Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Mental toughness and physical fitness tests of boxing athletes associated with big five personality factors

Testes de resistência mental e aptidão física de atletas de boxe associados aos cinco grandes fatores de personalidade

ABSTRACT

The present study related to boxing athletes' mental toughness and physical fitness performances with Big Five Factors. For this, the sample was composed of eleven recreational boxers who competed at the state level and were regularly training (technical and tactical) 4 times a week during the evaluation period. The 44-item Big Five Inventory (BFI) measures the Big Five dimensions of Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Neuroticism, Openness, and Extraversion and the 14-item Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) were applied with Strength, Power, and Endurance Tests, Pearson and Spearman's correlations were used to verify the association between BFI, physical and mental tests, respectively, p≤.05. Our results demonstrated that significant and strong correlation between agreeableness factor and sit-ups test, with 40.85±12.36 freq./min (r=.72, p=.02) and, in SMTQ, a strong correlation between Neuroticism and Control [10(9;12) score, r=.76, p≤0.01], Constancy [10(9;12) score, r=.84, p≤0.01] and Total SMQT [37(34;37) score, r=.84, p≤0.01]. In conclusion, these results suggest that Neuroticism factors are associated with mental toughness, while the agreeableness factor is related to muscular endurance capability. Mental toughness and endurance results are associated with boxers' personalities whose drive motivates them relentlessly towards success and promotes thriving in boxing training environments or during championships.

Key words:
Task performance and analysis; Endurance; Power; Martial arts; Sport psychology

RESUMO

O presente estudo relacionou a resistência mental e o desempenho da aptidão física de atletas de boxe com os cinco grandes fatores. Para isso, compuseram o presente estudo onze boxeadores recreativos que competiram em nível estadual e estavam treinando regularmente (técnico e tático) 4 vezes por semana durante o período de avaliação. O Big Five Inventory (BFI) de 44 itens mede as dimensões de Conscienciosidade, Amabilidade, Neuroticismo, Abertura e Extroversão e o Questionário de Resistência Mental Esportiva (SMTQ) de 14 itens foram aplicados com Testes de Força, Potência e Resistência, Pearson e as correlações de Spearman foram utilizadas para verificar a associação entre IMC, testes físicos e mentais, respectivamente, p≤0.05. Nossos resultados demonstraram correlação significativa e forte entre o fator de amabilidade e o teste de abdominais, com 40,9±12,4 freq./min (r=0,72, p=0,02) e, no SMTQ, uma forte correlação entre Neuroticismo e Controle [10 (9;12) pontuação, r=0.76, p≤0,01], Constância [10(9;12) pontuação, r=0.84, p≤0,001] e total SMQT [37(34;37) pontuação, r= 0.84, p≤0,001]. Em conclusão, esses resultados sugerem que os fatores de neuroticismo estão associados à resistência mental, enquanto o fator de amabilidade está associado à capacidade de resistência muscular. Os resultados de resistência mental e resistência estão associados à personalidade dos boxeadores, cuja motivação os impulsiona implacavelmente para o sucesso e promove o sucesso em ambientes de treinamento de boxe ou durante campeonatos.

Palavras-chave:
Desempenho e análise de tarefas; Resistência; Potência; Artes marciais; Psicologia do esporte

INTRODUCTION

Boxing is a high-intensity intermittent striking combat sport characterized by complex skills and tactical key actions with short duration11 Barrett J, Eason CM, Lazar R, Mazerolle SM. Personality traits and burnout among athletic trainers employed in the collegiate setting. J Athl Train 2016;51(6):454-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-51.7.08. PMid:27415851.
http://dx.doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-51.7...
. Power with the integration of responses, coordination, and correct timing is necessary for the useful application of techniques22 Binboga E, Guven S, Çatıkkaş F, Bayazıt O, Tok S. Psychophysiological responses to competition and the big five personality traits. J Hum Kinet 2012;33:187-94. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/v10078-012-0057-x. PMid:23486906.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/v10078-012-005...
. Tests conducted to verify the performance of specific skills within a structural action similar to boxing techniques, such as the Countermovement jump and Medicine ball throw, have a strong relationship with athletes' practical technical-tactical abilities during simulations22 Binboga E, Guven S, Çatıkkaş F, Bayazıt O, Tok S. Psychophysiological responses to competition and the big five personality traits. J Hum Kinet 2012;33:187-94. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/v10078-012-0057-x. PMid:23486906.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/v10078-012-005...
,33 Blake H, Hawley H. Effects of Tai Chi exercise on physical and psychological health of older people. Curr Aging Sci 2012;5(1):19-27. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1874609811205010019. PMid:21762093.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/18746098112050...
. Nevertheless, even though previous studies have examined athletes' physiological attributes33 Blake H, Hawley H. Effects of Tai Chi exercise on physical and psychological health of older people. Curr Aging Sci 2012;5(1):19-27. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1874609811205010019. PMid:21762093.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/18746098112050...
, little scientific information exists on the psychological demands of its participants, primarily associated with personality.

