Special Boxing Fitness Test: validation procedure

In the scientific community specializing in combat sports, there is a consensus on the crucial role of diagnos- tic tests evaluating general and special fitness and performance. This is due to the unique structure of tasks characteristic for these disciplines, which require a holistic approach and integrated function, energy effi- ciency, and muscular fitness of the human structural-functional system. Therefore, diagnostic tools informing about the comprehensive and special components of combat sports athletes' physical fitness are particularly useful. The aim of the study was to validate a Special Boxing Fitness Test. The study involved 18 boxing athletes (three representatives from six regulatory weight categories) characterized by a high level of sport performance. The Special Boxing Fitness Test (SBFT) created by the authors was based on the following motor and exercise time assumptions: 90-second (3 rounds of 30s) fatigue test with the imple- mentation of boxing techniques in the form of straight punches delivered with full force to the beat of a met- ronome, performed on a boxing bag. For the validation of the author's SBFT were used (as a reference system) Pawluk's Boxing Test based on the quantitative aspect of delivered blows. To assess the reliability of SBFT, it was carried out on two occasions, with a seven-day interval. Indicators were recorded for each special attempt and subsequently, an Index SBFT illustrating comprehensive special performance was calculated for all attempts us- ing a specialized formula. Statistical procedures were used to comparatively analyse results and examine asso- ciations in specified combinations between tests and measurement dates, ultimately validating the SBFT. The analyses showed statistically significant associations of very high and high strength for cross-sectional Special Endurance Indices, between the arrangement of both tests and the two measurement dates. Regarding both SBFT dates, similar levels of indices were observed, without signs of significant differentiation and with a pro- file of a weak effect. For both SBFT measurement dates, very low internal variability of indices was recorded. The comparative arrangement and the applied test-retest procedure revealed high applicability value of SBFT. The proposed SBFT provides a reliable, cross-sectional assessment of the fitness and special performance of boxing athletes and is conducive to its use in field conditions.