2023, Volume 19, Issue 1
Kickboxing on Theta and Beta2 waves: unravelling the mind’s secrets through QEEG analysis
Lukasz 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: Lukasz Rydzik; Institute of Sport Science, University of Physical Education in Krakow, Kraków, Poland; email: lukasz.rydzik@awf.krakow.pl
Full text
Abstract
Background and 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 evaluation of Theta and Beta2 brainwaves before a kickboxing fight in the K1 formula.
Material and 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 Beta2 (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 Beta2 wave activity exceeding the normative range in each band. Comparative analysis of Theta and Beta2 waves showed statistically significant differences between testing with eyes open and eyes closed in selected leads (for Theta vs. C4, Pz, P3, P4 – p<0.05; for Beta2 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 Beta2 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: anxiety, brain waves, knockout, neurofeedback, prevention strategies, stress
