Qualitative and quantitative methods in the study of martial arts and combat sports: a panel based on personal experiences

p. 79-83In this panel, five experts present their personal experiences in martial arts and combat sports (MA&CS) research. These experiences represent the two classic approaches to our studies: the quantitative and the qualitative. Above all, the panel aims to foster debate and reflection on the complementarity of these methods when trying to embrace the complexity of MA&CS.S

Effects of 12-week full body resistance exercise on vertical jumping with and without military equipment in Slovenian Armed Forces

Introduction Jumping ability is one of the most important physical qualities in military personnel. Previous training intervention studies have shown equivocal effects on jumping ability. In this study, we assessed the effect of a 12-week resistance exercise programme on countermovement jump (CMJ) performance with and without military equipment. Methods Ninety-six members of the Slovenian Armed Forces (age range 20–47 years) were allocated to the intervention (n=65) and the control (n=32) group. The intervention group performed 2 sessions of full body resistance exercise per week for 12 weeks, while the control group continued with their regular training routine. Before and after the intervention, CMJ assessment using force plates was conducted with and without military equipment. Results CMJ testing with and without equipment both exhibited high to excellent relative and absolute reliability. The intervention elicited statistically significant (p=0.011–0.026; η2=0.05–0.06), but small improvements in CMJ height when performed without equipment (from 28.2±3.8cm to 29.5±3.3cm) and with equipment (from 25.3±3.7cm to 27.1±6.1). Other variables showed even smaller or trivial changes. Conclusions This study suggests that CMJ with equipment could be a reliable tool to assess jumping performance specific to requirements of military work, which would increase the ecological validity of the testing. The present structured full-body training intervention showed modest improvements in jumping ability in both testing conditions. Trial registration number NCT034154

Injury Risk Analysis among Judo Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities

The main aim of this study was to evaluate injury prevalence, incidence rate, and burden in judo athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID) who participate in international competitions. This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed data from the past year for 182 judo athletes with ID. Data was collected using a self-reported questionnaire, adapted from previous research, that included questions about injuries impacting training or competition, injury type, mechanism, severity, diagnosis, and location on the body. The injury prevalence among judo athletes with ID occurred most often during training (68.2%) and primarily affected the lower extremities (35%). Age group and injury prevalence were significantly related (χ 2=7.91; P= 0.04), while gender, weight, and ability level were not. Results were closer to those previously reported for conventional judo, which is likely due to the lower practice intensity among judo athletes with ID. Injury prevalence was lower than in prior studies, but the incidence rates aligned when considering training time in judo athletes with ID. Injury burden analysis revealed that females had a lower burden than males, while older athletes experienced a higher burden than younger athletes. Most injuries occur during training, which is likely attributable to safety-focused competition rules