The aim of this study was to investigate the cardiovascular physiological responses and perceived exertion rate on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu parathletes submitted to a simulated fight. Six male athletes were included. After the fight, a recuperative massage protocol was applied to the upper limbs and trunk. Regarding Heart Rate (HR), values above baseline were found in all participants post intervention. Only one participant demonstrated recovery of Blood Pressure (BP) to baseline after the technique. Outcomes related to perceived exertion, measured immediately after the simulated fight, showed an average value of 8.8, which indicates perception of strenuous effort, near maximum levels. In conclusion, cardiovascular parameters did not return to baseline after intervention and strenuous perceived exertion was reported by the participants.
Martial arts, Physical exercise, Heart rate, Physiological monitoring
Considered one of the oldest martial arts, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is characterized as a self-defense sport consisting of high intensity anaerobic movements interspersed with low aerobic intensity [1-3]. In addition, it is a contact sport based on throwing an opponent and then controlling or submitting him on the ground through immobilization techniques, such as strangleholds and joint locks [4,5].
It is also a form of social inclusion in sport, represented by the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Parasport, practiced by individuals with different levels of physical or mental disability, of acquired or congenital origin [6]. Practitioners develop respect, reasoning, and self-esteem, as well as physiological outcomes on positive cardiorespiratory, functional, clinical, and metabolic parameters.
In this context, due to the higher energy demand required during combat, systemic metabolic and cardiorespiratory alterations occur, such as increased cardiac output and respiratory rate, in order to maintain the necessary blood demand in the various body tissues during sports [7-11].
In this regard, some studies [4,8,12-14] show that the Subjective Perceived Exertion (SPE) corresponds to an indicative parameter related to exercise intensity, stress and extra competition factor, where their levels are able to directly influence the athlete's performance during competition. In this sense, Detanico, et al. [13] and Andreato, et al. [4] evaluated the intensity of perceived exertion during fights using internal stress load markers by comparing with heart rate and lactate values. Their findings demonstrated a relationship between the SPE and the increment of the physiological markers analyzed.
However, as regards exclusively to Brazilian jiu-jitsu parasport, there are no published studies exploring cardiovascular parameters and perceived exertion resulting from the practice of this sport. In this regard, studies [6,15] attribute a lack of studies on parasport populations due to the logistical difficulty in grouping a large number of parathletes of the same sport.
Therefore, it must be considered that Brazilian jiu-jitsu Parasport has increasing popularity and causes beneficial changes in several biological markers. Such variations allow a new science perspective about this sport, not only considering the interaction between body systems, but also in relation to the physiological and adaptive effects produced, as well as their impacts on sports performance and prevention of injuries in the musculoskeletal system [12,13].
With the numerous changes in body homeostasis caused by the practice of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, using techniques that restore these systems are pertinent, taking into account the intended benefits of early recovery. Thus, the literature investigates the specific effects of recovery techniques such as cold-water immersion, laser therapy, contrast, active and passive recovery, and massage. Among these, massage can be highlighted because it is considered as low cost, easy application and present good scientific results [16,17]. Nevertheless, the validity and reliability of the protocols used should be prioritized, since this variable directly interferes with the results obtained [16,17].
Also, regarding the physiological effects of massage, there is increased blood and lymphatic flow, which facilitates the removal and elimination of catabolics, pain relief, decreased tension and muscle spasms, and improved range of motion and flexibility [18,19]. The set of described effects associated with the easier logistic related to the massage application, make this method investigation relevant in specific populations, such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Parasport, which provide data with potential for reflection on clinical use, to promote recovery after exertion.
From the above, the rationale used to formulate the design of this study was based on the implicit need, due to the lack of specific studies that address the population profile mentioned associated with the positive points highlighted about the technique used. Based on the outcomes, it is hypothesized that the scientific basis supports the suggestion of specific intervention protocols, within the scope of recovery and periodization proposed in future studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the physiological responses of cardiovascular outcomes and the perceived exertion rate in athletes of Brazilian jiu-jitsu Parasport submitted to a simulated competition fight.
Six male athletes practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Parasport participated in this study. The eligibility criteria adopted included the practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Parasport for a period longer than 6 months. The sample size was characterized by a convenience scenario, attributed to the logistical difficulty in grouping high number of participants with the inclusion characteristics adopted in the study. The anthropometric characteristics of the participants are presented in Table 1.
Table 1: Anthropometric characteristics of participants. View Table 1
The sample consisted of four amateur athletes (III, IV, V and VI) and two professional athletes, with recent world titles (I and II). Participants had visual or physical disabilities (Table 2). In addition, all attended the same training center and no musculoskeletal injuries were reported during the study. The anonymity of the participants was guaranteed. There was masking of the participants, researcher and evaluator regarding the results, who were blinded to the hypotheses and outcomes analyzed.
