International Silat Federation of America & Indonesia

Silat Tuo, Silat Tradisional,

Silat Minangkabau

©Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2002) 1, 147-155
http://www.jssm.org

Research Article

PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES DURING MATCHES AND
PROFILE OF ELITE PENCAK SILAT EXPONENTS

Abdul Rashid Aziz , Benedict Tan, Kong Chuan Teh
Sports Medicine & Research Centre, Singapore Sports Council, Singapore
Received: 21 August 2002 / Accepted: 15 November 2002 / Published (online): 01 December 2002

Click here for the Full Article (PDF)

Abstract

This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study describing the physiological responses during competitive
matches and profile of elite exponents of an emerging martial art sport, pencak silat. Thirty exponents
(21 males and 9 females) were involved in the study. Match responses (i.e. heart rate (HR) throughout
match and capillary blood lactate concentration, [La], at pre-match and at the end of every round) were
obtained during actual competitive duels. Elite silat exponents’ physiological attributes were assessed via
anthropometry, vertical jump, isometric grip strength, maximal oxygen uptake, and the Wingate 30 s
anaerobic test of the upper and lower body, in the laboratory. The match response data showed that silat
competitors’ mean HR was > 84% of estimated HR maximum and levels of [La] ranged from 6.7 – 18.7
mMol-1 during matches. This suggests that competitive silat matches are characterised by high aerobic
and anaerobic responses. In comparison to elite taekwondo and judo athletes’ physiological
characteristics, elite silat exponents have lower aerobic fitness and grip strength, but greater explosive leg
power (vertical jump). Generally, they also possessed a similar anaerobic capability in the lower but
markedly inferior anaerobic capability in the upper body.

KEY WORDS: Martial art, competition demands, Wingate, pencak

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