CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the materials and methods employed in the study. It outlines the
design and setting, sample size, participant demographics, outcome measurement, procedures,
and statistical analysis used in the study. The section is written in a formal tone and is free of
any grammatical errors. The content is clear, concise, and suitable for a business or academic
setting.
1. Design and setting
This research was performed as a cross-sectional study on proficient Muay Thai boxers
who belonged to various gyms and boxing camps in Khon Kaen, Thailand. It aimed to examine
the participants' physical and psychological health and their training routines. The study
gathered data from various sources, including interviews, medical records, and physical
assessments. The findings of this research have the potential to contribute to a better
understanding of the physical and psychological health of Muay Thai boxers. They could
inform the development of effective training programs for this population.
2. Participants
Individuals eligible to participate in this study had to meet the requirements of being
professional Muay Thai athletes and provide written consent. The sample size and inclusion
and exclusion criteria for participants were predetermined and will be strictly upheld.
2.1. Inclusion criteria
2.1.1. Individuals who aim to participate in Muay Thai boxing professionally must.
Meet certain criteria. Firstly, they must be over 20 years old. Secondly, they must obtain a
license through the Thai boxing competition to be recognized as a professional. Lastly, they
should have a clear affiliation with a boxing camp or an equivalent organization to receive
proper training and guidance. Meeting these requirements would enable aspiring boxers to
pursue their passion and compete professionally.
2.1.2. Participants reported no history of knee injury within six months before testing.
(Zixiang Zhou et al, 2022)
2.1.3. Pro-am and amateur fighters affiliated with GumPun Muay Thai have
consistently demonstrated their commitment by regularly attending training sessions in fights
over the past 6-12 months or receiving competitions.
2.1.4. Willing to participate and cooperate with the study procedure.
1.1. Exclusion criteria
1.1.1. The patient had a history of neurological, endocrine, mental, and
cardiopulmonary disease, lower-extremity injury, or substance abuse (alcohol or
drug). (Ye Zhang et al, 2023)
1.1.2. Participants were instructed to avoid vigorous physical activity for 48 hours
before the assessment and 24 hours before the muscle strength assessment and
should not exercise at a level that is more intense than normal. (Ye Zhang et al,
2023)
1.1.3. The patient sleeps less than 6 hours/day. (Yanbo Chen et al, 2017)
2. Sample size

The participants in this study were professional Muay Thai athletes. Who are over 20
years old. The sample size is calculated from previous research indicating a sample size of 49
people, which will provide 70% statistical power (α = 0.05 detect the medium effect size (f 2
= 0.35) for the equation. Four variables
 2.1. The sample size of the study will be calculated using the formula

Sample size = ((1 + (k - 1) * f 2) * Z2(1 - α / 2)) / (1 - R2) * (1 / β - 1)

n = (1 + 3 * 0.35) * (1.96) 2 / (1 – 0.25) * (1 / 0.70 - 1)

n = 7.8728 / (0.75 * 0.4286) = 7.8728 / 0.32145

n ≈ 24.48 = 25

The number of predictors for k = 4

Medium effect size for f 2 = 0.35

The standard normal deviates for Z(1 - α / 2) (α = 0.05 is approximately 1.96)

The common assumption for the medium effect size for R 2= 0.25

The power for β = 0.70 (70 percent of power)

At least 25 patients participating in Muay Thai boxing were included to create the
equation.

3. Instrument

This study used an instrument as follows.

3.1. Screening tools for MuayThai boxer age, gender, height, boxer license MuayThai
3.2. Muscle strength information from isolated-2000 isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex 4
Pro isokinetic dynamometer)
3.3. Anthropometric data from Bioelectrical impedance analyzer (ACCUNIQ BC300)
3.4. Plastic tape (0.01 cm)
3.5. Computer, MacBook M1 (2020)
4. Subjective examination
4.1. Screening for Professional Muay Thai Boxer

It is essential to check the registration documents of Muay Thai boxers to prevent

illegal boxers from participating. Ensuring that all Muay Thai boxers are registered with the
relevant authorities before participating in any matches or competitions is crucial. This
registration process involves submitting all necessary documents and information, such as
proof of age, medical records, and previous fighting experience.
 Figure 1. Boxer's certification

5. The objective examination (Anthropometric data)

5.1. Bioelectrical impedance analyzer (BIA)
5.1.1. Sequencing for collecting data.

They were instructed to remove shoes, socks, and excess clothing and wear
only shorts and a vest. To measure height and body mass accurately, participants were
asked to stand with their two heels pressed together, their arms relaxed on both sides,
and their eyes looking straight ahead. After taking a deep breath, they were asked to
hold their breath while the testers measured the distance from the highest point of
their head to the bottom of their heels. Participants were allowed to leave once the
testers recorded their height and body mass values. (Ye Zhang et al., 2023)
5.2. The tight circumference
5.2.1. Anatomical landmark

