Latent Performance Characteristics Across Youth Martial Arts Disciplines: A Multidimensional Analysis

Latent Performance Characteristics Across Youth Martial Arts Disciplines: A Multidimensional Analysis | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Latent Performance Characteristics Across Youth Martial Arts Disciplines: A Multidimensional Analysis Phornpot Chainok, Piyathida Thongchai, Benchaporn Buapet, Radomyos Matjiur, and 2 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8803823/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 7 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The performance of youth in martial arts arises from complex interactions among anthropometric, neuromuscular, maturational, and cognitive elements. However, it is uncertain whether these performance variables constitute common or discipline-specific latent structures across different martial arts. The study aimed to identify discipline-specific latent performance characteristics in youth martial arts athletes and the influence of anthropometric, neuromuscular, maturational, and cognitive factors on inter-sport variation. One hundred fifteen (n = 115) trained male athletes (age 14.4 ± 1.7 years) from judo, jujitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling, taekwondo and pencak silat underwent standardized evaluations. Principal Component Analysis with Varimax rotation (eigen values ≥ 1.0) showed distinctive component structures for each discipline. The primary component for the entire cohort accounted for 38.4% of the variance, predominantly influenced by skeletal muscle mass (0.91–0.94) and countermovement jump peak force (0.90–0.92), suggesting a common morphology–power basis. Judo, Muay Thai, wrestling, and pencak silat exhibited strength profiles characterized by substantial mass support and forceful grasping and striking with a variance ranging from 30.4% to 45.3%. Taekwondo presented a power-centric framework propelled by explosive lower-limb strength (loadings: 0.96–0.99), while jujitsu revealed a cognitive-motor profile, with inhibitory control and executive processing accounting for 60.3% of the variance. The youth performance in martial arts is supported by a common morphological and power foundation, alongside discipline-specific neuromuscular and cognitive requirements. Sports performance Long-term athlete development Martial arts Performance analysis 1 Introduction Martial arts sports required a mixture of physical fitness related components, biological maturity and cognitive skill for competitive success. Such sports require quickly force production, efficient motor coordination, tactical adaptability and perceptual-cognitive precision under significant physical and psychological stress [ 7 , 23 , 33 ] . Combat-specific tasks, including of striking, grappling, and defensive movements, are significantly influenced by the interaction of strength, power, coordination, and executive functioning [ 12 , 13 , 31 ] . Early adulthood experiences more complexity, as athletes encounter nonlinear alterations to anthropometry, skeletal muscle mass, neuromuscular activation, and cognitive development, all of which may directly affect sport-specific performance capacity [ 14 , 24 ] . These complex characteristics affect martial arts training and competition responsiveness [ 1 , 10 , 26 ] . Neuromuscular performance reflects the interplay between neural activation and musculoskeletal function (muscle force and power production, and movement control [ 7 , 8 , 19 ] . This is essential for martial arts performance, where quickly force application, reactive strength, and movement efficiency dictate effective offensive and defensive maneuvers [ 10 , 31 ] . Essential neuromuscular tests include countermovement jump (CMJ), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), dynamic strength index (DSI), eccentric hamstring strength, and grip strength. Together, these tests report relevant sport-specific characteristics such as explosive power, maximal isometric force, and fatigue resistance [ 5 , 20 , 34 ] . Likewise, anthropometric and maturational profiles affect performance in different way across the martial arts disciplines, each characterized by distinct technical and biomechanical demands [ 11 , 17 ] . Besides, the interplay between maturation and neuromuscular development is especially significant during adolescence, a phase marked by rapid growth, hormonal fluctuations, and neuromuscular reorganization that can either enhance or restrict sport-specific abilities [ 21 , 22 , 24 ] .Thus, analyzing the interaction of biological and neuromuscular components within and across martial arts disciplines is crucial for clarifying discipline-specific performance characteristics and for informing the development of specialized training methodologies. Athletes must rapidly interpret cues, anticipate opponents’ intentions, and execute motor responses with precision in martial arts sports [ 29 , 38 ] . Executive capacities, including inhibitory control, attentional shifting, working memory, and decision-making speed, are linked with success in striking and grappling sports [ 25 , 28 ] . Reaction time, visuospatial reasoning and cognitive flexibility are critical to making split-second tactical decisions [ 36 ] . Elite athletes show enhanced perceptual-cognitive abilities from early developmental phases, underlining the need for comprehensive profiling in talent identification [ 4 , 40 ] . Despite the importance of these cognitive domains, they are quite underexplored, highlighting the necessity for integrated neuromuscular-cognitive frameworks. Many martial arts modalities impose distinct physical, technical, and cognitive requirements, leading to sport-specific performance characteristics. For instance, striking-dominant sports such Muay Thai and taekwondo require fast stretch-shortening cycle performance, powerful lower-limb mechanics, and anticipatory decision-making [ 12 , 27 , 32 ] . However, grappling sports such as judo and jujitsu prioritize grip endurance, isometric strength, and biomechanical leverage, as well as cognitive abilities related to sequencing and tactical decision-making [ 2 , 37 ] . Wrestling and pencak silat integrate striking and grappling techniques, involving a diverse range of neuromuscular, anthropometric, and cognitive capacities [ 11 , 17 ] . Therefore, the interdisciplinary distinctions underscore the lack of employing individual performance metrics or sport-neutral evaluation approaches in youth martial arts. Although previous research has examined specific components of performance in youth martial artists including growth and maturation, physical fitness, or cognitive skill, however, few studies have integrated these domains using multivariate techniques across multiple martial arts disciplines. The need for such integration critical considering the diversity of technical demands, developmental trajectories and performance determinants across combat sports. Therefore, the current study aims to apply principal component analysis to identify discipline-specific latent performance characteristics across six martial arts, incorporating neuromuscular, anthropometric, maturational, and cognitive evaluations to inform evidence-based training design, age-appropriate talent identification, and multidimensional athlete development strategies. Given the multidimensional aspects of martial arts performance, it is expected that principal component analysis will present coherent latent structures indicative of neuromuscular function, anthropometric and maturational characteristics, and cognitive processing capabilities. Furthermore, because each martial art presents specific technical, tactical, and physical demands, we hypothesize that the loading patterns of these components will differ throughout disciplines, reflecting distinctive performance features. 2 Method 2.1 Participant A total of 115 youth trained male martial arts athletes (age 14.4 ± 1.7 years; body mass 55.6 ± 14.4 kg; height 165.1 ± 10.1 cm; maturity offset − 4.9 ± 1.3 years) were recruited from six disciplines: judo (n = 26), jujitsu (n = 15), Muay Thai (n = 19), wrestling (n = 24), taekwondo (n = 18) and pencak silat (n = 16). Youth trained male martial arts were required to have at least one year of structured training, a minimum of two years of regional or national competitive experience, and qualification for national championship events. To prevent confusing neuromuscular and cognitive assessments, athletes who had been injured within three months, competed within 15 days of testing, or had medical or psychiatric disorders that could impair performance were eliminated. The local ethics committee (HS092/2568) authorized the Declaration of Helsinki-compliant study. Informed written consent was acquired from all individuals before they participated. For participants under 18 years of age, written informed consent was subsequently acquired from their parents or legal guardians. 2.2 Testing Procedures A cross-sectional multivariate profiling study using PCA to identify discipline-specific latent performance components in youth trained martial arts athletes. A structured four-day testing program evaluated anthropometry, biological maturation, cognitive function and neuromuscular performance in all of the participants (Supplementary Fig. 1). All procedures were performed by qualified technicians in controlled lab conditions using standard procedures. On day one assessments included anthropometry, conducted by an ISAK Level I anthropometrist following standard measurement procedures, along with the evaluation of biological maturation. The Mirwald maturity-offset approach estimates years from peak height velocity (PHV) using gender-specific regression equations that include age, stature, sitting height, and body mass. This indicator estimates maturation for growth-related neuromuscular capacity changes non-invasively. Digit ratio (2D:4D), an indirect indication of prenatal androgen exposure was measured bilaterally with a digital Vernier caliper (0.01 mm precision). Fingertip-to-basal crease length dictated finger length. In inter-hand asymmetry (RF–LF) [ 5 , 29 ] , scores that are positive imply right-hand dominance and repeated measures one week apart confirmed reliability (ICC = 0.92–0.95). Day two comprised a systematic computerized cognitive evaluation conducted in a private, controlled environmental atmosphere, following established verbal and visual instructions. A seven-task battery was employed to assess executive function, processing speed, and visuospatial abilities domains recognized for distinguishing performance among six martial arts disciplines. The testing procedures comprised simple and choice reaction time tests to evaluate sensorimotor processing and rapid decision-making; Trail Making Tests (TMT-A and TMT-B) to measure visual scanning, psychomotor speed, and cognitive flexibility; and the Stroop/Flanker task to assess attentional control and inhibitory capacity. Visuospatial working memory and orientation were assessed using mental rotation and Corsi block-tapping tasks. All results were digitally documented to ensure precision, methodological validity, and consistency among participants [ 34 , 38 ] . Neuromuscular performance was evaluated across day three and four. On day three, lower-limb testing included CMJ and IMTP), performed on dual K-Deltas force platforms (Kinvent Physio, Montpellier, France) at 1,000 Hz sampling rate. For the CMJ, athletes performed maximal jumps with hands on hips; dominant, non-dominant and total peak forces were extracted from the force-time curve. After a 60 s rest, participants performed the IMTP by pulling maximally against a fixed bar for 5 s, with peak unilateral and bilateral forces recorded. The lower-limb DSI was employed as the principal outcome measure, defined as the ratio of peak force during the CMJ to peak force during the IMTP [ 9 , 31 ] . Alongside the DSI, a unilateral strength