Anthropometric and physical profiles of Tunisian kyokushinkai competitors

Summary Introduction This study was designed to determine the anthropometric and the physical profile of Tunisian elite kyokushinkai athletes. Summary of facts and results The sample consisted of 33 kyokushinkai athletes divided into 2 groups: 16 elites and 17 regional athletes. Anthropometric measurements were recorded. Aerobic endurance, maximal strength, muscular power, muscle strength endurance and flexibility were measured. Athletes in both groups were similar in their mean age, body mass and body mass index. Kyokushinkai fighters in the elite group have less fat body mass (P ≤ 0.006) and more lean body mass (P ≤ 0.002) than regional athletes. The athletes in elite group achieved significantly higher performance in countermovement jump test (P ≤ 0.0.3) and medicine ball throw test (P ≤ 0.008) and had significantly higher repetition in pushups (P ≤ 0.004) and sit ups (P ≤ 0.02) than regional athletes. No significant differences were observed between groups in flexibility and VO2 max values. Conclusion Elite Tunisian kyokushinkai athletes had important maximal strength, abdominal and upper body strength endurance. The findings of the present study provided coachs and conditioning trainers working with kyokushinkai athletes a valuable tool for monitoring training and performance.