Mental toughness studies describe athletes' personalities whose drive motivates them relentlessly towards success and promotes thriving in sports combats or training environments44 Bojanić Ž, Nedeljković J, Šakan D, Mitić PM, Milovanović I, Drid P. Personality traits and self-esteem in combat and team sports. Front Psychol 2019;10:2280. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02280. PMid:31649595.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.022...
,55 Box AG, Feito Y, Brown C, Petruzzello SJ. Individual differences influence exercise behavior: how personality, motivation, and behavioral regulation vary among exercise mode preferences. Heliyon 2019;5(4):e01459. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01459. PMid:31065599.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019...
. However, few investigations in combat sports have observed mental toughness, which affects performance outcomes44 Bojanić Ž, Nedeljković J, Šakan D, Mitić PM, Milovanović I, Drid P. Personality traits and self-esteem in combat and team sports. Front Psychol 2019;10:2280. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02280. PMid:31649595.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.022...
, or in developing relevant motor units and increasing the efficiency of different muscular movements in specific tests66 Brandt R, Bevilacqua GG, Coimbra DR, Pombo LC, Miarka B, Lane AM. Body weight and mood state modifications in mixed martial arts: an exploratory pilot. J Strength Cond Res. 2018;32(9):2548-54. http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002639. PMid:29927894.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000...
,77 Chaabène H, Franchini E, Miarka B, Selmi MA, Mkaouer B, Chamari K. Time-motion analysis and physiological responses to karate official combat sessions: is there a difference between winners and defeated karatekas? Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2014;9(2):302-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2012-0353. PMid:23881174.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2012-035...
. Despite conceptual variations, most studies involve anxiety, emotional control, and mood states88 Chen MA, Cheesman DJ. Mental toughness of mixed martial arts athletes at different levels of competition. Percept Mot Skills 2013;116(3):905-17. http://dx.doi.org/10.2466/29.30.PMS.116.3.905-917. PMid:24175462.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2466/29.30.PMS.116....

9 Cimadoro G. Acute neuromuscular, cognitive and physiological responses to a Japanese kickboxing competition in semi-professional fighters. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2017;58(12):1720-7. PMid:29083128.
-1010 Coswig VS, Gentil P, Bueno JC, Follmer B, Marques VA, Vecchio FB. Physical fitness predicts technical-tactical and time-motion profile in simulated judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu matches. PeerJ 2018;6:e4851. http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4851. PMid:29844991.
http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4851...
. For clarity and consensus, quantitative research is required to support the hypothesized issues underlying mental toughness, especially concerning keys qualities across striking combat domains66 Brandt R, Bevilacqua GG, Coimbra DR, Pombo LC, Miarka B, Lane AM. Body weight and mood state modifications in mixed martial arts: an exploratory pilot. J Strength Cond Res. 2018;32(9):2548-54. http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002639. PMid:29927894.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000...
.

Research in the area outlines mental toughness as a hierarchical construction, and several conceptual models have been proposed in striking combat44 Bojanić Ž, Nedeljković J, Šakan D, Mitić PM, Milovanović I, Drid P. Personality traits and self-esteem in combat and team sports. Front Psychol 2019;10:2280. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02280. PMid:31649595.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.022...
,88 Chen MA, Cheesman DJ. Mental toughness of mixed martial arts athletes at different levels of competition. Percept Mot Skills 2013;116(3):905-17. http://dx.doi.org/10.2466/29.30.PMS.116.3.905-917. PMid:24175462.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2466/29.30.PMS.116....
. The SMTQ consists of three mental toughness factors (control, constancy, and confidence), combined into an overall mental toughness score44 Bojanić Ž, Nedeljković J, Šakan D, Mitić PM, Milovanović I, Drid P. Personality traits and self-esteem in combat and team sports. Front Psychol 2019;10:2280. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02280. PMid:31649595.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.022...
,1111 Slimani M, Miarka B, Briki W, Cheour F. Comparison of mental toughness and power test performances in high-level kickboxers by competitive success. Asian J Sports Med 2016;7(2):e30840. http://dx.doi.org/10.5812/asjsm.30840. PMid:27625755.
http://dx.doi.org/10.5812/asjsm.30840...
. Research into the relationship between mental toughness and performance has consistently shown that better physical fitness performance is associated with higher levels of mental toughness in kickboxers44 Bojanić Ž, Nedeljković J, Šakan D, Mitić PM, Milovanović I, Drid P. Personality traits and self-esteem in combat and team sports. Front Psychol 2019;10:2280. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02280. PMid:31649595.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.022...
. Some studies compare physical and mental factors between different personalities have reported significant differences between kickboxers66 Brandt R, Bevilacqua GG, Coimbra DR, Pombo LC, Miarka B, Lane AM. Body weight and mood state modifications in mixed martial arts: an exploratory pilot. J Strength Cond Res. 2018;32(9):2548-54. http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002639. PMid:29927894.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000...
,1212 Coswig VS, Gentil P, Irigon F, Vecchio FB. Caffeine ingestion changes time-motion and technical-tactical aspects in simulated boxing matches: a randomized double-blind PLA-controlled crossover study. Eur J Sport Sci 2018;18(7):975-83. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2018.1465599. PMid:29738282.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2018....
.

