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purpose of this study was to measure power values generated in elite
karate fighters during brief high intensity cycle ergometry when resistive
forces were derived from total - body mass (TBM) or fat - free mass
(FFM). Male international karate practitioners volunteered as participants
(n = 11). Body density was calculated using hydrostatic weighing procedures
with fat mass ascertained from body density values. Participants were
required to pedal maximally on a cycle ergometer (Monark 864) against
randomly assigned loads ranging from 70 g·kg-1 - 95 g·kg-1 (using
a TBM or FFM protocol) for 8 seconds. The resistive force that produced
the highest peak power output (PPO) for each protocol was considered
optimal. Differences (p < 0.05) in peak power outputs were found
between the TBM and FFM experimental condition (1164 ± 137 W vs. 1289
± 145 W respectively). Differences were also recorded (p < 0.01)
between pedal velocity and applied resistive forces (127 ± 8 rpm vs.
142 ± 7 rpm; 6.6 ± 1 kg vs. 5.5 ± 1 kg, respectively). No differences
(p > 0.05) were observed between time to PPO, or heart rate when
the TBM and FFM protocols were compared. The findings of this study
suggest that when high intensity cycle ergometer resistive forces
are derived from FFM, greater peak powers can be obtained consistently
in karate athletes. Resistive forces that relate to the active muscle
tissue utilised during this type of exercise may need to be explored
in preference to protocols that include both lean and fat masses.
The findings have implications for both exercise prescription and
the evaluation of experimental results concerning karate athletes.
KEY
WORDS: Anaerobic performance, body composition.
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