asymmetry index was computed for both CMJ and IMTP using the percentage difference between dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) limbs, where the dominant limb was defined as the one producing the higher peak force: (D − ND) / D × 100 [ 8 ] . On day four, eccentric hamstring strength was evaluated via the Nordic Hamstring Exercise (NHE). Two K-push devices operating at a sampling frequency of 250 Hz (Kinvent Physio, Montpellier, France), each equipped with two load cells to quantify the force exerted by each lower limb. Participants initially engaged in a standardized 5 min dynamic warm-up focusing on the trunk and lower-limb musculature, thereafter assuming a kneeling position on a custom-designed NHE apparatus (Kinvent Physio, Montpellier, France). Participants started the NHE on a padded board with their arms crossed over their chests and a straight knee-to-head posture. The athletes were told to lean forward gradually avoid hip flexion and oppose the descent until control was compromised. The ankles were properly fixed above the lateral malleoli using an ankle brace connected to an integrated load cell, though Kinvent Physio software recorded resulting forces during the eccentric phase. Absolute peak bilateral eccentric force (N) and inter-limb asymmetry were derived from the force–time profile [ 2 , 25 ] . The maximum bilateral isometric grip strength was determined using a handheld dynamometer (K-Grip, Kinvent), which accurately measures upper-limb static force production [ 11 , 14 ] . Participants performed three maximal voluntary contractions for each hand, utilizing standardized positioning and verbal encouragement to ensure consistent effort. The peak forces of dominant, non-dominant and total were derived from the force-time curve, and the unilateral strength asymmetry index between the dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) limbs was determined [ 8 ] . 2.3 Statistical Analysis A priori power analysis was performed using G*Power (v3.1.9.2) in accordance with Abt et al. (2025) [ 1 ] . The minimum required sample size for a one-way ANOVA involving six sports disciplines (f = 0.40, α = 0.05, power = 0.90) was 114, which increased to 125 after accounting for a 10% dropout rate. The final sample comprised 115 athletes, resulting in roughly 92% power for identifying ANOVA-level effects. Importantly, this sample complies with the established criteria for exploratory PCA, demonstrating an appropriate subject-to-variable ratio and anticipated sampling adequacy (KMO = 0.70), consequently confirming the stability of the extracted component structures. All statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 29.0; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), with significance set at p < 0.05 (two-tailed). The Shapiro–Wilk test confirmed data normality, while Levene’s test verified homogeneity of variances; since all assumptions have been satisfied, parametric techniques were employed. Descriptive statistics are reported as mean ± standard deviation (SD) along with the associated 95% confidence intervals (CI). Interdisciplinary variations (judo: n = 26, jujitsu: n = 15, Muay Thai: n = 19, wrestling: n = 24, taekwondo: n = 18, pencak silat: n = 16) were analyzed utilizing one-way ANOVA for biological development variables (maturity offset, 2D:4D), neuromuscular outcomes (lower-limb DSI, CMJ, IMTP, NHE, grip strength), and cognitive function parameters (TMT, MRT, DFT, FKT, SVT, SRT, CRT). Upon identifying a substantial main effect, Tukey-adjusted post hoc tests were employed to ascertain pairwise differences. Effect sizes were quantified using partial eta-squared (η²p; small = 0.01, medium = 0.06, large = 0.14) for ANOVA and Cohen’s d (small = 0.20, medium = 0.50, large = 0.80) for post hoc analyses [ 18 ] . A PCA with varimax rotation was conducted to identify clusters of associated performance indicators and to reduce dimensionality. The sufficiency of sampling was assessed by the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) statistic (acceptable threshold ≥ 0.60) and Bartlett’s test of sphericity (p 1) and the visual analysis of the scree plot. Variables with factor loadings of 0.70 or higher were considered significant contributors, whereas associations of 0.40 or higher were required to confirm a significant representation within the factor framework [ 17 ] . 3 Results A noticeable variation in training experience and anthropometric characteristics was observed among young martial arts disciplines. Muay Thai and Taekwondo athletes engaged in a higher number of weekly sessions (8 sessions/week) than those participating in Judo, Jujitsu, Wrestling, and Pencak Silat (p = 0.005; η²p = 0.066). Pencak Silat and jujitsu exhibited greater height and arm span, while muay Thai and taekwondo tended to be shorter (p < 0.05; η²p = 0.110–0.142). Regarding body composition, jujitsu and pencak silat exhibited higher body mass and body fat percentage, in contrast to muay Thai, which demonstrated the lowest fat percentage (7.50 ± 2.54%, p < 0.001; η²p = 0.185). Skeletal muscle mass was noticeably higher in pencak silat and jujitsu than in taekwondo and muay Thai (p = 0.009;). No post hoc differences were found for digit ratio indices (p > 0.05; η²p = 0.008–0.049), indicating comparable maturational characteristics across sports (Supplementary Table 1). Results indicated notable differences in lower-limb neuromuscular performance across different types of sports. The predicted jumping height based on velocity varied substantially among disciplines (p = 0.042, η²p = 0.099), with pencak silat and jujitsu demonstrating the highest values, while muay Thai yielded the lowest jump height. The peak force in the CMJ exhibited variation among sports for both dominant (p = 0.015, η²p = 0.120) and non-dominant limbs (p = 0.045, η²p = 0.098). The total CMJ peak force exhibited substantial variation among groups (p = 0.028, η²p = 0.107), with pencak silat recording the highest values, succeeded by wrestling and jujitsu, whereas muay Thai displayed the lowest outputs. CMJ asymmetry exhibited variation among sports (p = 0.015, η²p = 0.119), with the most pronounced imbalance in muay Thai and the lowest level in taekwondo. Eccentric hamstring strength exhibited the most considerable differentiation (NHE dominant: p < 0.001, η²p = 0.211; NHE total: p 0.15) and IMTP peak force (all p > 0.12) exhibited no differences comparable upper-limb and isometric strength among the sports (Supplementary Table 2). The discipline-specific variations in reaction time, executive function, and cognitive inhibition was demonstrates in the Supplementary Table 3. Simple reaction time varied among groups (SRT_Avg: F = 2.963, p = 0.015, η²p = 0.120), with jujitsu and taekwondo demonstrating quicker reactions than muay Thai and wrestling. Executive control evaluated using the trail making test revealed a group difference in TMT-B completion time (TMTB_Ct: F = 4.547, p < 0.001, η²p = 0.173), with muay Thai athletes exhibiting lower results compared to taekwondo and wrestling players. Flanker accuracy shown a significant difference (FKTC_Acc: F = 3.453, p = 0.006, η²p = 0.137), with jujitsu and pencak silat demonstrating enhanced inhibitory control. The principle component analysis identified unique performance structures across martial arts, emphasizing discipline-specific latent characteristics (Supplementary Fig. 2). Overall, principal component represented a dominant morphological–power expression profile, indicating that physical size and force production jointly underlie overall performance capacity in youth-trained martial. The performance was characterized by high loadings in body weight, BMI, and skeletal muscle mass (0.910–0.938), together with strong contributions from explosive lower-limb outputs, particularly CMJ peak forces of both dominant and non-dominant limbs (0.899–0.916). Comparatively in Judo, the main component (41.86% variance) was characterized by a high loadings for body mass (0.935), skeletal muscle mass (0.910), and CMJ peak force (0.901–0.933). Conversely, Jujitsu exhibited a markedly strong and distinctive PC1 structure, representing 60.27% of the variation, with predominant loadings in cognitive inhibition and decision-making execution, including TMT-B (0.829), inhibitory mistakes (0.829), and performance differentials (0.834). Muay Thai demonstrated a significant 45.25% of the variation, characterized by notably high loadings in body size and muscularity (weight: 0.976; BMI: 0.973; SMM: 0.980), along with markers of force production (IMTP: 0.934–0.950; NHE: 0.892–0.916). Wrestling showed a similar but more strength-focused version of the overall performance profile with PC1 accounting for 30.42% of the total variance. This component indicated body size and overall strength, evidenced by high loadings in body mass (0.911) and skeletal muscle mass (0.897), alongside robust isometric force indicators such as IMTP peak force (0.868–0.921) and maximal grip strength (0.916–0.938). Taekwondo exhibited a performance-specific variation, with PC1 accounting for 33.16% of the variance, primarily driven by explosive lower-limb force production and muscularity, as indicated by high loadings in skeletal muscle mass (0.989) and CMJ peak force (0.956–0.962), in addition to total CMJ force (0.960). The performance in pencak silat is interdependent upon the interplay of muscularity, body composition, and bilateral explosive power. PC1 accounts for 37.00% of the variance, influenced by skeletal muscle mass (0.907), body fat indicators (0.785–0.872), and bilateral CMJ force outputs, encompassing overall peak force (0.940) and specific limb forces (0.903–0.963). 4 Discussion The whole cohort was predominantly characterized by a morphology–power framework; nevertheless, each sport exhibited distinct variances that mirrored its own technical and tactical requirements. Judo, wrestling, MuayThai and pencak silat exhibit more significant mass-supported strength patterns, indicating that leverage, grappling stability, and powerful striking are largely dependent upon muscularity and maximal force production. In contrast, Taekwondo was defined by bilateral peak countermovement jump force and fast stretch–shortening cycle performance, rather than body mass, indicating its dependence on limb-focused, high-velocity kicking maneuvers. Meanwhile, jujitsu demonstrated a cognitive-motor profile where inhibitory control and perceptual-decision processes were particularly important in differentiating performance. The training context and anthropometric characteristics in youth combat disciplines highlight the impact of sport-specific demands on early athlete development. Higher training frequency in Muay Thai and Taekwondo, as compared to grappling-based sports, indicates an earlier specialization trajectory in striking disciplines. The findings are in line with previous studies indicating that Muay Thai athletes regularly engage in heightened training volumes to develop complex sequences of kicking, clinching, and rotational striking techniques, which require repeated high-intensity workouts [ 2 , 32 ] . Besides, body height and arm span were more significant in Jujitsu and Pencak Silat, potentially offering mechanical advantages for grip control, takedown defense, and long-range striking, consistent with evidence that anthropometry affects technique preference and tactical strategy in grappling and hybrid combat sports [ 11 , 13 ] . Besides, youth Muay Thai athletes displayed the lowest body fat percentages, corroborating the findings that striking sports required lower fat mass to optimize speed of movement and endurance-related interaction [ 12 , 37 ] . The nonexistence of substantial differences in digit ratio (2D:4D) among young martial artists suggests that developmental status and androgen-related morphological indicators do not serve as distinguishing factors within this group across combat disciplines. Despite being associated with