The Big Five personality factors demonstrate aspects of personality trait assessments independent of culture and language and deliver a common framework. The personality analysis helps to understand dissimilar and diverse personality systems in combat and team sports1313 Coswig VS, Miarka B, Pires DA, Silva LM, Bartel C, Vecchio FB. Weight regain, but not weight loss, is related to competitive success in real-life mixed martial arts competition. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2019;29(1):1-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0034. PMid:29757051.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2018-00...
. They represent personality at the broadest level of abstraction in which each measurement delivers a quantity of more distinct personality features1414 Ewart CK, Stewart KJ, Gillilan RE, Kelemen MH. Self-efficacy mediates strength gains during circuit weight training in men with coronary artery disease. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1986;18(5):531-40. http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/00005768-198610000-00007. PMid:3773670.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/00005768-19861...
. The markers provided for the five personality dimensions are simple, so a brief description of each factor could help coaches and psychologists improve athletes' mental strategies.

Neuroticism contrasts emotional constancy with negative affectivity and contains traits like experiencing negative emotional states, generating irrational ideas, and being impulsive and self-conscious1515 Ghoul N, Tabben M, Miarka B, Tourny C, Chamari K, Coquart J. Mixed martial arts induces significant fatigue and muscle damage up to 24 hours post-combat. J Strength Cond Res 2019;33(6):1570-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002078. PMid:28658085.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000...
. Extraversion suggests an energetic approach towards the social and material world; athletes with extraversion personality present a tendency to experience positive emotions, be outgoing, cheerful, active, and self-assured1616 Giovani D, Nikolaidis PT. Differences in force-velocity characteristics of upper and lower limbs of non-competitive male boxers. Int J Exerc Sci 2012;5(2):106-13. PMid:27182379.. Agreeableness distinguishes a prosocial and communal orientation towards others with antagonism and is connected with being unselfish, compliant, trusting, modest, and helpful1313 Coswig VS, Miarka B, Pires DA, Silva LM, Bartel C, Vecchio FB. Weight regain, but not weight loss, is related to competitive success in real-life mixed martial arts competition. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2019;29(1):1-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0034. PMid:29757051.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2018-00...
,1414 Ewart CK, Stewart KJ, Gillilan RE, Kelemen MH. Self-efficacy mediates strength gains during circuit weight training in men with coronary artery disease. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1986;18(5):531-40. http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/00005768-198610000-00007. PMid:3773670.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/00005768-19861...
. Conscientiousness is socially associated with impulse control and assists task- and goal-directed behaviors1313 Coswig VS, Miarka B, Pires DA, Silva LM, Bartel C, Vecchio FB. Weight regain, but not weight loss, is related to competitive success in real-life mixed martial arts competition. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2019;29(1):1-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0034. PMid:29757051.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2018-00...
. It contains such features as being purposeful in cognition and behavior, organized, following rules and norms, strong-mindedness, delaying gratification, and being self-disciplined1414 Ewart CK, Stewart KJ, Gillilan RE, Kelemen MH. Self-efficacy mediates strength gains during circuit weight training in men with coronary artery disease. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1986;18(5):531-40. http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/00005768-198610000-00007. PMid:3773670.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/00005768-19861...
. Lastly, Openness to Experience refers to inventiveness, extensiveness, and complexity of an individual's mental and experiential life1717 James LP, Haff GG, Kelly VG, Beckman EM. Towards a determination of the physiological characteristics distinguishing successful mixed martial arts athletes: a systematic review of combat sport literature. Sports Med 2016;46(10):1525-51. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0493-1. PMid:26993133.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-049...
. Openness includes traits such as being curious, creative, having unconventional values, and having a flexible way of thinking1313 Coswig VS, Miarka B, Pires DA, Silva LM, Bartel C, Vecchio FB. Weight regain, but not weight loss, is related to competitive success in real-life mixed martial arts competition. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2019;29(1):1-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0034. PMid:29757051.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2018-00...
. Personality has been considered a contextual factor that could influence each aspect of the performance process. The Big Five personality dimensions could affect the mental toughness of high-level athletes of team and combat sports88 Chen MA, Cheesman DJ. Mental toughness of mixed martial arts athletes at different levels of competition. Percept Mot Skills 2013;116(3):905-17. http://dx.doi.org/10.2466/29.30.PMS.116.3.905-917. PMid:24175462.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2466/29.30.PMS.116....
,1313 Coswig VS, Miarka B, Pires DA, Silva LM, Bartel C, Vecchio FB. Weight regain, but not weight loss, is related to competitive success in real-life mixed martial arts competition. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2019;29(1):1-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0034. PMid:29757051.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2018-00...
; however, this is the first time the personality effects are related to mental toughness and physical fitness performance boxing practitioners. Therefore, attempting to extend the previous studies, the present study aims to correlate boxing athletes' mental toughness and physical fitness performances per each of the Big Five Factors.

