Abstract - Effects of Two Acute Non-Contact Kickboxing Exercises on Cognitive Function, Heart Rate, and Psychological States in Secondary School Students
Background. Kickboxing and martial arts share foundational elements in their training regimes, emphasizing body awareness, stance stability, precise footwork, shadowboxing, and various striking techniques. These disciplines are renowned for their ability to integrate physical performance with cognitive engagement, promoting both motor skills and mental agility. Problem and Aim. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of acute non-contact kickboxing exercises on cognitive performance, heart rate (HR), and mood states in secondary school students specializing in kickboxing. The investigation aimed to explore whether different training modalities – pad work and punching bag exercises – impact these parameters differently. We also compared their effects with a control condition (CC
Materials and Methods. Thirteen kickboxing-trained students (8 males, 5 females; mean age = 16 ± 0.2 years, mean body mass = 60.1 ± 8 kg) were recruited. They participated in one of the following three sessions in a randomized order: (i) a punching bag session, (ii) a pad work session, and (iii) a CC. Cognitive performance, HR, and perceived exertion were evaluated both pre- and immediately
post-session, while mood states were assessed using the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) questionnaire immediately following each session
Results. The findings revealed that the pad work condition significantly enhanced cognitive performance compared to both the punching bag condition (p = 0.04) and the CC (p < 0.001). For mood states and perceived exertion, the punching bag condition was associated with higher RPE and fatigue subscale values compared to the pad work (p = 0.03 and 0.04, respectively) and the CC (p < 0.001). Conversely, the pad work condition resulted in higher vigor subscale values compared to both the punching bag condition and the CC (both p < 0.01). Post-exercise HR values did not significantly differ between the pad work and punching bag conditions (p = 0.15).
Conclusions. Based on the results, practitioners are encouraged to incorporate pad work into training regimens, particularly before tasks requiring high levels of visual attention in kickboxing. This modality appears to offer cognitive benefits and favourable psychological outcomes, making it an effective strategy for enhancing attentional performance and overall mood.