Nutrition in Combat Sports

19 Kickboxing 339
trates the means by which HRR, target HR, and therefore sustained exercise intensity
may be estimated.
For a kickboxer with an already high relative VO (e.g., 75 ml/kg/min), he/she
2max
would have to train greater than 85% of VO to derive additional, albeit likely
2max
negligible, improvements in aerobic capacity. [9] Contrary to the misconception that
abundant endurance training (e.g., jogging 60 min daily) builds an “aerobic base”
for anaerobic training, prolonged endurance training can actually impair power and
strength development. [9, 11, 13, 21] For additional background in aerobic training
that may be useful for the kickboxer, the reader is referred to Potteiger. [22]
The aforementioned methods are used to improve anaerobic and aerobic capacities
without the same risk of injury and overtraining that a kickboxer may face by solely
engaging in maximal-intensity sparring. However, sport-specific training fosters
reciprocal improvements between neuromuscular memory (e.g., efficient and instinctive
application of fighting techniques) and exercise metabolism.[ 9, 11, 13] Therefore,
controlled sparring and related drills should be an integral part of the kickboxer’s
training regimen.
Techniques are often delivered through a relatively full range of motion (e.g., kicks
directed at the head of a standing opponent). Therefore, the kickboxer should
consider the usefulness of routine flexibility training. This may include progressive
static and technique-based dynamic stretches. If feasible, the kickboxer may
implement proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretches, which have been
shown to be superior to other methods for improving range of motion. [23] The
reader is referred to Holcomb [24] for flexibility training that may be useful for
kickboxers.
Overtraining, which is stagnation in performance due to exerting oneself too
intensely for too long, may be averted by varying one’s training routine, tapering
training intensity and volume several days to weeks prior to competition, applying
periodization strategies such that one peaks for competition, and ensuring
nutrition as well as rest are commensurate to training demands. [9, 11] For proper
nutrition and psychological optimization, the reader is referred to Chapters 1 and 3,
respectively.
19.6 Acute and Chronic Injuries
Since the main intent of the kickboxing encounter is to land blows more frequently
and decisively than one’s opponent, [8] both acute and chronic injuries may be
expected. Data are limited with regard to the type and severity of chronic injuries
among kickboxers. However, acute injury trends have been elucidated in several
studies and case reports.
Focused on injuries among professional kickboxers, Zazryn et al. reviewed all
match injuries from 1985 to 2001 that were recorded in an Australian combat sports
database. [25] Of 3,481 fight participations, a total of 382 injuries were observed.
Fight participation could be defined as one kickboxer’s exposure to one match.