METHODS

Participants

Eleven recreational boxers (age: 28.5±6.7 years-old, height: 1.8±0.1m, wingspan: 1.84±0.4m and 88.1±13.6kg) were selected in a randomized method. All participants had more than ten months of experience. Inclusion criteria: We included complete data of athletes, which showed all the results for each of the tests used in the present study, aged over 18 years, having no cognitive alterations, no recent surgeries, and no injuries, and having more than ten months of practice. Exclusion criteria: fighters who were unable to complete the physical or mental tests, athletes with physical or mental limitations during the study, mainly for health reasons, being duly certified by doctors. The participants were also instructed not to intake alcohol or drugs for at least 24 hours before the measures and were maintaining typical diets. Before the data collection, all participants attended a briefing meeting and signed an informed consent document to ensure their understanding of the testing parameters and the risks and benefits of the study. This study was submitted to and approved by the Local Committee of Ethics in Research (n. 3.722.914), following the National Health Council's rules of resolution and according to the WMA Declaration of Helsinki.

Procedures

Athletes were familiarized with the test battery during the week before beginning the experiment to avoid the learning effect during the study's testing period. The participants replied to the Big Five and Mental Toughness tests before the physical fitness tests. The questionnaires were distributed by an investigator who explained that the study's purpose was to examine the mental toughness of the subject after each test. The athletes also completed a consent form reflecting the confidential and voluntary nature of their involvement in the study. The investigator was present to clarify doubts. Next, a standard 10-min warm-up, including jogging, dynamic stretching, and jumps, preceded the physical performance testing. Considering the lack of a specific boxing performance test in the literature, we required athletes to perform a non-specific battery of physical performance tests1818 Jansen P, Dahmen-Zimmer K, Kudielka BM, Schulz A. Effects of karate training versus mindfulness training on emotional well-being and cognitive performance in later life. Res Aging 2017;39(10):1118-44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0164027516669987. PMid:27688143.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/01640275166699...
. We based our choice on other studies evaluating combat sports athletes. The validity and feasibility of the tests were also considered44 Bojanić Ž, Nedeljković J, Šakan D, Mitić PM, Milovanović I, Drid P. Personality traits and self-esteem in combat and team sports. Front Psychol 2019;10:2280. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02280. PMid:31649595.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.022...
,1818 Jansen P, Dahmen-Zimmer K, Kudielka BM, Schulz A. Effects of karate training versus mindfulness training on emotional well-being and cognitive performance in later life. Res Aging 2017;39(10):1118-44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0164027516669987. PMid:27688143.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/01640275166699...
.

Measures

The 44-item Big Five Inventory (BFI) measures the Big Five dimensions of Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Neuroticism, Openness, and Extraversion. BFO used a 5-point rating scale, ranging from 1-strongly disagree to 5-strongly agree. The BFI shows good reliability, retest reliability, factor structure, and convergent and discriminant validity1313 Coswig VS, Miarka B, Pires DA, Silva LM, Bartel C, Vecchio FB. Weight regain, but not weight loss, is related to competitive success in real-life mixed martial arts competition. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2019;29(1):1-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0034. PMid:29757051.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2018-00...
. The reliability for the five factors in the present study was satisfactory (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.71 (Openness), 0.77 (Agreeableness), 0.79 (Neuroticism), 0.81 (Conscientiousness), and 0.82 (Extraversion)1515 Ghoul N, Tabben M, Miarka B, Tourny C, Chamari K, Coquart J. Mixed martial arts induces significant fatigue and muscle damage up to 24 hours post-combat. J Strength Cond Res 2019;33(6):1570-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002078. PMid:28658085.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000...
. For this study, we linearly transformed the raw metric data into a percentage of the maximum possible (POMP); therefore, the scores from the BFI ranged between 0 and 1001616 Giovani D, Nikolaidis PT. Differences in force-velocity characteristics of upper and lower limbs of non-competitive male boxers. Int J Exerc Sci 2012;5(2):106-13. PMid:27182379..

The SMTQ was also used to measure MT. The 14-item SMTQ provides an overall measure of MT and the three subscales of confidence, constancy, and control. Participants respond to items using a 4-point Likert scale ranging from (1), not true to (4) very true. Sample items include "I have unshakeable confidence in my ability" (confidence); "I get distracted easily and lose my concentration" (constancy), and "I get anxious by events I did not expect or cannot control" (control). The SMTQ includes a conceptualization of mental toughness from a positive psychology "mindset" perspective. This questionary focuses on an individual's ability to overcome adversity and the attributes that enable them to thrive and grow under all circumstances, including self-belief, commitment, perseverance, and emotional management55 Box AG, Feito Y, Brown C, Petruzzello SJ. Individual differences influence exercise behavior: how personality, motivation, and behavioral regulation vary among exercise mode preferences. Heliyon 2019;5(4):e01459. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01459. PMid:31065599.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019...
. Reliability and validity procedures were performed for the SMTQ, with all subscales αs >0.70 and are significantly inter-correlated44 Bojanić Ž, Nedeljković J, Šakan D, Mitić PM, Milovanović I, Drid P. Personality traits and self-esteem in combat and team sports. Front Psychol 2019;10:2280. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02280. PMid:31649595.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.022...
.