Table 2: Description of the functional classifications and types of injuries in the participating athletes. View Table 2
Additional inclusion criteria were absence of anemia, inflammation, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal injuries within six months prior to data collection. In addition, the participants were instructed to abstain from anti-inflammatory medications, analgesics, alcoholic beverages, tobacco and not to perform any exercise not proposed by the study during the data collection period. All subjects followed a similar diet and did not receive any extra supplementation.
Participants were informed about the procedures and objectives of the study and, after agreeing, signed the informed consent form, ensuring their privacy. All procedures were previously approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (Araguaia campus, under opinion number: 2,997,241). It has been registered in clinical trials to increase the visibility and transparency of procedures performed for the entire scientific community (registration number: NCT03057210).
This is a controlled clinical trial. Data collection was performed in September of 2018 at the participants' usual training center (Grace Barra Academy) located in Barra do Garças - MT, Brazil and data analysis was conducted at the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Araguaia campus. All procedures were performed under standard ambient conditions (temperature: 28 ± 1 ℃; relative air humidity: 84%). Data collection occurred in the morning and participants were instructed to eat a light meal before the procedures.
At first, all participants underwent an anthropometric assessment (Table 1) using a digital scale (Tanita BC554, Iron Man/Inner Scaner, Tanita, Illinois, United States) and a stadiometer (Sanny, American Medical Brazil, São Paulo Brazil). Body mass index [kg: (m2)*1] (BMI) was calculated as BM divided by height squared. Then a simulated fight was performed, followed by the application of a recuperative massage protocol. The assessment of cardiovascular parameters was performed in the pre and post-fight moments. The perceived exertion was measured immediately after the simulated fight was completed.
The order of fights was defined by prior randomization. Warm-up was used with Brazilian jiu-jitsu movements of light-intensity, characterized by low heart rate and low strength requirement, for five minutes. The simulated fight protocol was performed in accordance with the rules of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, excluding any type of finalization. In these cases, the athletes were separated and directed to return to the fight immediately. Thus, the maximum effort was recommended as well as similar activity time for all participants. The athletes fought with no disabled athletes, but with similar weights, not included in the study, who were previously trained and oriented on standardized fighting behavior, with all participants, in order to minimize the influence of possible bias.
The subjective perceived exertion (PSE) was assessed using the Perceived Exertion Scale (OMNI-RES) for resistance exercise [20], which consists of an ordinal scale from 0 to 10, with 0 corresponding to extremely easy and 10 extremely hard. To apply the scale the following question was standardized: "How do you rate the intensity of resistance in the exercise performed now?".
Blood Pressure (BP) was measured in the left arm in the sitting position. Measurements were performed by auscultatory method with a PREMIUM® sphygmomanometer and stethoscope, properly calibrated. (Heart Rate (HR) was also verified by a portable MONTSERRAT® device, under rest and post exertion, in a sitting position.
The massage protocol used followed the suggested by Mantovani, et al. [21]. Thus, the was massage performed during 12 minutes, being 6 minutes on the anterior region of the arm (3 minutes for each limb) and 6 minutes on the posterior region of the trunk. The choice of these anatomical sites was due to the effort required during this sport and physical characteristics of the participants.
The massage was performed in the supine (for limbs) and ventral (for trunk) position. Surface and deep slip techniques were used, being the deep slip presented in two intensities: moderate or intense, gradually increased during protocol application (1 minute of application at each intensity described). The massage was performed towards the muscle fibers, from distal to proximal, following lymphatic flow and venous return.
In addition, for the technique application, the following rhythm was used: 1 s (second) of slip and 1 s for return of the hand to the initial position, totaling 2 s of slip. The described massage rhythm was controlled by an electronic metronome, used by therapists during performance of the technique. To apply the described massage, 2 physiotherapists were previously trained by a professional sports physiotherapist, with expertise in post-exercise recovery in order to standardize the technique application.
Statistical analyzes were conducted using the SPSS vs. 16.0 (IBM, Corp. Armonk, NY, USA). Data normality was initially analyzed by the Komolgorov-Smirnov test, and normal distribution was observed. Comparisons of the variables analyzed between the pre and post protocol period were calculated by the mean of the differences in percentage. Participants had their outcomes analyzed individually. Mean values were verified for perceived exertion.
The characteristics of the participants are presented in Table 1 and Table 2. Table 3 presents the outcomes values of cardiovascular parameters and perceived exertion.
Table 3: Cardiovascular outcomes and perceived exertion. View Table 3
For HR, values above baseline were found in all participants at post intervention. For BP, it is observed that only participant VI demonstrated reduction after massage application. The remaining participants maintained values above those observed at baseline. Still, for BP, participants I and VI already showed high values at rest, before the effort (Table 3).
Outcomes related to exertion perceived, measured immediately after the simulated fight, showed an average value of 8.8, which indicates perception of strenuous effort, near maximum levels (Table 3).
The present study investigated the physiological responses, represented by cardiovascular outcomes and perceived exertion rate, in Brazilian jiu-jitsu parathletes submitted to the simulated fight followed by a recuperative massage protocol. The analyzed outcomes demonstrate that in the immediate moment after recovery intervention, HR and BP values remained slightly altered. Also, there was a subjective perception of strenuous effort, near maximum levels, measured immediately after the fight.
