Poster Presentation at the 2023 Defence Human Sciences Symposium, 5-6 December 2023

Abstract:
Martial arts training increases force production, stability, intra-abdominal pressure and diaphragm activation. However, the breath control training techniques required in martial arts are complex and can take a long time to learn. Therefore, we developed a novel method, termed Neuropotency Training, to address this. We examined the effects of a single training session on respiratory pressures and neuromuscular activation of associated muscles during isometric and dynamic force production and stabilization exercises. Twenty healthy adults with no martial arts experience were separated into Neuropotency (n=10) and Traditional (n=10) groups and were instrumented with a catheter to measure gastric (intra-abdominal), esophageal, and transdiaphragmatic pressures, and surface electromyography to measure transverse abdominal/internal oblique, rectus abdominis, intercostal and parasternal activation. Both groups performed isometric mid-thigh pull, isometric handgrip, standing unilateral chest press, close-range palm striking and standing posture control exercises. During exercises, the Neuropotency group received specialized breathing instructions, vibro-tactile and visual force feedback, while the Traditional group received no breathing instructions or biofeedback. There were no differences between the groups in the forces produced or resisted. The Neuropotency group had higher transdiaphragmatic pressures in all exercises (P<0.05) apart from the palm strikes, and greater activation of the transverse abdominis/internal oblique and rectus abdominis musculature in mid-thigh pull, handgrip and standing unilateral chest press exercises (P<0.05). Our results suggest that a single martial arts training session incorporating specialized instruction and biofeedback does not increase force but can increase transdiaphragmatic pressure production and abdominal activation during some force production and stabilization exercises.