Determination of the real training load based on monitoring of K1 kickboxing bouts

Background: Kickboxing is a combat sport in which scientific observations are regularly made to improve the quality of the training process. Heart rate monitoring is the basic form of the evaluation of training load and diagnosing the athlete's capabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine training load based on heart rate measurements in K1 kickboxers. Methods: The study was conducted on 18 kickboxers, with HR recorded over a 3-round kickboxing fight. HRmax level was calculated for each athlete according to the most recent formula. Based on these data, the percentage training load was determined according to the needs arising from the training periodization. Results: The results of the study showed that training of K1 kickboxers is based primarily on submaximal heart rates, which increase with each round of the bout (p<0.001). Conclusions: The training load for a K1 kickboxing bout based on maximum heart rate should be 95.44% HRmax in the first round, 96.23% HRmax in the second, and 97.01% HRmax in the round..