2023, Volume 19, Issue 1
Kickboxing on Theta and Beta-2 waves: unravelling the mind's secrets through QEEG analysis
Łukasz Rydzik1, Wojciech Wąsacz1, Tadeusz Ambroży1, Krzysztof Kasicki 2, Wojciech Ratkowski3, Marta Kopańska4
1Institute of Sport Science, University of Physical Education in Krakow, Kraków, Poland
2Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,, Andrzej Frycz-Modrzejewski Kaków University, Kraków, Poland
3Department of Athletics, Academy of Physical Education and Sport in Gdańsk, Gdańsk , Poland
4Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszów University, Rzeszów, Poland
Author for correspondence: Łukasz Rydzik; Institute of Sport Science, University of Physical Education in Krakow, Kraków, Poland; email: lukasz.rydzik@awf.krakow.pl
Abstract
Background & Study Aim: Kickboxing is a sport based on striking with all limbs. The most contact-based variation of the sport is K1 rules. Research shows a deficit in the verification of the brain waves before the fight of the athletes. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to deepen the knowledge of the properties of Theta and Beta-2 brainwaves before a kickboxing fight in the K1 formula.
Material & Methods: The study was conducted on a group of 15 kickboxing fighters specialising in K1 fighting principles. The participants were subjected to a diagnostic quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG), which allows the assessment of brain wave patterns. The QEEG test was conducted before the fight and participants were instructed in preparation for the test. Theta (4-8 Hz) and Beta-2 (20-34 Hz) waves were examined at nine brain measurement points.
Results: Elevated normative Theta wave activity was found, particularly for the frontal band, and above-average Beta-2 wave activity exceeding the normative range in each band. Comparative analysis of Theta and Beta-2 waves showed statistically significant differences between testing with eyes open and eyes closed in selected leads (for Theta vs. C4; Pz, P3 and P4 p<0.05; for Beta-2 vs. C4; P4 p<0.05). Higher activity was shown relative to measurements with eyes closed.
Conclusions: The study showed above-average and varied Theta and Beta-2 wave activity according to eye condition in kickboxing fighters before a fight. The results suggest that athletes are focused and stimulated before a fight, which may affect their performance. This study may contribute to the development of new training methods for kickboxing fighters and brain injury prevention strategies.
Key words: K1 formula, brain injury prevention strategies, brainwave activity