Abdominal endurance verified muscular resistance, according to the test described by previous authors1919 Kotarska K, Nowak L, Szark-Eckardt M, Nowak MA. Intensity of health behaviors in people who practice combat sports and martial arts. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019;16(14):2463. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142463. PMid:31373295.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142463...
. The athlete was in the supine position, with their arms crossed and knees flexed, and the athletes did the complete movement1919 Kotarska K, Nowak L, Szark-Eckardt M, Nowak MA. Intensity of health behaviors in people who practice combat sports and martial arts. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019;16(14):2463. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142463. PMid:31373295.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142463...
. The resistance test of upper limbs is important because it helps fighters to perform defensive actions.

The maximal isometric handgrip (BMS Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer, Brazil) assessment (dominant hand) verified the maximal strength condition. Preceding reports have indicated strong test‐retest reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient - ICC = 0.87)2020 Liu M, So H. Effects of Tai Chi exercise program on physical fitness, fall related perception and health status in institutionalized elders. J Korean Acad Nurs 2008;38(4):620-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2008.38.4.620. PMid:18753814.
http://dx.doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2008.38.4...
,2121 Lochbaum MR, Rhodes RE, Stevenson SJ, Surles J, Stevens T, Wang CK. Does gender moderate the exercising personality? An examination of continuous and stage-based exercise. Psychol Health Med 2010;15(1):50-60. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13548500903443449. PMid:20391224.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13548500903443...
. Athletes were instructed to stand with their shoulder adducted; elbow flexed at 90°, and their forearm and wrist in a neutral position. The dynamometer grip was orientated to each athlete's metacarpophalangeal joint. Participants were instructed to maintain a maximal 5s isometric contraction during each attempt. Each athlete performed three maximum trials on each hand, in an alternating manner, with one‐minute recovery between attempts. The peak value from each hand was recorded and used for further analysis2020 Liu M, So H. Effects of Tai Chi exercise program on physical fitness, fall related perception and health status in institutionalized elders. J Korean Acad Nurs 2008;38(4):620-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2008.38.4.620. PMid:18753814.
http://dx.doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2008.38.4...
.

Squat Jump (SJ) and Countermovement jump (CMJ) were also measured. Participants performed the SJ with feet parallel and shoulder-width apart, have a good balance in an upright position with the trunk remaining as vertical as possible, and hands-on the hips throughout the test knee angle around 90°. The trial was not considered valid if any movement was perceived with the increased knee flexion at the start of the jump2222 Massuca L, Branco B, Miarka B, Fragoso I. Physical fitness attributes of team-handball players are related to playing position and performance level. Asian J Sports Med 2015;6(1):e24712. http://dx.doi.org/10.5812/asjsm.24712. PMid:25883775.
http://dx.doi.org/10.5812/asjsm.24712...
. For the CMJ, participants started from an upright standing position. They made a preliminary downward movement by flexing the knees and hips with a knee angle around 90° at the end of the countermovement. The research recorded the best of 3 trials (separated with at least 1-min of recovery) for SJ and CMJ44 Bojanić Ž, Nedeljković J, Šakan D, Mitić PM, Milovanović I, Drid P. Personality traits and self-esteem in combat and team sports. Front Psychol 2019;10:2280. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02280. PMid:31649595.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.022...
. The results of CMJ height are in centimeters (cm). The CMJ test analyzed height using the MyJump app installed on an iPhone 6, which includes a 120 Hz high-speed camera at a quality of 720 p. MyJump calculated the time (in ms) between 2 frames selected by the user and subsequently, JH using the following equation: JH = FT2 × 1.22625 (2). A researcher lay prone on the ground with the iPhone 6 facing the participant (in the frontal plane) ~1.5 m from the participant and zoomed in on the fighter's feet2121 Lochbaum MR, Rhodes RE, Stevenson SJ, Surles J, Stevens T, Wang CK. Does gender moderate the exercising personality? An examination of continuous and stage-based exercise. Psychol Health Med 2010;15(1):50-60. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13548500903443449. PMid:20391224.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13548500903443...
.

Statistical analysis

The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (K-S) determined the normal distribution of the data. The descriptive parametric data presented by mean±SD. For the frequencies/non-parametric data, the descriptive data showed median (first quartile, third quartile). The Kruskal-Wallis test compared personality categories. Next, the Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient verified the relationship between the five factors of BFI and physical and mental variables using the classification: .00-.19 “very weak”; .20-.39 “weak”; .40-.59 “moderate”; .60-.79 “strong,” and; .80-1.0 “very strong.” The present analysis used a significance level of p ≤ .05 (SPSS 20.0 for Windows).

RESULTS

Figure 1 shows the descriptive analysis of the Big Five Inventory of boxers. No effects between Big Five Factors frequencies were observed (p>0.05 for all comparisons).

Figure 1
Descriptive analysis of personality, separated by Big Five Factors.

Table 1 demonstrates the correlations between personality factors, power, and strength and endurance measures. There was a significant inverse correlation between agreeableness and sit-up (r=0.72; p=0.02).

Table 1
Descriptive analysis of power, strength and endurance measures associated with personality factors of boxing practitioners.

Statistical analysis of SMQT associated with personality factors are presented in Table 2. There was a significant correlation between neuroticism and control (r=0.76; p≤0.01), constancy (r=0.84; p≤0.01) and total SMQT score (r=0.84; p≤0.01).