prenatal androgen exposure, 2D:4D generally unable to separate athletic performance characteristics [ 6 ] . In combative sports like Muay Thai, digit ratio did not change across developmental stages, suggesting that high-intensity combat sports do not affect this biomarker [ 30 ] . Besides, meta-analysis shows limited and inconsistent relationships between 2D:4D, strength, physical fitness, and sport-specific skill execution [ 35 ] . Such consistency reinforces that digit ratio should not be utilized for determining maturational status or performance potential for youth combat athletes, since it has little impact on long-term training and growth-related variations during adolescence [ 24 ] . Thus, athlete profiling and developmental planning for youth martial arts should emphasize quantified anthropometric and neuromuscular characteristics rather than static biomarkers like their digit ratio. Young combat-sport performance cannot be linked to isolated factors; instead, it results from interconnected modifications in strength, body morphology, and cognitive decision-making processes [ 11 , 24 ] . With respect to this perspective, the present results showed that skeletal muscle mass and CMJ force consistently loaded onto the dominant component for the total sample, implying that explosive force generation, facilitated by mass-related leverage, is fundamental in youth athletes, especially among those in martial arts. This supports the hypothesis that muscular strength is a fundamental factor in achieving success in sports that necessitate quickly acceleration and mechanical maneuvering [ 31 ] . The developmental phase of adolescence reinforces these impacts, since maturation interacts with neuromuscular development to influence combat-specific abilities [ 4 , 23 ] . Thus, including morphological and neuromuscular profile into youth athlete monitoring systems provides an even more realistic description of performance potential. Regarding sports discipline, grappling sports such judo and wrestling demonstrated profiling structures characterized by mass-supported force and isometric strength. High loadings for skeletal muscle mass, body weight and CMJ/IMTP force correspond with the significance of leverage and grip-dependent mechanics in managing and destabilizing an opponent. Previous studies suggest that effectiveness in grappling is significantly associated with biomechanical leverage and the ability to exert force through prolonged isometric contractions [ 13 , 15 ] . Youth athletes in judo displayed a strong interplay between muscularity and bilateral CMJ outputs, reflecting the necessity of whole-body explosive actions for throws and counterattacks. Similarly, wrestling’s component structure emphasized maximal isometric pulling and grip strength, matching previous findings highlighting superior isometric profiles among elite wrestlers [ 17 ] . The results highlighting the importance of isometric and eccentric strength of youth grappling athletes supports the integration of IMTP-based monitoring, high-intensity isometrics and eccentric lower-limb training to minimize asymmetry and maximize force production [ 10 , 15 ] . In striking-dominant sports, distinct neuromuscular characteristics emerged across different sports. Muay Thai and taekwondo exhibited PCA structures strongly influenced by muscularity and fast lower-limb force generation, though with differing technical implications. Principal component analysis of Muay Thai identified mass-supported power and maturity-related muscularity, in line with the sport's dependence on rotational striking, clinch interactions and hip-driven kicking mechanics enabled by proximal trunk-pelvis integration [ 2 , 12 , 32 ] . These results in agreement with physiological studies indicating that Muay Thai requires significant whole-body force generation and metabolic expenditure due to prolonged high-impact striking [ 12 , 37 ] . Youth taekwondo was predominantly influenced by bilateral peak force in the countermovement jump, with little contributions from body mass, underscoring the sport's focus on high-velocity, limb-centric kicking techniques that require minimal trunk involvement [ 27 , 29 ] . This corresponds with findings indicating that taekwondo predominantly depends on neuromuscular speed, reaction time, and limb-specific explosiveness rather than mass-driven power [ 4 , 17 ] . Together, these findings underscore how different sports vary according to kinetic chain execution and sport-specific power expression. Accordingly, youth athlete profiling indicates that both sports rely significantly on leg power; however, their mechanical bases differ due to variations in striking velocity, contact mechanics and sport-specific regulations. A distinctive cognitive-motor profile was identified in jujitsu, with the PCA being characterized primarily by inhibitory control and perceptual decision-making. These findings provide evidence that highly skilled jujitsu performance relies on fast cue recognition, effective attention movement, and inhibitory processes essential for execution of submission-counter maneuvers [ 28 , 29 ] . In contrast to combative sports that necessitate quick execution, jujitsu requires strategic self-control, manipulation, anticipatory countermeasures and precise decision-making under under pressure [ 28 , 38 ] . This cognitive competence corresponds with research demonstrating that elite combat athletes exhibit superior executive functioning relative to non-athletes, with this advantage mediated by their training experience [ 35 , 39 ] . Therefore, cognitive profiling should to be considered utilized not only as a supplementary measure but as a fundamental element in assessing performance, while cognitive skill training should be incorporated to improve athletes’ capabilities in grappling submission sports. Pencak silat exhibited a comprehensive multidimensional profile, with the principle component analysis encompassing variables such as muscle mass, body fat indicators and bilateral CMJ peak force. This combination depicts the sport’s hybrid technical requirements, integrating striking, grappling and defensive agility that necessitate both explosive power and strategic motor control. The relatively small contribution of body fat unlike in other martial arts indicates that muscle mass may facilitate momentum generation during close-range kicking, sweeping and takedown maneuvers, corresponding with evidence demonstrating that specific combat techniques acquire advantage from increased body mass [ 2 ] . Similar multivariate research highlights that combat performance results from the interplay between morphology and strength [ 11 , 17 ] , thereby supporting the hybrid physical profile observed in pencak silat athletes. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the importance of implementing discipline-specific profiling in youth martial arts, as conventional talent identification systems frequently neglect sport-specific adaptations associated with biological maturation, technical development and tactical requirements [ 14 , 33 ] . Integrating anthropometric, cognitive function and neuromuscular variables facilitates the development of more precise training programs tailored to each discipline's physiological and mechanical characteristics. More importantly, PCA offers an extensible framework for monitoring developmental progression and facilitating personalized or bio-banded training interventions [ 7 , 21 , 22 ] , thereby establishing multidimensional profiling as a fundamental approach for evidence-based coaching and talent development. Finally, this study presents various methodological limitations that must be considered when evaluating the results and formulating future research objectives. First, the cross-sectional approach limits the ability to assess how anthropometric, neuromuscular, and cognitive characteristics develop during critical phases of adolescence, hence limiting the identification of causal variables behind observed performance differences. Secondly, as the sample comprised only highly trained male youth athletes, the results cannot be reliably extrapolated to female athletes, younger or less experienced individuals, or wider developmental cohorts whose maturation trajectories and training responses may vary significantly. Lastly, laboratory-based neuromuscular and cognitive evaluations although controlled and reliable may not fully reflect the dynamic, perceptual and interactive complexity inherent in actual combat scenarios where decision-making and opponent behavior concurrently affect performance. Consequently, longitudinal designs monitoring developmental changes, homogeneous cohorts addressing sex-specific adaptations, and ecologically valid testing protocols simulating authentic combat scenarios are strongly recommended to enhance future profiling precision and practical applicability. 5 Conclusions Youth martial arts performance results from distinctive combinations of morphological, neuromuscular and cognitive characteristics, with comparable underlying structures alongside discipline-specific adaptations. Grappling disciplines demonstrated an important need on mass-supported strength, while striking disciplines highlighted various forms of quick lower-limb power expression. Jujitsu demonstrated a cognitively oriented profile, highlighting the importance of perceptual and inhibitory control in performance. Overall, these findings endorse the implementation of integrated athlete profile to inform discipline-specific training design, talent identification and long-term developmental strategies in youth martial athletes. Practical Application The multidimensional performance profiles identified in six youth martial arts provide practical training recommendations for strength and conditioning coaches working with developing youth combat sport athletes. The grappling-based disciplines including judo, wrestling, and pencak silat exhibit an important reliance on mass-supported force generation, suggesting that preparatory training should prioritize progressive strength enhancement, bilateral power production, and grip-isometric endurance to improve leverage-oriented performance. Muay Thai athletes should prioritize strength training that develops trunk and hip musculature to improve rotational striking and grasp power, while taekwondo practitioners need high-velocity stretch-shortening cycle training such as reactive plyometrics and unilateral ballistic exercises to optimize kicking acceleration without excessive weight gain. The cognitively focused profile of Jujitsu emphasizes the significance of perceptual-motor training, which includes dual-task decision-making, awareness of perceptual cues, and inhibitory control limitations during technical sessions. Abbreviations Height jump FT Jump height calculated using Flight Time Height jump V Jump height calculated via velocity-time integration D Dominant limb ND Non-dominant limb PF Peak force CMJ Counter movement jump IMTP Isometric mid-thigh pull NHE Nordic hamstring exercise SRT Simple reaction time CRT Choice reaction time TMT Trail making test TMTB_B-A diff Time on TMT-B−Time on TMT-A TMTB_B/A ratio Time on TMT-B/ Time on TMT-A FKT Flanker task (C = congruent, I = incongruent) DFT Design fluency test Fd Filled dots condition Ed Empty dots condition Er Error Sd Switching dots condition Tc Total correct designs MRT Mental rotation test SVT Spatial visualization test Avg Average (mean) value Acc Percentage (%) of correct responses Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Burapha University (protocol code: HS092/2568(C3); date of approval: 23/10/2025). Informed written consent was acquired from all individuals before they participated. For participants under 18 years of age, written informed consent was subsequently acquired from their parents or legal guardians. Consent for publication Not applicable. Competing interests The authors declare no conflict of interest. Funding This research received no external funding. Author Contribution Conceptualization: Phornpot Chainok, Huynh Viet Nam and Rodrigo Zacca; methodology: Phornpot Chainok, Huynh Viet Nam, Radomyos Matjiur and Rodrigo Zacca ; software: Phornpot Chainok, Huynh Viet Nam, Radomyos Matjiur and Rodrigo Zacca; validation: Phornpot Chainok, Huynh Viet Nam, Radomyos Matjiur and Rodrigo Zacca; formal analysis: Phornpot Chainok, Radomyos Matjiur and Rodrigo Zacca; resources: Phornpot Chainok, Radomyos Matjiur and Huynh Viet Nam; data curation: Phornpot Chainok, Piyathida Thongchai, Benchaporn Buapet, Radomyos Matjiur and Huynh Viet Nam; writing—original draft preparation: Phornpot Chainok, Piyathida Thongchai and Rodrigo Zacca; writing—review & editing: Phornpot Chainok, Piyathida Thongchai and Rodrigo Zacca ; visualization: Phornpot Chainok and Rodrigo Zacca; supervision: Phornpot Chainok and Rodrigo Zacca; project administration: Phornpot Chainok; funding acquisition: Phornpot Chainok and Huynh Viet Nam. