Dynamics of Fatigue and Recovery in MMA Training

NCT06709599 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: MMA546/11
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 20
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

This observational study aims to understand how strength and conditioning training impacts biochemical and psychological markers of fatigue and recovery in mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. The main questions it aims to answer are: How does a high-intensity training program affect key biochemical markers, such as cortisol, inflammation, and muscle damage indicators? How does this training influence psychological factors, such as stress, mood, and recovery states? Researchers will compare measurements taken at four time points during the study to see if the training program leads to changes in these markers and whether it effectively balances stress and recovery. Participants will: Undergo a structured strength and conditioning program for three weeks. Provide blood samples for biochemical analysis at four different times. Complete psychological questionnaires assessing mood, stress, and recovery states. The findings aim to help optimize training programs and improve athlete well-being while minimizing the risk of overtraining.

Conditions

Healthy

Keywords

Athletes; Training; Fatigue; Recovery

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (10)

• Changes from baseline in cortisol level.

  Marker of stress level.

  At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

• Changes from baseline in epinephrine level.

  Marker of sympathetic nervous system activity

  At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

• Changes from baseline in norepinephrine level.

  Marker of sympathetic nervous system activity, indicating stress response.

  At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

• Changes from baseline in testosterone level.

  Marker of the anabolic processes level.

  At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

• Changes from baseline in hs CRP level.

  Marker inflammatory response.

  At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

• Changes from baseline in creatine kinase level.

  Marker muscle damage.

  At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

• Changes from baseline in total protein level.

  Marker of protein catabolism, and recovery processes.

  At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

• Changes from baseline in urea level.

  Marker of balance between protein breakdown and recovery.

  At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

• Changes from baseline in uric acid level.

  Marker of oxidative stress and, purine metabolism.

  At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

• Mood Profile of Athletes Before Exercise Test Using POMS Questionnaire.

  The Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire measures mood states and emotional well-being.

  At rest (before training), after the first week of training, and after the second and third weeks of training

Study Arms (1)

MMA athletes

Healthy, trained athletes

Other: Three-Week Strength and Conditioning Program

Interventions

Three-Week Strength and Conditioning Program OTHER

Athletes train six days a week for three weeks, totaling approximately 15 hours of training per week. Training includes circuit training, weightlifting, technique drills, and sparring, designed to mimic typical MMA preparation.

MMA athletes

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 20 Years - 25 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Eligibility to participate in the study was restricted to male participants only.
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consisted of male mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes affiliated with a sports club, actively engaged in regular training. All participants had a minimum of five years of training experience and at least two years of competitive fighting experience. They trained at least three times per week, maintained a balanced diet throughout the study, and did not use anabolic steroids, nutritional supplements, or medications that could influence the study results. The study was conducted during a training program that was an integral part of their preparation for competition. Athletes with injuries, clinical conditions, or those undergoing weight-cutting periods were excluded to ensure homogeneity and reliability of the results.

You may qualify if:

• Minimum of 5 years of training experience in mixed martial arts (MMA).
• Training at least three times per week.
• At least two years of competitive fighting experience.
• Not using anabolic steroids, nutritional supplements, or medications that could influence study results.
• Maintaining a balanced diet throughout the study.
• Non-smoker.

You may not qualify if:

• Presence of any injury or clinical condition preventing participation in the study.
• Use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Undergoing a weight-cutting period during the study.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Poznan University of Physical Education: lead

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Fatigue

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: RETROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 22, 2024
• First Posted: November 29, 2024
• Study Start: September 6, 2014
• Primary Completion: September 20, 2014
• Study Completion: May 30, 2015
• Last Updated: June 25, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share