Relationships of Selected Parameters of Isokinetic Strength and Explosive Power in Mixed Martial Arts Fighters

In mixed martial arts (MMA), muscle strength manifests in multiple directions, movement velocities and all types of muscle contractions, with explosive and maximal strength considered the most relevant for performance. The aim of the study was to elucidate the relationships between isokinetic strength and explosive power in MMA fighters. The study involved 17 male MMA fighters competing at national level (18.00±1.00 years), with a competitive record of 2.00±1.50 f ights. The following tests were administered to determine explosive power by Optogait: standard countermovement push-up, kneeling countermovement push-up, and kneeling stop push-up for upper limbs, and countermovement jump, countermovement jump with free arms, and squat jump for lower limbs. Time to peak torque (TTPT) and peak torque (PT) as indicators of isokinetic strength were measured by HUMAC NORM with a focus on the extensors and flexors of the knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow joints during concentric, eccentric, and isometric muscle contractions. The results showed significant correlations (p<0.05; r>0.5) between explosive power of lower limbs and PT of knee and hip exten sors during selected contractions. In upper limbs, results showed significant correlation (p<0.05; r>0.5) between perfor mance in standard countermovement push-up and PT of elbow and shoulder flexors during selected contractions. The results showed that TTPT did not significantly affect the level of explosive power (p>0.05), except in the case of elbow f lexors during concentric contraction (p=0.024; r=-0.543). The level of isokinetic strength of lower limbs affects the level of explosive power in complex movement, which may be beneficial for executing specific movements in fights.