear stresses) and fibrinogen concentration were mainly determined because these parameters are significant determinants of the rheological properties of blood.

The study was conducted during the training preparation period. All athletes were matched for age, training experience and weight category. The environmental conditions were strictly controlled.

Study results

Comparison between boxing and control groups before and after the fighting session revealed an induction in RBC deformability at shear stresses of 4.24, 8.23, 15.95, 30.94 and 60.00 PA among boxers.

This increase suggests that exercise may stimulate red blood cell turnover and potentially improve deformability and oxygen delivery by replacing older cells with newer, more efficient ones.

The study also found an induction in boxer fibrinogen levels compared to control group participants. Physical exercise-induced induction in fibrinogen levels leads to RBC aggregation and increases blood viscosity.

However, there were no statistically significant changes in aggregation index or plasma viscosity in Boxers, indicating that increased RBC deformability may help maintain blood flow despite increased fibrinogen levels.

A reduction in RBC shear deformability of 0.58 was observed in boxers compared to control participants. This may indicate a mild impairment in RBC deformability, possibly associated with oxidative stress from temporary tissue hypoxia or immune responses. A higher WBC level in boxers compared to controls further supports this notion.

In boxers, increased WBC levels and reduced RBC deformability at shear stress 2.19 were observed after the fighting session. This suggests the activation of WBCs, which are stiffer and can alter blood circulation dynamics through interaction with RBCs by free radicals, thereby reducing their deformability.

By comparing the MMA and control groups before and after the fight session, the study found increased deformability of WBC, fibrinogen and RBC at shear stress 30.94 and 60.00 in MMA performers. The MMA group also observed reduced RBC deformability at shear stresses of 0.58 and 1.13.

The study revealed significantly higher blood morphology indicators and RBC aggregation after the fight in the MMA group. The increased RBC aggregation observed post-fight in the MMA group may reflect a physiological response to increased fibrinogen levels and inflammatory stress.

These results collectively suggest greater disruption and impairment of the rheological properties of blood in MMA athletes compared to boxers. The dynamic and comprehensive fighting techniques in MMA, including punches, kicks, knee strikes, holds and scokes, cause more extensive injuries to larger areas of the body, including the limbs and torso.

A much greater reduction in plasma columene was observed in the MMA group (~9%) than the boxing group (~1.6%), reflecting the longer duration and higher intensity of MMA sparring involving multiple muscle groups. Reduced plasma volume is a physiological response to intense physical activity in which fluid changes from the intravascular space to functioning muscle tissue, resulting in hemoconcentration.

A significantly reduced plasma volume in the MMA group may indicate hemoconcentration-related changes in the rheological properties of the blood, such as: B. increased aggregation and reduced deformability of RBC. These combined effects can impair blood flow and reduce the delivery of tissue oxygenation.

The authors note that the physiological changes observed after sparring are acute. However, if repeated or ignored, they can contribute to impaired blood flow and increased cardiovascular strain.

Investigate significance

The study shows that simulated MMA fights have a more negative impact on the rheological properties of blood than boxing matches.

This outcome may be influenced by the more varied and intense physical demands of MMA, which include higher energy expenditure, greater tissue damage, and greater inflammatory responses.

The study results highlight the need for tailored hydration and recovery strategies in MMA to mitigate the adverse effects of hemoconcentration on athletic performance and recovery. Specific recommendations include strategies to minimize oxidative stress (e.g.

Limitations of the study include the use of simulated sparring rather than official competition, the inclusion of elite male athletes, and a relatively small sample size. Further research is needed to confirm these results in larger, more diverse cohorts and real-world tournament settings.

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