Effect of strength training programs on front push kick dynamics and kinematics

Background and Study Aim: The general fitness requirements for any combat activity include the flexibility, speed, power, muscular endurance, aerobic capacity, muscular strength, agility, balance, coordination, and body composition. In addition, the development of these fitness component should support and not disrupt the development and practice of combat techniques The aim of this study was knowledge about the effects of two programs of strength training on front push kick dynamics and kinematics across different loading conditions (no-load up to 45kg of external load) in professional soldiers. Material and Methods: Sixteen professional military personnel were randomized into two groups who performed an 8-week intervention program focused either on functional training with a core emphasis (FCE: 26.8 ±10.1 years, 84.2 ±5.4 kg, 181.1 ±6.4 cm) or traditional strength preparation (TSP: 26.8 ±10.1 years, 84.2 ±5.4 kg, 181.1 ±6.4 cm). Both groups performed 5 front push kicks into a force plate across 5 different loading conditions and forces and kinematics were measured. Results: The main differences in the performance of the front push kicks after FCE were that impulse increased by 16% and the impact time of the front kicks were prolonged by 10% whereas after TSP the peak force was increased by 20% and the angular velocity of the knee by 13%. Both training programs promoted changes in the coordination of movement as quantified by principal component analysis. Conclusions: The FCE should be included in training close combat to increase impulse of the front push kick and TSP should be included to increase the peak force and the angular velocity of the knee. The combination of FCE and TSP should be used in training as both could improve kicking performance.