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. Acknowledgements The authors thank the support of coaches and trainers, youth martial art sports and all those who were involved in this study. We express our sincere gratitude to the technicians of the Faculty of Sports Science at Burapha University for their time, collaboration, and dedication to this work. Data Availability De-identified participant data, data dictionaries, and analysis scripts are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Due to the inclusion of minors and potentially sensitive information, access is subject to ethics approval and a data use agreement. Requests should be directed to [ [email protected] ](mailto: [email protected] ) and will normally be assessed within 30 days. References Abt G, Boreham C, Davison G, Jackson R, Jobson S, Wallace E, et al. Sample size estimation revisited. J Sports Sci. 2025. 10.1080/02640414.2025.2499403 . 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Malina RM, Rogol AD, Cumming SP, Coelho-e-Silva MJ, Figueiredo AJ. Biological maturation of youth athletes: assessment and implications. Br J Sports Med. 2015;49:852–9. 10.1136/bjsports-2015-094623 . Mojtahedi D, Dagnall N, Denovan A, Clough P, Dewhurst S, Hillier M, et al. Competition anxiety in combat sports and the importance of mental toughness. Behav Sci (Basel). 2023;13:713. 10.3390/bs13090713 . Nishida S, Ito W, Ohishi T, Yoshida R, Sato S, Nakamura M. The effect of ankle position on peak eccentric force during the Nordic hamstring exercise. J Sports Sci Med. 2022;21:43–8. 10.52082/jssm.2022.43 . Rydzik Ł, Maciejczyk M, Czarny W, Kędra A, Ambroży T. Physiological responses and bout analysis in elite kickboxers during international K1 competitions. Front Physiol. 2021;12:691028. 10.3389/fphys.2021.691028 . Russo F, Ottoboni G. The perceptual cognitive skills of combat sports athletes: a systematic review. Psychol Sport Exerc. 2019;42:56–70. 10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.11.005 . Sánchez-López J, Fernández T, Silva-Pereyra J, Mesa JAM. Differences between judo, taekwondo and kung-fu athletes in sustained attention and impulse control. Psychol. 2013;4:607–13. Siegmann EM, Müller T, Dziadeck I, et al. Digit ratio (2D:4D) and transgender identity: new original data and a meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2020;10:19326. 10.1038/s41598-020-72486-6 . Suchomel TJ, Nimphius S, Stone MH. The importance of muscular strength in athletic performance. Sports Med. 2016;46:1419–49. 10.1007/s40279-016-0486-0 . Turner AN. Strength and conditioning for Muay Thai athletes. Strength Cond J., Fone L, Van Den Tillaar R. (2022). 00410-5. Vaeyens R, Lenoir M, Williams AM, Philippaerts RM. Talent identification and development programmes in sport. Sports Med. 2008;38:703–14. 10.2165/00007256-200838090-00001 . van der Horst N, Smits DW, Petersen J, Goedhart EA, Backx FJ. The preventive effect of the Nordic hamstring exercise on hamstring injuries in amateur soccer players: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43:1316–23. 10.1177/0363546514566481 . Voss MW, Kramer AF, Basak C, Prakash RS, Roberts B. Are expert athletes expert in the cognitive laboratory? A meta-analytic review of cognition and sport expertise. Appl Cogn Psychol. 2010;24:812–26. 10.1002/acp.1588 . Wang CC, Chu CH, Chu IH, Chan KH, Chang YK. Executive function during acute exercise: the role of exercise intensity. J Sport Exerc Psychol. 2013;35:358–67. 10.1123/jsep.35.4.358 . Wąsacz W, Rydzik Ł, Ouergui I, Koteja A, Ambroży D, Ambroży T, et al. Comparison of the physical fitness profile of Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes with reference to training experience. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19:8451. 10.3390/ijerph19148451 . Williams AM, Jackson R, editors. Anticipation and decision making in sport. 1st ed. London, UK: Routledge; 2019. 10.4324/9781315146270 . Yongtawee A, Park J, Kim Y, Woo M. Athletes have different dominant cognitive functions depending on type of sport. Int J Sport Exerc Psychol. 2022;20:1–15. 10.1080/1612197X.2021.1956570 . Zhuang X, Didehbani N, Cullum CM, Carrillo E, Hanten G, Snow AL, et al. Longitudinal changes in cognitive functioning and brain structure in professional boxers and mixed martial artists after they stop fighting. Neurology. 2022;99:e2275–84. 10.1212/WNL.0000000000201158 . Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files SupplementaryFigure1.png Figure 1. Study design and multivariate assessment framework for identifying discipline-specific latent variables influencing performance in youth martial arts athletes. SupplementaryFigure2.jpg Figure 2. Principal component analysis revealing discipline-specific latent performance components across six youth martial arts. SupplementaryTable1.docx Table 1. Descriptive of competitive and training profile, general characteristics and maturational indicators of six youth trained martial art sports. SupplementaryTable2.docx Table 2. Between-group comparisons of neuromuscular variables across six youth trained martial art sports. SupplementaryTable3.docx Table 3. Between-group comparisons of cognitive function variables across six youth trained martial art sports. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Reviews received at journal 14 Mar, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 14 Mar, 2026 Reviewers invited by journal 06 Mar, 2026 Editor assigned by journal 04 Mar, 2026 Editor invited by journal 12 Feb, 2026 Submission checks completed at journal 12 Feb, 2026 First submitted to journal 12 Feb, 2026 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-8803823","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":603975983,"identity":"73d4e3c3-e882-44eb-9936-221074317b06","order_by":0,"name":"Phornpot 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arts.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"SupplementaryFigure2.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8803823/v1/414aca2b240ec55bddd4fc77.jpg"},{"id":104780101,"identity":"71fe15dc-dc9f-497f-b9c6-3cdb1a57f39e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-17 07:50:28","extension":"docx","order_by":3,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":21955,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 1. \u003c/strong\u003eDescriptive of competitive and training profile, general characteristics and maturational indicators of six youth trained martial art sports.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"SupplementaryTable1.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8803823/v1/4ff9cb72448cfde264b78222.docx"},{"id":104431629,"identity":"658b743b-e7d7-45e0-9001-a4333f2d702f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-11 15:43:43","extension":"docx","order_by":4,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":32538,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 2. \u003c/strong\u003eBetween-group comparisons of neuromuscular variables across six youth trained martial art sports.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"SupplementaryTable2.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8803823/v1/0407f1d5ec19dc6cd4bad9b7.docx"},{"id":104780529,"identity":"b6261f9c-16d5-4dec-90a9-935347616121","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-17 07:53:18","extension":"docx","order_by":5,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":30975,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3.\u003c/strong\u003e Between-group comparisons of cognitive function variables across six youth trained martial art sports.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"SupplementaryTable3.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8803823/v1/d6d41a614c8a9d0eab4b0d63.docx"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Latent Performance Characteristics Across Youth Martial Arts Disciplines: A Multidimensional Analysis","fulltext":[{"header":"1 Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eMartial arts sports required a mixture of physical fitness related components, biological maturity and cognitive skill for competitive success. Such sports require quickly force production, efficient motor coordination, tactical adaptability and perceptual-cognitive precision under significant physical and psychological stress \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Combat-specific tasks, including of striking, grappling, and defensive movements, are significantly influenced by the interaction of strength, power, coordination, and executive functioning \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Early adulthood experiences more complexity, as athletes encounter nonlinear alterations to anthropometry, skeletal muscle mass, neuromuscular activation, and cognitive development, all of which may directly affect sport-specific performance capacity \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. These complex characteristics affect martial arts training and competition responsiveness \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNeuromuscular performance reflects the interplay between neural activation and musculoskeletal function (muscle force and power production, and movement control \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. This is essential for martial arts performance, where quickly force application, reactive strength, and movement efficiency dictate effective offensive and defensive maneuvers \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Essential neuromuscular tests include countermovement jump (CMJ), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), dynamic strength index (DSI), eccentric hamstring strength, and grip strength. Together, these tests report relevant sport-specific characteristics such as explosive power, maximal isometric force, and fatigue resistance \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLikewise, anthropometric and maturational profiles affect performance in different way across the martial arts disciplines, each characterized by distinct technical and biomechanical demands \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Besides, the interplay between maturation and neuromuscular development is especially significant during adolescence, a phase marked by rapid growth, hormonal fluctuations, and neuromuscular reorganization that can either enhance or restrict sport-specific abilities \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e.Thus, analyzing the interaction of biological and neuromuscular components within and across martial arts disciplines is crucial for clarifying discipline-specific performance characteristics and for informing the development of specialized training methodologies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAthletes must rapidly interpret cues, anticipate opponents\u0026rsquo; intentions, and execute motor responses with precision in martial arts sports \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Executive capacities, including inhibitory control, attentional shifting, working memory, and decision-making speed, are linked with success in striking and grappling sports \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Reaction time, visuospatial reasoning and cognitive flexibility are critical to making split-second tactical decisions \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Elite athletes show enhanced perceptual-cognitive abilities from early developmental phases, underlining the need for comprehensive profiling in talent identification \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Despite the importance of these cognitive domains, they are quite underexplored, highlighting the necessity for integrated neuromuscular-cognitive frameworks.