Table 2
Descriptive analysis of mental toughness associated with personality factors of boxing practitioners.

DISCUSSION

The present study demonstrated that personality could be considered a contextual factor that influences physical and mental boxing performance. Our results confirmed a significant and robust correlation between the agreeableness factor and the sit-ups test and strong correlations between Neuroticism, Control, Constancy, and Total SMQT scores. These data showed that neuroticism and endurance results correlate with boxers' personality whose drive motivates them relentlessly towards success and promotes thriving in boxing training environments or during championships.

Sports psychology has rarely examined the effect of personality traits in understanding mental toughness and Physical responses2323 Vieira LF, Fernandes SL, Vieira JLL, Vissoci JRN. Estado de humor e desempenho motor: um estudo com atletas de voleibol de alto rendimento. Rev Bras Cineantropom Des Hum 2008;10(1):62-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2008v10n1p62.
http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2008...
. In taekwondo, personality traits, especially agreeableness and neuroticism, were useful in understanding arousal responses to the competition2222 Massuca L, Branco B, Miarka B, Fragoso I. Physical fitness attributes of team-handball players are related to playing position and performance level. Asian J Sports Med 2015;6(1):e24712. http://dx.doi.org/10.5812/asjsm.24712. PMid:25883775.
http://dx.doi.org/10.5812/asjsm.24712...
. Preceding authors have suggested that self-efficacy mediated the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and self-control in boxing2424 Pędzich W, Mastalerz A, Sadowski J. Estimation of muscle torque in various combat sports. Acta Bioeng Biomech 2012;14(4):107-12. PMid:23394114.. Our findings suggest a positive association between personality, mental toughness, and physical performance44 Bojanić Ž, Nedeljković J, Šakan D, Mitić PM, Milovanović I, Drid P. Personality traits and self-esteem in combat and team sports. Front Psychol 2019;10:2280. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02280. PMid:31649595.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.022...
. These results agree with preceding reports linking physical capabilities with emotional control1111 Slimani M, Miarka B, Briki W, Cheour F. Comparison of mental toughness and power test performances in high-level kickboxers by competitive success. Asian J Sports Med 2016;7(2):e30840. http://dx.doi.org/10.5812/asjsm.30840. PMid:27625755.
http://dx.doi.org/10.5812/asjsm.30840...
,2525 Silva B, Clemente FM, Martins FM. Associations between functional movement screen scores and performance variables in surf athletes. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2018;58(5):583-90. PMid:28229573.,2626 Slimani M, Chaabene H, Miarka B, Franchini E, Chamari K, Cheour F. Kickboxing review: anthropometric, psychophysiological and activity profiles and injury epidemiology. Biol Sport 2017;34(2):185-96. http://dx.doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2017.65338. PMid:28566813.
http://dx.doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2017...
. However, previous authors have indicated a relationship between mental toughness and muscular power in kickboxing, and findings showed that athletes who had high mental toughness demonstrated greater muscular strength44 Bojanić Ž, Nedeljković J, Šakan D, Mitić PM, Milovanović I, Drid P. Personality traits and self-esteem in combat and team sports. Front Psychol 2019;10:2280. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02280. PMid:31649595.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.022...
. This correlation explained by muscular power gains must accompany strong brain activation relevant to the intended muscle action. Previous research has shown a proportional relationship between the magnitude of the brain-to-muscle signal and voluntary muscle force by young human subjects. At the same time, another study indicated that greater strength is associated with mental training66 Brandt R, Bevilacqua GG, Coimbra DR, Pombo LC, Miarka B, Lane AM. Body weight and mood state modifications in mixed martial arts: an exploratory pilot. J Strength Cond Res. 2018;32(9):2548-54. http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002639. PMid:29927894.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000...
,2727 Whiting SW, Hoff RA, Balodis IM, Potenza MN. An exploratory study of relationships among five-factor personality measures and forms of gambling in adults with and without probable pathological gambling. J Gambl Stud 2019;35(3):915-28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10899-018-9809-4. PMid:30382456.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10899-018-980...
. The ability to regulate emotion and imagery successfully shows commitment and determination, possessing an uncontrollable desire to succeed and unshakeable confidence, which are all particularities of mentally tough individuals and could differentiate athletes'' levels.

