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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07329504

Effects of Aikido and Taijiquan Training Among Mixed Martial Arts Players

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a physically demanding sport that requires athletes to maintain high levels of strength, flexibility, rapid response, and power. However, the intense focus on strength and endurance training in MMA can often result in neglecting joint health, flexibility, and relaxation techniques. Traditional martial arts, such as Aikido and Taijiquan, offer a complementary training approach emphasizing fluid movement, balance, and relaxation, which could be beneficial for MMA athletes. Aikido focuses on harmonizing movement and using an opponent's momentum to neutralize their power, while Taijiquan emphasizes controlled movements and internal power ("qi") to enhance body awareness and relaxation. This study investigates the effects of Aikido and Taijiquan on joint mobility, reaction time, and power among MMA athletes, aiming to determine whether these martial arts can enhance performance and reduce injury risk.

This randomized clinical trial will involve 17 MMA athletes divided into two groups: Group A (Aikido training) and Group B (Taijiquan training). Over an eight-week period, each group will engage in three weekly training sessions lasting 60-75 minutes. Key performance indicators, including joint mobility (Sit and Reach Test), reaction time (Catch the Ruler Test), and power (Vertical Jump Test), will be measured before and after the training program. Statistical analyses will be conducted using SPSS software, with significance set at p=0.05, employing the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney U test for within-group and between-group comparisons, respectively.

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Key information

Conditions

Sports Physical Therapy

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Roar Martial Arts Fitness Club

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54790, Pakistan

About this study

It will be a Randomized Clinical Trial study.The sample size of the study will be 34 participants (19 in each group) through non probability sampling technique. Data will be collected from Pakistan sports board coaching center LHR & Roar Martial Arts Fitness Club Lahore.Data will be collected within 10 months after approval of synopsis.

Inclusion criteria

  • Both male and female mixed martial arts players' age 18-30 years will be included.
  • Participants must engage in physical activity (2-3 times a week) (20).
  • Players have training experience of Aikido and Taijiquan training (21).
  • Participants must have minimum one year experience of mixed martial arts training (22).

Exclusion criteria

  • Participants with sustained injuries (fractures, sprains and stress) will be excluded.
  • Pregnant and lactating females will be excluded.
  • Those participants taking medicine will be excluded.
  • Participants with known history of joint disease or chronic illness.
  • Participants engaged in other high intensity physical training outside of MMA.

Data Collection Tools:

  • Hip Joint mobility will be assessed using sit-to-reach test
  • Reaction time will be evaluated through hexagon test.
  • Power will be evaluated through vertical jump test

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Both male and female mixed martial arts players' age 18-30 years will be included.
  • Participants must engage in physical activity (2-3 times a week) (20).
  • Players have training experience of Aikido and Taijiquan training (21).
  • Participants must have minimum one year experience of mixed martial arts training (22).

Exclusion criteria

  • Participants with sustained injuries (fractures, sprains and stress) will be excluded.
  • Pregnant and lactating females will be excluded.
  • Those participants taking medicine will be excluded.
  • Participants with known history of joint disease or chronic illness.
  • Participants engaged in other high intensity physical training outside of MMA.

Treatment and study plan

Aikido training

Other

This group will receive Aikido training to improve joint mobility, reaction time and power.

Taijiquan training

Other

This group will receive Taijiquan training tom improve joint mobility, reaction time and power.

Primary outcomes

  1. Sit to reach test

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    The Sit and reach test is one of the linear flexibility tests which helps to measure the extensibility of the hamstrings and lower back. The Sit and Reach Test measures lower back and hamstring flexibility, with normal scores varying by age and gender. For men, scores range from 24-34 cm 20-29 age and decrease slightly with age, while women score 27-36 cm in the same age range, also seeing a gradual decline over time. Higher scores indicate above-average flexibility, mid-range scores are average, and lower scores suggest limited flexibility

  2. Hexagon test

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    The Hexagon Test is a simple, agility-based fitness assessment primarily used to evaluate an individual's quickness, balance, and coordination. It involves the participant standing at the center of a hexagon marked on the ground, typically with each side measuring about 24 inches. The participant must quickly jump over each line of the hexagon in a specific clockwise or counterclockwise sequence, aiming to complete three laps as fast as possible without stepping on the lines or losing rhythm

  3. Vertical jump test

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    The Vertical Jump Test measures explosive leg power by assessing how high an individual can jump from a stationary position. The participant first records their standing reach height, then jumps as high as possible, with the height difference indicating the vertical jump score. High scores suggest strong leg power and athleticism, while lower scores indicate areas for improvement. For males, an "Excellent" jump is over 28 inches, "Above Average" is between 24-28 inches, "Average" is 20-24 inches, and "Below Average" is under 20 inches. For females, an "Excellent" score is over 24 inches, "Above Average" falls between 20-24 inches, "Average" is 16-20 inches, and "Below Average" is less than 16 inches

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Aikido and Taijiquan Training on Joint Mobility, Reaction Time and Power Among Mixed Martial Arts Players

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jan 9, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 9, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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