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMany martial arts modalities impose distinct physical, technical, and cognitive requirements, leading to sport-specific performance characteristics. For instance, striking-dominant sports such Muay Thai and taekwondo require fast stretch-shortening cycle performance, powerful lower-limb mechanics, and anticipatory decision-making \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. However, grappling sports such as judo and jujitsu prioritize grip endurance, isometric strength, and biomechanical leverage, as well as cognitive abilities related to sequencing and tactical decision-making \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Wrestling and pencak silat integrate striking and grappling techniques, involving a diverse range of neuromuscular, anthropometric, and cognitive capacities \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Therefore, the interdisciplinary distinctions underscore the lack of employing individual performance metrics or sport-neutral evaluation approaches in youth martial arts.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAlthough previous research has examined specific components of performance in youth martial artists including growth and maturation, physical fitness, or cognitive skill, however, few studies have integrated these domains using multivariate techniques across multiple martial arts disciplines. The need for such integration critical considering the diversity of technical demands, developmental trajectories and performance determinants across combat sports. Therefore, the current study aims to apply principal component analysis to identify discipline-specific latent performance characteristics across six martial arts, incorporating neuromuscular, anthropometric, maturational, and cognitive evaluations to inform evidence-based training design, age-appropriate talent identification, and multidimensional athlete development strategies. Given the multidimensional aspects of martial arts performance, it is expected that principal component analysis will present coherent latent structures indicative of neuromuscular function, anthropometric and maturational characteristics, and cognitive processing capabilities. Furthermore, because each martial art presents specific technical, tactical, and physical demands, we hypothesize that the loading patterns of these components will differ throughout disciplines, reflecting distinctive performance features.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2 Method","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1 Participant\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA total of 115 youth trained male martial arts athletes (age 14.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.7 years; body mass 55.6\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;14.4 kg; height 165.1\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;10.1 cm; maturity offset\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;4.9\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.3 years) were recruited from six disciplines: judo (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;26), jujitsu (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;15), Muay Thai (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;19), wrestling (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;24), taekwondo (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;18) and pencak silat (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;16). Youth trained male martial arts were required to have at least one year of structured training, a minimum of two years of regional or national competitive experience, and qualification for national championship events. To prevent confusing neuromuscular and cognitive assessments, athletes who had been injured within three months, competed within 15 days of testing, or had medical or psychiatric disorders that could impair performance were eliminated. The local ethics committee (HS092/2568) authorized the Declaration of Helsinki-compliant study. Informed written consent was acquired from all individuals before they participated. For participants under 18 years of age, written informed consent was subsequently acquired from their parents or legal guardians.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2 Testing Procedures\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA cross-sectional multivariate profiling study using PCA to identify discipline-specific latent performance components in youth trained martial arts athletes. A structured four-day testing program evaluated anthropometry, biological maturation, cognitive function and neuromuscular performance in all of the participants (Supplementary Fig.\u0026nbsp;1). All procedures were performed by qualified technicians in controlled lab conditions using standard procedures. On day one assessments included anthropometry, conducted by an ISAK Level I anthropometrist following standard measurement procedures, along with the evaluation of biological maturation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Mirwald maturity-offset approach estimates years from peak height velocity (PHV) using gender-specific regression equations that include age, stature, sitting height, and body mass. This indicator estimates maturation for growth-related neuromuscular capacity changes non-invasively. Digit ratio (2D:4D), an indirect indication of prenatal androgen exposure was measured bilaterally with a digital Vernier caliper (0.01 mm precision). Fingertip-to-basal crease length dictated finger length. In inter-hand asymmetry (RF\u0026ndash;LF) \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e, scores that are positive imply right-hand dominance and repeated measures one week apart confirmed reliability (ICC\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.92\u0026ndash;0.95).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDay two comprised a systematic computerized cognitive evaluation conducted in a private, controlled environmental atmosphere, following established verbal and visual instructions. A seven-task battery was employed to assess executive function, processing speed, and visuospatial abilities domains recognized for distinguishing performance among six martial arts disciplines. The testing procedures comprised simple and choice reaction time tests to evaluate sensorimotor processing and rapid decision-making; Trail Making Tests (TMT-A and TMT-B) to measure visual scanning, psychomotor speed, and cognitive flexibility; and the Stroop/Flanker task to assess attentional control and inhibitory capacity. Visuospatial working memory and orientation were assessed using mental rotation and Corsi block-tapping tasks. All results were digitally documented to ensure precision, methodological validity, and consistency among participants \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNeuromuscular performance was evaluated across day three and four. On day three, lower-limb testing included CMJ and IMTP), performed on dual K-Deltas force platforms (Kinvent Physio, Montpellier, France) at 1,000 Hz sampling rate. For the CMJ, athletes performed maximal jumps with hands on hips; dominant, non-dominant and total peak forces were extracted from the force-time curve. After a 60 s rest, participants performed the IMTP by pulling maximally against a fixed bar for 5 s, with peak unilateral and bilateral forces recorded. The lower-limb DSI was employed as the principal outcome measure, defined as the ratio of peak force during the CMJ to peak force during the IMTP \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Alongside the DSI, a unilateral strength asymmetry index was computed for both CMJ and IMTP using the percentage difference between dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) limbs, where the dominant limb was defined as the one producing the higher peak force: (D\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;ND) / D \u0026times; 100 \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOn day four, eccentric hamstring strength was evaluated via the Nordic Hamstring Exercise (NHE). Two K-push devices operating at a sampling frequency of 250 Hz (Kinvent Physio, Montpellier, France), each equipped with two load cells to quantify the force exerted by each lower limb. Participants initially engaged in a standardized 5 min dynamic warm-up focusing on the trunk and lower-limb musculature, thereafter assuming a kneeling position on a custom-designed NHE apparatus (Kinvent Physio, Montpellier, France). Participants started the NHE on a padded board with their arms crossed over their chests and a straight knee-to-head posture. The athletes were told to lean forward gradually avoid hip flexion and oppose the descent until control was compromised.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe ankles were properly fixed above the lateral malleoli using an ankle brace connected to an integrated load cell, though Kinvent Physio software recorded resulting forces during the eccentric phase. Absolute peak bilateral eccentric force (N) and inter-limb asymmetry were derived from the force\u0026ndash;time profile \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. The maximum bilateral isometric grip strength was determined using a handheld dynamometer (K-Grip, Kinvent), which accurately measures upper-limb static force production \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Participants performed three maximal voluntary contractions for each hand, utilizing standardized positioning and verbal encouragement to ensure consistent effort. The peak forces of dominant, non-dominant and total were derived from the force-time curve, and the unilateral strength asymmetry index between the dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) limbs was determined \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e2.3 Statistical Analysis\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA priori power analysis was performed using G*Power (v3.1.9.2) in accordance with Abt et al. (2025) \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. The minimum required sample size for a one-way ANOVA involving six sports disciplines (f\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.40, α\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.05, power\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.90) was 114, which increased to 125 after accounting for a 10% dropout rate. The final sample comprised 115 athletes, resulting in roughly 92% power for identifying ANOVA-level effects. Importantly, this sample complies with the established criteria for exploratory PCA, demonstrating an appropriate subject-to-variable ratio and anticipated sampling adequacy (KMO\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.70), consequently confirming the stability of the extracted component structures. All statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 29.0; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), with significance set at p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 (two-tailed).