Research Article

Changes in the Hormonal Profile of Athletes following a Combat Sports Performance

Table 1

Characteristics of training and competition demands in distinguished groups of combat sports.

Technical characteristicEnergy demandsContact with opponent

Karate group (K)Power character: in kata marking techniques with no resistanceDepends on federation, in kumite (fight with opponent) mainly 3-4 min
Mixed intensity in nonfighting forms
Limited in most federations
No contact in kata (demonstration forms) and tests
Taekwondo group (T)Power character: mainly kicking techniques
Special techniques and strength tests (ITF Federation) and in WTF Federation special fitness competitions
WTF—high intensity,
ITF—high intensity,
Mixed intensity in nonfighting forms
Limited, possible use of protectors (in WTF Federation)
Light contact in ITF
No contact in kata (demonstration forms) and tests
Judo, wrestling, and sumo group (JWS)Dynamic and static strength character: locks, holds, sweeps, lifting, throwing, pushing, & pullingJudo—high intensity, duration 4 min
Wrestling—high intensity, duration  min
Sumo—high intensity, time not limited
Direct physical impact, highly stressful, high risk of direct injury