Regarding the outcome related to the exertion perceived, Carneiro, et al. [11] evaluated the HR behavior and its relationship with the exertion perceived in Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes. The authors found considerable HR elevation (170,1 + 13.9 bpm) after the 10-minute simulated fight protocol, and PSE near maximum levels classified as 'heavy'. In the same respect, found an increase in HR after a simulated fight, as well as a large reduction in oxygen saturation capacity in individuals over 30 years, characterizing the effort as vigorous. Accordingly, the present study also found a positive association between HR values and PSE. This response is physiological, and the observed elevations are predictable and necessary to meet the metabolic demands required by the exercise. In this scenario, the submaximal PSE values verified in this study indicate that the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Parasport can be characterized as high intensity. This condition reflects on metabolic changes eventually triggered and the subsequent need for the application of recuperative protocols that help the return of body parameters at baseline levels.
Still regarding HR, studies [11,22,23] that evaluated the effects of Brazilian jiu-jitsu on this variable showed high values during the fight protocol with subsequent return to baseline levels between the 2nd and 5th minutes post fight. In contrast, in the present study, the assessment was performed after the 12th minute of recovery post fight, and yet the values had not fully returned to baseline. One possible explanation for this may be related to the participants' disability, since the lack of a limb, for example, may be responsible for higher accumulation of metabolites in the body segments, which eventually would require harder work of the cardiovascular system to reestablish its functions at rest levels.
From the above, evidence show that the sporting characteristics of Brazilian jiu-jitsu practice triggers adaptations in the cardiovascular system and metabolism in general, to the detriment of the intensity required during sports, regardless of the time of its execution. However, although the increase in HR observed in this and other studies is physiological, the recovery time identified in this study in parathletes seems to be slower.
It is worth noting that the mentioned studies [11,23,24] demonstrate different fighting protocols, different interval duration, different intensity and volume, which may cause different levels of cardiovascular responses. Accordingly, SPE always demonstrates a positive relationship with cardiac variables [11].
There are several studies investigating the practice of jiu-jitsu that have addressed, for example, functional and metabolic outcomes [25-29]. However, regarding specifically the massage application as a recuperative intervention in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, no study was found that verified its effects on the mentioned outcomes, which prevented comparisons and specific discussions. In this study, the massage application did not show significant efficacy on the recovery of cardiovascular outcomes. Nevertheless, we believe that specific protocols should be investigated with longer application time, considering the ease and accessibility resulting from the application of this technique associated with the good scientific evidence in other sports.
From the above, the outcomes demonstrate a specific diagnosis of physiological responses in a population, until then, never investigated by previous studies. In this scenario, due to the longer recovery time, the suggestion of recovery techniques is relevant in the context of restoring body homeostasis in a short time, improving performance, as well as reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in the investigated athletes.
To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that verifies cardiovascular outcomes and exertion perceived in response to the practice of Brazilian jiu-jitsu parasport. This may be due to the possibility of large variations between the types of disabilities, which may influence the heterogeneity of the evaluated group associated with the logistic difficulty mentioned above in grouping a large number of individuals with the same type of disability. However, it is necessary to consider this subject, and to understand the kinetic behavior in response to this sport practice, to assist the scientific and clinical community in the management of specific actions that assist in athletic performance and lower incidence of injuries in this population profile. It is reiterated that the outcomes presented should not be extrapolated to different population profiles.
The main limitation of this study was that long-term follow-up after the intervention was not performed. Further studies are needed to confirm whether the benefits eventually obtained by the protocol used are maintained and for how long. In addition, the small sample size limited the use of control group, placebo or other recovery techniques, for example.
On the other hand, strengths of this study are worth mentioning. Firstly, this study was designed from a high methodological quality because it was a controlled clinical trial that adopted allocation secrecy, which followed all items in the CONSORT checklist. Secondly, the procedures were performed in a field setting, identical to that used in competitive fight. In addition, the outcomes presented are unpublished, and constitute intrinsic potential under new perspectives and parameters related to parasports. It is pertinent that future studies address analysis of other biochemical markers, such as hormonal rate and cytokines, as well as the application of specific recovery techniques based on observed physiological responses in order to measure possible differences in physiological parameters after the fight.
The results presented allow to conclude that HR remained high in all participants after massage. A similar scenario was found for BP values, except for participant IV who recovered baseline levels. Also, there was subjective perception of high effort, close to strenuous levels of effort.
Finally, it is reiterated that changes in cardiovascular parameters represent an expected physiological adjustment to maintain energy levels during exercise. This data, associated with the outcome of perceived exertion, leads us to believe that the investigated modality is responsible for altering the body's homeostasis in the short term. Therefore, research in this field is relevant, suggesting specific interventional techniques for this population profile, in order to assist in the prescription of periodization and improve sports performance as well as reduce exposure on incidence of musculoskeletal injuries.
None declared. The authors declare that the research was conducted with no features that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.