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Shapiro\u0026ndash;Wilk test confirmed data normality, while Levene\u0026rsquo;s test verified homogeneity of variances; since all assumptions have been satisfied, parametric techniques were employed. Descriptive statistics are reported as mean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;standard deviation (SD) along with the associated 95% confidence intervals (CI). Interdisciplinary variations (judo: n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;26, jujitsu: n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;15, Muay Thai: n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;19, wrestling: n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;24, taekwondo: n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;18, pencak silat: n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;16) were analyzed utilizing one-way ANOVA for biological development variables (maturity offset, 2D:4D), neuromuscular outcomes (lower-limb DSI, CMJ, IMTP, NHE, grip strength), and cognitive function parameters (TMT, MRT, DFT, FKT, SVT, SRT, CRT). Upon identifying a substantial main effect, Tukey-adjusted post hoc tests were employed to ascertain pairwise differences. Effect sizes were quantified using partial eta-squared (η\u0026sup2;p; small\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.01, medium\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.06, large\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.14) for ANOVA and Cohen\u0026rsquo;s d (small\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.20, medium\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.50, large\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.80) for post hoc analyses \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA PCA with varimax rotation was conducted to identify clusters of associated performance indicators and to reduce dimensionality. The sufficiency of sampling was assessed by the Kaiser\u0026ndash;Meyer\u0026ndash;Olkin (KMO) statistic (acceptable threshold\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;0.60) and Bartlett\u0026rsquo;s test of sphericity (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). Component retention conformed to Kaiser\u0026rsquo;s criterion (eigenvalues\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;1) and the visual analysis of the scree plot. Variables with factor loadings of 0.70 or higher were considered significant contributors, whereas associations of 0.40 or higher were required to confirm a significant representation within the factor framework \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3 Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eA noticeable variation in training experience and anthropometric characteristics was observed among young martial arts disciplines. Muay Thai and Taekwondo athletes engaged in a higher number of weekly sessions (8 sessions/week) than those participating in Judo, Jujitsu, Wrestling, and Pencak Silat (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.005; η\u0026sup2;p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.066). Pencak Silat and jujitsu exhibited greater height and arm span, while muay Thai and taekwondo tended to be shorter (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05; η\u0026sup2;p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.110\u0026ndash;0.142). Regarding body composition, jujitsu and pencak silat exhibited higher body mass and body fat percentage, in contrast to muay Thai, which demonstrated the lowest fat percentage (7.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.54%, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001; η\u0026sup2;p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.185). Skeletal muscle mass was noticeably higher in pencak silat and jujitsu than in taekwondo and muay Thai (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.009;). No post hoc differences were found for digit ratio indices (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05; η\u0026sup2;p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.008\u0026ndash;0.049), indicating comparable maturational characteristics across sports (Supplementary Table\u0026nbsp;1).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eResults indicated notable differences in lower-limb neuromuscular performance across different types of sports. The predicted jumping height based on velocity varied substantially among disciplines (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.042, η\u0026sup2;p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.099), with pencak silat and jujitsu demonstrating the highest values, while muay Thai yielded the lowest jump height. The peak force in the CMJ exhibited variation among sports for both dominant (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.015, η\u0026sup2;p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.120) and non-dominant limbs (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.045, η\u0026sup2;p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.098). The total CMJ peak force exhibited substantial variation among groups (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.028, η\u0026sup2;p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.107), with pencak silat recording the highest values, succeeded by wrestling and jujitsu, whereas muay Thai displayed the lowest outputs. CMJ asymmetry exhibited variation among sports (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.015, η\u0026sup2;p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.119), with the most pronounced imbalance in muay Thai and the lowest level in taekwondo. Eccentric hamstring strength exhibited the most considerable differentiation (NHE dominant: p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001, η\u0026sup2;p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.211; NHE total: p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001, η\u0026sup2;p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.225), with judo and pencak silat generating the highest forces, while muay Thai displayed the smallest value. Conversely, grip strength (all p\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.15) and IMTP peak force (all p\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.12) exhibited no differences comparable upper-limb and isometric strength among the sports (Supplementary Table\u0026nbsp;2).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe discipline-specific variations in reaction time, executive function, and cognitive inhibition was demonstrates in the Supplementary Table\u0026nbsp;3. Simple reaction time varied among groups (SRT_Avg: F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2.963, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.015, η\u0026sup2;p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.120), with jujitsu and taekwondo demonstrating quicker reactions than muay Thai and wrestling. Executive control evaluated using the trail making test revealed a group difference in TMT-B completion time (TMTB_Ct: F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.547, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001, η\u0026sup2;p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.173), with muay Thai athletes exhibiting lower results compared to taekwondo and wrestling players. Flanker accuracy shown a significant difference (FKTC_Acc: F\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.453, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.006, η\u0026sup2;p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.137), with jujitsu and pencak silat demonstrating enhanced inhibitory control.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe principle component analysis identified unique performance structures across martial arts, emphasizing discipline-specific latent characteristics (Supplementary Fig.\u0026nbsp;2). Overall, principal component represented a dominant morphological\u0026ndash;power expression profile, indicating that physical size and force production jointly underlie overall performance capacity in youth-trained martial. The performance was characterized by high loadings in body weight, BMI, and skeletal muscle mass (0.910\u0026ndash;0.938), together with strong contributions from explosive lower-limb outputs, particularly CMJ peak forces of both dominant and non-dominant limbs (0.899\u0026ndash;0.916).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eComparatively in Judo, the main component (41.86% variance) was characterized by a high loadings for body mass (0.935), skeletal muscle mass (0.910), and CMJ peak force (0.901\u0026ndash;0.933). Conversely, Jujitsu exhibited a markedly strong and distinctive PC1 structure, representing 60.27% of the variation, with predominant loadings in cognitive inhibition and decision-making execution, including TMT-B (0.829), inhibitory mistakes (0.829), and performance differentials (0.834). Muay Thai demonstrated a significant 45.25% of the variation, characterized by notably high loadings in body size and muscularity (weight: 0.976; BMI: 0.973; SMM: 0.980), along with markers of force production (IMTP: 0.934\u0026ndash;0.950; NHE: 0.892\u0026ndash;0.916).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWrestling showed a similar but more strength-focused version of the overall performance profile with PC1 accounting for 30.42% of the total variance. This component indicated body size and overall strength, evidenced by high loadings in body mass (0.911) and skeletal muscle mass (0.897), alongside robust isometric force indicators such as IMTP peak force (0.868\u0026ndash;0.921) and maximal grip strength (0.916\u0026ndash;0.938). Taekwondo exhibited a performance-specific variation, with PC1 accounting for 33.16% of the variance, primarily driven by explosive lower-limb force production and muscularity, as indicated by high loadings in skeletal muscle mass (0.989) and CMJ peak force (0.956\u0026ndash;0.962), in addition to total CMJ force (0.960). The performance in pencak silat is interdependent upon the interplay of muscularity, body composition, and bilateral explosive power. PC1 accounts for 37.00% of the variance, influenced by skeletal muscle mass (0.907), body fat indicators (0.785\u0026ndash;0.872), and bilateral CMJ force outputs, encompassing overall peak force (0.940) and specific limb forces (0.903\u0026ndash;0.963).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"4 Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe whole cohort was predominantly characterized by a morphology\u0026ndash;power framework; nevertheless, each sport exhibited distinct variances that mirrored its own technical and tactical requirements. Judo, wrestling, MuayThai and pencak silat exhibit more significant mass-supported strength patterns, indicating that leverage, grappling stability, and powerful striking are largely dependent upon muscularity and maximal force production. In contrast, Taekwondo was defined by bilateral peak countermovement jump force and fast stretch\u0026ndash;shortening cycle performance, rather than body mass, indicating its dependence on limb-focused, high-velocity kicking maneuvers. Meanwhile, jujitsu demonstrated a cognitive-motor profile where inhibitory control and perceptual-decision processes were particularly important in differentiating performance.