Analysis of Respiratory Functions and Respiratory Muscle Strength of Martial Arts Athletes

Abstract

Background: Respiratory functions and respiratory muscle strength are important factors influencing athletes' both performance and rehabilitation processes. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the respiratory functions and respiratory muscle strengths of elite athletes doing different branches of martial arts. Methods: 58 male athletes (Judo: 15, Muay Thai: 15, Boxing: 14, Taekwondo: 14) participated in our study. The samples' respiratory function tests were administered with spirometry in sitting position, while their respiratory muscle strength tests were administered by using intraoral barometer. SPSS 22.0 program was used for statistical analysis. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the respiratory function results of athletes doing different martial arts (p>0.05). However, it was found that Judo and Muay Thai athletes had higher FVC, FEV1, MVV and PEF values when compared with boxing and Taekwondo athletes. When respiratory muscle strengths were analysed, statistically significant difference was found in favour of Judo and Muay Thai athletes in terms of MIP values (p<0.05), while significant difference was found in favour of only Muay Thai athletes in terms of MEP values (p<0.05). Conclusion: When the results of our study were analysed, it was found that Judo and Muay Thai athletes had higher respiratory function levels when compared with Boxing and Taekwondo athletes; while Judo, Muay Thai and boxing athletes had higher respiratory muscle strength rates when compared with Taekwondo athletes and these results showed that these branches with different styles and systems could show different results. Based on the results of our study, it is thought that athletes and trainers of martial sports athletes can develop these parameters influencing performance through trainings which develop extra respiratory muscle (IMT) and functions. In addition, our study can become a reference in terms of respiratory functions and especially respiratory muscle strength administered in branches of Judo, Muay Thai, Boxing and Taekwondo.