Conference Strength and Conditioning in Combat Sports and Martial Arts
Bringing together national and international experts with the aim of sharing knowledge about training, science, technology, nutrition and health
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
Combat sports and martial arts encompass a wide range of disciplines with unique technical, tactical, and physical demands. Despite growing recognition within the scientific community, there remains an urgent need for more research focused on optimising performance, preventing injuries, and monitoring athletes. The recent creation of a dedicated research area for these disciplines within the European College of Sports Science reflects this increasing academic interest.
The complexity of these sports requires evidence-based training strategies and methodologies tailored to their specific physical, technical, and psychological characteristics. Technology has played a central role in performance analysis and monitoring, allowing for more precise control of training loads, fatigue, and physiological responses. At the same time, nutrition and weight management are critical factors — particularly in weight-class sports — that have a direct impact on athletes’ health and performance.
This conference, held as part of the celebrations of the 35th anniversary of the Physical Education and Sport programme at Lusófona University, brings together national and international experts with the aim of sharing knowledge on training, science, technology, nutrition, and health applied to Combat Sports and Martial Arts.
Price
- €35 (coaches, physical trainers, DTNs, researchers, teachers)
- €15 (students)
Full Programme
09:00 – Registration and Welcome Coffee
09:30 – Opening Session
10:00 – Lecture #1 | Strength and Conditioning in Combat Sports: Implications and Recommendations
- Luís Fernandes Monteiro (FEFD – Lusófona University)
10:30 – Lecture #2 | The Importance of Monitoring Central Nervous System Fatigue in Combat Sports Flicker-Fusion: An Effective Tool for CNS Fatigue Assessment
- José Manuel García García, University of Castilla-La Mancha
11:10 – Coffee Break
11:20 – Lecture #3 | Training Load and Performance Outcomes in Combat Sports: Planning Around Chaos
- Christopher Kirk, Sheffield Hallam University
12:00 – Guest Session | The Contribution of Technology to the Development and Performance of Combat Sports
- An ecological dynamics approach to studying and improving decision-making in judo — Henrique Lopes (FMH)
- Punch Power Analysis with High Reliability Using the PowerKube — Manuel Pinto (Lusófona University – CUL)
- Smart Punching Bag — Pedro Serra (DEISI, Lusófona University – CUL)
- From Past Research to Future Opportunities: Integrating Biomechanics and Design for Health in Women’s Boxing — Nina Costa (University of Aveiro)
13:00 – Lunch and Poster Presentations
14:30 – Guest Session | Maturation and Physical Fitness Attributes of Young Portuguese Male and Female Judokas According to Age
- João Crisóstomo, Lusófona University – CUL
15:00 – Guest Session | Influence of Anthropometric Characteristics and Muscle Performance on Punch Impact
- Manuel Pinto, Lusófona University – CUL
15:30 – Lecture #4 | Weight Management and Nutrition in Combat Sports and Martial Arts
- Cláudia Minderico, COP
16:10 – Coffee Break and Informal Poster Presentations
16:30 – Oral Presentations
17:30 – Round Table | Discussion on Olympic Preparation in Combat Sports and Martial Arts with Coaches of Medallist Athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
- Moderator: Telma Monteiro (Olympic Medallist)
18:50 – Awards Ceremony and Closing Session
