Pilot Study: The Effects of a Six-Week EXOGEN® Training Program on Punching and Kicking Impact in Amateur Male Combat Athletes: A Pilot Study

Vecchio, Stanton (24)

 

Purpose Statement:

Examine effect of 6-week EXOGEN® combat program on punching and kicking impact power in amateur male combat athletes.

 

Introduction:

Seventeen amateur (minimum 2 years of MMA or kickboxing) combat athletes were allocated to either an EXOGEN® (n=10, 28.2 ± 1.7 years, 79.5 ± 7.7kg, 176.6 ± 4.7 cm) or Control (n=7, 29.0 ± 2.0 years, 79.8 ± 11.9kg, 177.7 ± 5.7 cm) group for six weeks. A pre-post study design was used with the following performance tests: Standing vertical jump test, 5RM half-squat, and 5RM bench press. Impact power testing was assessed in the following movements: Lead-hand jab, read-hand cross, rear-leg front kick, and Rear-leg roundhouse kick (using StrikeMate®).

 

The six-week periodised program consisted of 3 x 60-minute training sessions/week. The EXOGEN® group performed 2 out of 3 sessions with wearable resistance (Table 4). The suit consisted of Lila® EXOGEN® compression-based arm sleeves, pants, and calf sleeves, and loads (2-4.5% BW) located over the midline of the intended appendage. Loads were positioned over the upper and lower lib, lateral hip, anterior thigh, anterior and posterior lower limb (Figure 24).

 

Figure 24: EXOGEN® Load Placement

 

 

Table 4: Six Week EXOGEN Loading Scheme

Key Findings:

  1. A six week EXOGEN® training programme significantly improved jab impact power (p=0.025, ES=0.73, +25.9% change)
  2. A six week EXOGEN® training programme significantly improved rear-hand cross impact power (p=0.004, ES=1.00, +51.2% change)
  3. A significant increase in bench press strength (p=0.008, ES=0.32, +6.0% change) was observed in the EXOGEN® trained group
  4. A significant increase in vertical jump height (p=0.025, ES=1.50, +19.2% change) and 5RM half-squat (p=0.02, ES=0.26, +6.9% change) was observed in the EXOGEN® trained group
  5. Front kicking impact power did not significantly increase in either the EXOGEN® or control group

 

Practical Applications:

  1. A six week periodised EXOGEN® training programme significantly improves both jab and rear-cross punching impact power in amateur male combat athletes, which may improve an athlete’s change of success in striking martial arts.
  2. Greater loads may need to be used to improve front kick impact power
  3. EXOGEN® training may be beneficial for vertical jump height, half squat, and bench press strength, particularly when combined with plyometric exercise

 

Link to Publication

 

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