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe training context and anthropometric characteristics in youth combat disciplines highlight the impact of sport-specific demands on early athlete development. Higher training frequency in Muay Thai and Taekwondo, as compared to grappling-based sports, indicates an earlier specialization trajectory in striking disciplines. The findings are in line with previous studies indicating that Muay Thai athletes regularly engage in heightened training volumes to develop complex sequences of kicking, clinching, and rotational striking techniques, which require repeated high-intensity workouts \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Besides, body height and arm span were more significant in Jujitsu and Pencak Silat, potentially offering mechanical advantages for grip control, takedown defense, and long-range striking, consistent with evidence that anthropometry affects technique preference and tactical strategy in grappling and hybrid combat sports \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Besides, youth Muay Thai athletes displayed the lowest body fat percentages, corroborating the findings that striking sports required lower fat mass to optimize speed of movement and endurance-related interaction \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe nonexistence of substantial differences in digit ratio (2D:4D) among young martial artists suggests that developmental status and androgen-related morphological indicators do not serve as distinguishing factors within this group across combat disciplines. Despite being associated with prenatal androgen exposure, 2D:4D generally unable to separate athletic performance characteristics \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. In combative sports like Muay Thai, digit ratio did not change across developmental stages, suggesting that high-intensity combat sports do not affect this biomarker \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Besides, meta-analysis shows limited and inconsistent relationships between 2D:4D, strength, physical fitness, and sport-specific skill execution \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Such consistency reinforces that digit ratio should not be utilized for determining maturational status or performance potential for youth combat athletes, since it has little impact on long-term training and growth-related variations during adolescence \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Thus, athlete profiling and developmental planning for youth martial arts should emphasize quantified anthropometric and neuromuscular characteristics rather than static biomarkers like their digit ratio.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYoung combat-sport performance cannot be linked to isolated factors; instead, it results from interconnected modifications in strength, body morphology, and cognitive decision-making processes \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. With respect to this perspective, the present results showed that skeletal muscle mass and CMJ force consistently loaded onto the dominant component for the total sample, implying that explosive force generation, facilitated by mass-related leverage, is fundamental in youth athletes, especially among those in martial arts. This supports the hypothesis that muscular strength is a fundamental factor in achieving success in sports that necessitate quickly acceleration and mechanical maneuvering \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. The developmental phase of adolescence reinforces these impacts, since maturation interacts with neuromuscular development to influence combat-specific abilities \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Thus, including morphological and neuromuscular profile into youth athlete monitoring systems provides an even more realistic description of performance potential.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRegarding sports discipline, grappling sports such judo and wrestling demonstrated profiling structures characterized by mass-supported force and isometric strength. High loadings for skeletal muscle mass, body weight and CMJ/IMTP force correspond with the significance of leverage and grip-dependent mechanics in managing and destabilizing an opponent. Previous studies suggest that effectiveness in grappling is significantly associated with biomechanical leverage and the ability to exert force through prolonged isometric contractions \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Youth athletes in judo displayed a strong interplay between muscularity and bilateral CMJ outputs, reflecting the necessity of whole-body explosive actions for throws and counterattacks. Similarly, wrestling\u0026rsquo;s component structure emphasized maximal isometric pulling and grip strength, matching previous findings highlighting superior isometric profiles among elite wrestlers \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. The results highlighting the importance of isometric and eccentric strength of youth grappling athletes supports the integration of IMTP-based monitoring, high-intensity isometrics and eccentric lower-limb training to minimize asymmetry and maximize force production \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn striking-dominant sports, distinct neuromuscular characteristics emerged across different sports. Muay Thai and taekwondo exhibited PCA structures strongly influenced by muscularity and fast lower-limb force generation, though with differing technical implications. Principal component analysis of Muay Thai identified mass-supported power and maturity-related muscularity, in line with the sport's dependence on rotational striking, clinch interactions and hip-driven kicking mechanics enabled by proximal trunk-pelvis integration \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. These results in agreement with physiological studies indicating that Muay Thai requires significant whole-body force generation and metabolic expenditure due to prolonged high-impact striking \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYouth taekwondo was predominantly influenced by bilateral peak force in the countermovement jump, with little contributions from body mass, underscoring the sport's focus on high-velocity, limb-centric kicking techniques that require minimal trunk involvement \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. This corresponds with findings indicating that taekwondo predominantly depends on neuromuscular speed, reaction time, and limb-specific explosiveness rather than mass-driven power \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Together, these findings underscore how different sports vary according to kinetic chain execution and sport-specific power expression. Accordingly, youth athlete profiling indicates that both sports rely significantly on leg power; however, their mechanical bases differ due to variations in striking velocity, contact mechanics and sport-specific regulations.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA distinctive cognitive-motor profile was identified in jujitsu, with the PCA being characterized primarily by inhibitory control and perceptual decision-making. These findings provide evidence that highly skilled jujitsu performance relies on fast cue recognition, effective attention movement, and inhibitory processes essential for execution of submission-counter maneuvers \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. In contrast to combative sports that necessitate quick execution, jujitsu requires strategic self-control, manipulation, anticipatory countermeasures and precise decision-making under under pressure \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. This cognitive competence corresponds with research demonstrating that elite combat athletes exhibit superior executive functioning relative to non-athletes, with this advantage mediated by their training experience \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Therefore, cognitive profiling should to be considered utilized not only as a supplementary measure but as a fundamental element in assessing performance, while cognitive skill training should be incorporated to improve athletes\u0026rsquo; capabilities in grappling submission sports.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePencak silat exhibited a comprehensive multidimensional profile, with the principle component analysis encompassing variables such as muscle mass, body fat indicators and bilateral CMJ peak force. This combination depicts the sport\u0026rsquo;s hybrid technical requirements, integrating striking, grappling and defensive agility that necessitate both explosive power and strategic motor control. The relatively small contribution of body fat unlike in other martial arts indicates that muscle mass may facilitate momentum generation during close-range kicking, sweeping and takedown maneuvers, corresponding with evidence demonstrating that specific combat techniques acquire advantage from increased body mass \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Similar multivariate research highlights that combat performance results from the interplay between morphology and strength \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e, thereby supporting the hybrid physical profile observed in pencak silat athletes.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTaken together, these findings demonstrate the importance of implementing discipline-specific profiling in youth martial arts, as conventional talent identification systems frequently neglect sport-specific adaptations associated with biological maturation, technical development and tactical requirements \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Integrating anthropometric, cognitive function and neuromuscular variables facilitates the development of more precise training programs tailored to each discipline's physiological and mechanical characteristics. More importantly, PCA offers an extensible framework for monitoring developmental progression and facilitating personalized or bio-banded training interventions \u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e, thereby establishing multidimensional profiling as a fundamental approach for evidence-based coaching and talent development.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinally, this study presents various methodological limitations that must be considered when evaluating the results and formulating future research objectives. First, the cross-sectional approach limits the ability to assess how anthropometric, neuromuscular, and cognitive characteristics develop during critical phases of adolescence, hence limiting the identification of causal variables behind observed performance differences. Secondly, as the sample comprised only highly trained male youth athletes, the results cannot be reliably extrapolated to female athletes, younger or less experienced individuals, or wider developmental cohorts whose maturation trajectories and training responses may vary significantly. Lastly, laboratory-based neuromuscular and cognitive evaluations although controlled and reliable may not fully reflect the dynamic, perceptual and interactive complexity inherent in actual combat scenarios where decision-making and opponent behavior concurrently affect performance. Consequently, longitudinal designs monitoring developmental changes, homogeneous cohorts addressing sex-specific adaptations, and ecologically valid testing protocols simulating authentic combat scenarios are strongly recommended to enhance future profiling precision and practical applicability.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5 Conclusions","content":"\u003cp\u003eYouth martial arts performance results from distinctive combinations of morphological, neuromuscular and cognitive characteristics, with comparable underlying structures alongside discipline-specific adaptations. Grappling disciplines demonstrated an important need on mass-supported strength, while striking disciplines highlighted various forms of quick lower-limb power expression. Jujitsu demonstrated a cognitively oriented profile, highlighting the importance of perceptual and inhibitory control in performance. Overall, these findings endorse the implementation of integrated athlete profile to inform discipline-specific training design, talent identification and long-term developmental strategies in youth martial athletes.