The present study presented similar non-professional athletes and lower values than high-level boxing athletes who showed a high peak and anaerobic power output33 Blake H, Hawley H. Effects of Tai Chi exercise on physical and psychological health of older people. Curr Aging Sci 2012;5(1):19-27. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1874609811205010019. PMid:21762093.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/18746098112050...
. Therefore, muscle strength in both the upper and lower limbs is paramount for a fighter's performance1212 Coswig VS, Gentil P, Irigon F, Vecchio FB. Caffeine ingestion changes time-motion and technical-tactical aspects in simulated boxing matches: a randomized double-blind PLA-controlled crossover study. Eur J Sport Sci 2018;18(7):975-83. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2018.1465599. PMid:29738282.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2018....
and is one of the keys to success in striking combats66 Brandt R, Bevilacqua GG, Coimbra DR, Pombo LC, Miarka B, Lane AM. Body weight and mood state modifications in mixed martial arts: an exploratory pilot. J Strength Cond Res. 2018;32(9):2548-54. http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002639. PMid:29927894.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000...
,2828 Zhang G, Chen X, Xiao L, Li Y, Li B, Yan Z, et al. The relationship between big five and self-control in boxers: a mediating model. Front Psychol 2019;10:1690. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01690. PMid:31440177.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.016...
. As boxing punches are quick and fast actions, high-level boxing performance requires well-developed muscle power in both the upper and lower limbs. Findings agree with preceding reports, which reveal that isometric strength is related to high-level boxing performance and torque production2929 Znazen H, Slimani M, Miarka B, Butovskaya M, Siala H, Messaoud T, et al. Mental skills comparison between elite sprint and endurance track and field runners according to their genetic polymorphism: a pilot study. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2017;57(9):1217-26. http://dx.doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.16.06441-0. PMid:27441913.
http://dx.doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.16...
. Future investigations into the mental toughness and physical attributes of boxers are essential to improve the current data set and help create a suitable training program.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study confirms that personality can be considered a contextual factor that influences physical and mental boxing performance. Our results demonstrate a strong association between the agreeableness factor and the sit-ups test and powerful associations between Neuroticism, Control, Constancy, and Total SMQT scores. These data indicated that neuroticism and endurance results are associated with boxers' personalities whose drive persistently encourages them to succeed and helps them thrive in boxing training situations or during matches.

COMPLIANCE WITH ETHICAL STANDARDS

  • How to cite this articleBrito CJ, Chagas ALS, Brito MA, Müller VT, Noronha AS, Coswig V, Teixeira FG, Soto DAS, Miarka B. Mental toughness and physical fitness tests of boxing athletes associated with big five personality factors. Rev Bras Cineantropom Desempenho Hum 2023, 25:e87135. https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-0037.2022v24e87135
  • Funding

    This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. This study was funded by the authors.