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003ePractical Application\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe multidimensional performance profiles identified in six youth martial arts provide practical training recommendations for strength and conditioning coaches working with developing youth combat sport athletes. The grappling-based disciplines including judo, wrestling, and pencak silat exhibit an important reliance on mass-supported force generation, suggesting that preparatory training should prioritize progressive strength enhancement, bilateral power production, and grip-isometric endurance to improve leverage-oriented performance. Muay Thai athletes should prioritize strength training that develops trunk and hip musculature to improve rotational striking and grasp power, while taekwondo practitioners need high-velocity stretch-shortening cycle training such as reactive plyometrics and unilateral ballistic exercises to optimize kicking acceleration without excessive weight gain. The cognitively focused profile of Jujitsu emphasizes the significance of perceptual-motor training, which includes dual-task decision-making, awareness of perceptual cues, and inhibitory control limitations during technical sessions.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionList\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeight jump FT\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJump height calculated using Flight Time\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeight jump V\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJump height calculated via velocity-time integration\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eD\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDominant limb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eND\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-dominant limb\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePF\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeak force\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCMJ\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCounter movement jump\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIMTP\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIsometric mid-thigh pull\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNHE\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNordic hamstring exercise\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSRT\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSimple reaction time\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCRT\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoice reaction time\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTMT\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrail making test\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTMTB_B-A diff\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime on TMT-B\u0026minus;Time on TMT-A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTMTB_B/A ratio\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime on TMT-B/ Time on TMT-A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFKT\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFlanker task (C\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;congruent, I\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;incongruent)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDFT\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDesign fluency test\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFd\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFilled dots condition\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eEd\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmpty dots condition\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eEr\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eError\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSd\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSwitching dots condition\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTc\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal correct designs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMRT\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMental rotation test\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSVT\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpatial visualization test\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAvg\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAverage (mean) value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAcc\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercentage (%) of correct responses\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":" \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Burapha University (protocol code: HS092/2568(C3); date of approval: 23/10/2025). Informed written consent was acquired from all individuals before they participated. For participants under 18 years of age, written informed consent was subsequently acquired from their parents or legal guardians.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no conflict of interest.\u003c/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFunding\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis research received no external funding.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eConceptualization: Phornpot Chainok, Huynh Viet Nam and Rodrigo Zacca; methodology: Phornpot Chainok, Huynh Viet Nam, Radomyos Matjiur and Rodrigo Zacca ; software: Phornpot Chainok, Huynh Viet Nam, Radomyos Matjiur and Rodrigo Zacca; validation: Phornpot Chainok, Huynh Viet Nam, Radomyos Matjiur and Rodrigo Zacca; formal analysis: Phornpot Chainok, Radomyos Matjiur and Rodrigo Zacca; resources: Phornpot Chainok, Radomyos Matjiur and Huynh Viet Nam; data curation: Phornpot Chainok, Piyathida Thongchai, Benchaporn Buapet, Radomyos Matjiur and Huynh Viet Nam; writing\u0026mdash;original draft preparation: Phornpot Chainok, Piyathida Thongchai and Rodrigo Zacca; writing\u0026mdash;review \u0026amp; editing: Phornpot Chainok, Piyathida Thongchai and Rodrigo Zacca ; visualization: Phornpot Chainok and Rodrigo Zacca; supervision: Phornpot Chainok and Rodrigo Zacca; project administration: Phornpot Chainok; funding acquisition: Phornpot Chainok and Huynh Viet Nam. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe authors thank the support of coaches and trainers, youth martial art sports and all those who were involved in this study. We express our sincere gratitude to the technicians of the Faculty of Sports Science at Burapha University for their time, collaboration, and dedication to this work.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDe-identified participant data, data dictionaries, and analysis scripts are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Due to the inclusion of minors and potentially sensitive information, access is subject to ethics approval and a data use agreement. Requests should be directed to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) and will normally be assessed within 30 days.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbt G, Boreham C, Davison G, Jackson R, Jobson S, Wallace E, et al. Sample size estimation revisited. J Sports Sci. 2025. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.1080/02640414.2025.2499403\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1080/02640414.2025.2499403\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmbroży T, Wąsacz W, Koteja A, Żyłka T, Stradomska J, Piwowarski J, et al. Special fitness level of combat sports athletes: mixed martial arts (MMA) and Thai boxing (Muay Thai) in the aspect of training experience. 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Neurology. 2022;99:e2275\u0026ndash;84. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.1212/WNL.0000000000201158\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1212/WNL.0000000000201158\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-sports-science-medicine-and-rehabilitation","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"ssmr","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation](http://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/ssmr/default.aspx","title":"BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Sports performance, Long-term athlete development, Martial arts, Performance analysis","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8803823/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8803823/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe performance of youth in martial arts arises from complex interactions among anthropometric, neuromuscular, maturational, and cognitive elements. However, it is uncertain whether these performance variables constitute common or discipline-specific latent structures across different martial arts. The study aimed to identify discipline-specific latent performance characteristics in youth martial arts athletes and the influence of anthropometric, neuromuscular, maturational, and cognitive factors on inter-sport variation. One hundred fifteen (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;115) trained male athletes (age 14.4\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.7 years) from judo, jujitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling, taekwondo and pencak silat underwent standardized evaluations. Principal Component Analysis with Varimax rotation (eigen values\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;1.0) showed distinctive component structures for each discipline. The primary component for the entire cohort accounted for 38.4% of the variance, predominantly influenced by skeletal muscle mass (0.91\u0026ndash;0.94) and countermovement jump peak force (0.90\u0026ndash;0.92), suggesting a common morphology\u0026ndash;power basis. Judo, Muay Thai, wrestling, and pencak silat exhibited strength profiles characterized by substantial mass support and forceful grasping and striking with a variance ranging from 30.4% to 45.3%. Taekwondo presented a power-centric framework propelled by explosive lower-limb strength (loadings: 0.96\u0026ndash;0.99), while jujitsu revealed a cognitive-motor profile, with inhibitory control and executive processing accounting for 60.3% of the variance. The youth performance in martial arts is supported by a common morphological and power foundation, alongside discipline-specific neuromuscular and cognitive requirements.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Latent Performance Characteristics Across Youth Martial Arts Disciplines: A Multidimensional Analysis","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-03-11 15:43:22","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8803823/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-03-14T11:46:32+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"136578816675974786073039587906592139278","date":"2026-03-14T10:14:47+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2026-03-06T07:19:36+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2026-03-04T12:17:41+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2026-02-12T09:48:05+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2026-02-12T08:04:15+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation","date":"2026-02-12T07:56:45+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-sports-science-medicine-and-rehabilitation","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"ssmr","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation](http://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/ssmr/default.aspx","title":"BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"d9a3c35e-af10-45c5-addf-42bb1c5ad131","owner":[],"postedDate":"March 11th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-03-11T15:43:22+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-03-11 15:43:22","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8803823","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8803823","identity":"rs-8803823","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}