REFERENCES

  • 1
    Barrett J, Eason CM, Lazar R, Mazerolle SM. Personality traits and burnout among athletic trainers employed in the collegiate setting. J Athl Train 2016;51(6):454-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-51.7.08 PMid:27415851.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-51.7.08
  • 2
    Binboga E, Guven S, Çatıkkaş F, Bayazıt O, Tok S. Psychophysiological responses to competition and the big five personality traits. J Hum Kinet 2012;33:187-94. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/v10078-012-0057-x PMid:23486906.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/v10078-012-0057-x
  • 3
    Blake H, Hawley H. Effects of Tai Chi exercise on physical and psychological health of older people. Curr Aging Sci 2012;5(1):19-27. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1874609811205010019 PMid:21762093.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1874609811205010019
  • 4
    Bojanić Ž, Nedeljković J, Šakan D, Mitić PM, Milovanović I, Drid P. Personality traits and self-esteem in combat and team sports. Front Psychol 2019;10:2280. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02280 PMid:31649595.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02280
  • 5
    Box AG, Feito Y, Brown C, Petruzzello SJ. Individual differences influence exercise behavior: how personality, motivation, and behavioral regulation vary among exercise mode preferences. Heliyon 2019;5(4):e01459. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01459 PMid:31065599.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01459
  • 6
    Brandt R, Bevilacqua GG, Coimbra DR, Pombo LC, Miarka B, Lane AM. Body weight and mood state modifications in mixed martial arts: an exploratory pilot. J Strength Cond Res. 2018;32(9):2548-54. http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002639 PMid:29927894.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002639
  • 7
    Chaabène H, Franchini E, Miarka B, Selmi MA, Mkaouer B, Chamari K. Time-motion analysis and physiological responses to karate official combat sessions: is there a difference between winners and defeated karatekas? Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2014;9(2):302-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2012-0353 PMid:23881174.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2012-0353
  • 8
    Chen MA, Cheesman DJ. Mental toughness of mixed martial arts athletes at different levels of competition. Percept Mot Skills 2013;116(3):905-17. http://dx.doi.org/10.2466/29.30.PMS.116.3.905-917 PMid:24175462.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.2466/29.30.PMS.116.3.905-917
  • 9
    Cimadoro G. Acute neuromuscular, cognitive and physiological responses to a Japanese kickboxing competition in semi-professional fighters. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2017;58(12):1720-7. PMid:29083128.
  • 10
    Coswig VS, Gentil P, Bueno JC, Follmer B, Marques VA, Vecchio FB. Physical fitness predicts technical-tactical and time-motion profile in simulated judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu matches. PeerJ 2018;6:e4851. http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4851 PMid:29844991.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4851
  • 11
    Slimani M, Miarka B, Briki W, Cheour F. Comparison of mental toughness and power test performances in high-level kickboxers by competitive success. Asian J Sports Med 2016;7(2):e30840. http://dx.doi.org/10.5812/asjsm.30840 PMid:27625755.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.5812/asjsm.30840
  • 12
    Coswig VS, Gentil P, Irigon F, Vecchio FB. Caffeine ingestion changes time-motion and technical-tactical aspects in simulated boxing matches: a randomized double-blind PLA-controlled crossover study. Eur J Sport Sci 2018;18(7):975-83. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2018.1465599 PMid:29738282.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2018.1465599
  • 13
    Coswig VS, Miarka B, Pires DA, Silva LM, Bartel C, Vecchio FB. Weight regain, but not weight loss, is related to competitive success in real-life mixed martial arts competition. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2019;29(1):1-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0034 PMid:29757051.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0034
  • 14
    Ewart CK, Stewart KJ, Gillilan RE, Kelemen MH. Self-efficacy mediates strength gains during circuit weight training in men with coronary artery disease. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1986;18(5):531-40. http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/00005768-198610000-00007 PMid:3773670.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/00005768-198610000-00007
  • 15
    Ghoul N, Tabben M, Miarka B, Tourny C, Chamari K, Coquart J. Mixed martial arts induces significant fatigue and muscle damage up to 24 hours post-combat. J Strength Cond Res 2019;33(6):1570-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002078 PMid:28658085.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002078
  • 16
    Giovani D, Nikolaidis PT. Differences in force-velocity characteristics of upper and lower limbs of non-competitive male boxers. Int J Exerc Sci 2012;5(2):106-13. PMid:27182379.
  • 17
    James LP, Haff GG, Kelly VG, Beckman EM. Towards a determination of the physiological characteristics distinguishing successful mixed martial arts athletes: a systematic review of combat sport literature. Sports Med 2016;46(10):1525-51. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0493-1 PMid:26993133.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0493-1
  • 18
    Jansen P, Dahmen-Zimmer K, Kudielka BM, Schulz A. Effects of karate training versus mindfulness training on emotional well-being and cognitive performance in later life. Res Aging 2017;39(10):1118-44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0164027516669987 PMid:27688143.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0164027516669987
  • 19
    Kotarska K, Nowak L, Szark-Eckardt M, Nowak MA. Intensity of health behaviors in people who practice combat sports and martial arts. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019;16(14):2463. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142463 PMid:31373295.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142463
  • 20
    Liu M, So H. Effects of Tai Chi exercise program on physical fitness, fall related perception and health status in institutionalized elders. J Korean Acad Nurs 2008;38(4):620-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2008.38.4.620 PMid:18753814.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2008.38.4.620
  • 21
    Lochbaum MR, Rhodes RE, Stevenson SJ, Surles J, Stevens T, Wang CK. Does gender moderate the exercising personality? An examination of continuous and stage-based exercise. Psychol Health Med 2010;15(1):50-60. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13548500903443449 PMid:20391224.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13548500903443449
  • 22
    Massuca L, Branco B, Miarka B, Fragoso I. Physical fitness attributes of team-handball players are related to playing position and performance level. Asian J Sports Med 2015;6(1):e24712. http://dx.doi.org/10.5812/asjsm.24712 PMid:25883775.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.5812/asjsm.24712
  • 23
    Vieira LF, Fernandes SL, Vieira JLL, Vissoci JRN. Estado de humor e desempenho motor: um estudo com atletas de voleibol de alto rendimento. Rev Bras Cineantropom Des Hum 2008;10(1):62-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2008v10n1p62
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2008v10n1p62
  • 24
    Pędzich W, Mastalerz A, Sadowski J. Estimation of muscle torque in various combat sports. Acta Bioeng Biomech 2012;14(4):107-12. PMid:23394114.
  • 25
    Silva B, Clemente FM, Martins FM. Associations between functional movement screen scores and performance variables in surf athletes. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2018;58(5):583-90. PMid:28229573.
  • 26
    Slimani M, Chaabene H, Miarka B, Franchini E, Chamari K, Cheour F. Kickboxing review: anthropometric, psychophysiological and activity profiles and injury epidemiology. Biol Sport 2017;34(2):185-96. http://dx.doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2017.65338 PMid:28566813.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2017.65338
  • 27
    Whiting SW, Hoff RA, Balodis IM, Potenza MN. An exploratory study of relationships among five-factor personality measures and forms of gambling in adults with and without probable pathological gambling. J Gambl Stud 2019;35(3):915-28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10899-018-9809-4 PMid:30382456.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10899-018-9809-4
  • 28
    Zhang G, Chen X, Xiao L, Li Y, Li B, Yan Z, et al. The relationship between big five and self-control in boxers: a mediating model. Front Psychol 2019;10:1690. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01690 PMid:31440177.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01690
  • 29
    Znazen H, Slimani M, Miarka B, Butovskaya M, Siala H, Messaoud T, et al. Mental skills comparison between elite sprint and endurance track and field runners according to their genetic polymorphism: a pilot study. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2017;57(9):1217-26. http://dx.doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.16.06441-0 PMid:27441913.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.16.06441-0

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    16 Jan 2023
  • Date of issue
    2023

History

  • Received
    23 Apr 2022
  • Accepted
    30 Sept 2022
Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário Trindade, Centro de Desportos - RBCDH, Zip postal: 88040-900 - Florianópolis, SC. Brasil, Fone/fax : (55 48) 3721-8562/(55 48) 3721-6348 - Florianópolis - SC - Brazil
E-mail: rbcdh@contato.ufsc.br