To accurately measure the circumference of the thigh, a measuring tape should

be placed 5 cm above the mid-patella while in a supine position with knee extension.
This means that the person being measured should lie flat on their back with their leg
fully extended, and the measuring tape should be wrapped around the thigh at a point
5cm above the center of the kneecap. This position ensures that the measurement is
taken consistently and accurately. (Sabharwal S et al., 2017)

Figure 2. Circumference at the knee extensor muscle

(Mayrovitz et al., 2007)

5.3. Sequencing for muscle strength data (Biodex 4 Pro isokinetic dynamometer)
5.3.1. A state-of-the-art isokinetic dynamometer was utilized to test the knee joint
strength of all participants. Before the formal testing, participants were allowed to
familiarize themselves with the testing site and contraction pattern during a visit
to the site three days prior.
5.3.2. Participants were then informed of the test process in detail and warmed up
with a light load on a Nuocheng cycle ergometer for 5 minutes (25 watt). During
the test, participants were seated in the dynamometer in a fixed position to ensure
accurate results. The test measured the knee range of motion from 10° extension
to 90° flexion, and gravity correction was performed to ensure precise
measurements.
5.3.3. Formal testing was conducted at an angular velocity of 60 degrees/second
with consistent verbal commands to ensure maximum effort. For accuracy, the
same researcher conducted the tests with a simple random sampling of 25
participants undergoing identical strength tests one week apart.
 Figure 3 Isokinetic knee testing

6. The process of data collection

6.1. Preparing for data collection
6.1.1. Highly skilled researchers have undergone rigorous training and possess.
expertise in conducting comprehensive assessments of various tools. The tools' readiness has
been thoroughly tested, and every aspect, including calibration, has been meticulously
evaluated to ensure optimal performance. The researchers have left no stone unturned in
verifying the tools' efficacy and effectiveness, achieving high confidence in the results.
6.1.2. A research ethics committee at Khon Kaen University approved this study.
6.1.3. The researcher has obtained permission from the director of Gym Gum Pun
6.2. Procedure for data collection
6.2.1. The researcher screened some patients from Gym Gum Pun and Muay Thai
Camp Mueang District, Khon Kaen province, who had professional Muay Thai
and were asked to participate and cooperate with the study procedure.
6.2.2. The researcher used face-to-face interviews. The interviews consist of
demographic data and Muay Thai boxer licenses. If subjects were unsatisfied, the
interview was stopped immediately.
6.2.3. All volunteers will undergo demographic data and anthropometric data
assessments and a muscle strength test every morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m
Flow chart of study design

Screening
Professional Muay Thai
Cross-sectional Study

Exclusion criteria
Understanding content
1st Data collection - The patient had a history of
Face to face neurological, endocrine,
Interview Screening mental, and
cardiopulmonary disease,
lower-extremity injury, or
substance abuse (alcohol or
drug).
- The patient sleeps less than
Before testing 3 days 6 hours/day.

2nd Data collection

1. Pre-testing of knee strength
testing
• Warm-up: cycle ergometer Effect of pre-testing
for 5 minutes (25 watts)
• Muscle strength test: setting
the machine at 60°/s,
commands to ensure
maximum effort. - Reduce the learning
2. Screening for demographic effect.
data - Reduce muscle injuries.
• Sex (male or female) and age
Sequencing
effect and
carrying
considered

Testing day Outcome measurement

- Fat mass (Percent)

rd
3 Data collection - Muscle mass (Kilogram)
1.Testing of knee strength testing - Age (Years old)
• Assessment as before and explain the testing - Sex (male or female)
procedures clearly. - Thigh circumference
2.Screening for anthropometric data (centimeter)
• Tapping - Muscle strength of
• BIA quadriceps and hamstring
muscle (PT)
7. Data analysis
7.1. The demographic and anthropometric data of participants were analyzed using
descriptive statistics. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27.0
software. The dependent variables in this study were FPT and EPT values measured
at 60% after correction for gravity, while the independent variables were sex, age,
skin fold, and thigh circumference.
7.2. Predictive equations for PT were established using stepwise multivariable linear
regression, and only statistically significant independent variables were included in
the final models. The data were checked to ensure that the regression assumptions
were met, including residual independence, no multicollinearity between independent
variables, and normal distribution of residuals.
7.3. Bland Altman plots determined the agreement level between the PT values measured
and those predicted by the regression equations. To test the homoscedasticity of
residuals, residual plots were drawn using SPSS 27.0 software. Additionally,
histograms were used to test the normality of residuals. The difference was found to
be statistically significant with a p-value of less than 0.05.

Flow chart of Data analysis

Data analysis

Demographic data
• Sex
• Age
Anthropometric data
• Thigh
circumference
• Percent of fat
mass
• Muscle mass
Muscle strength data
• Quadriceps peak Stepwise multiple regression
torque
• Hamstrings peak
torque Processing between the forward and
backward by bringing the variable with
the highest coefficient relative to the
variable into the equation. It is called
the forward selection method and at the
Correlation significant to
same time, the backward selection
muscle strength
method is used.

Various factors
??? Bland Altman plots

To test the homoscedasticity of

residuals histograms were used to test
the normality of residuals. The
difference was found to be statistically
Comparing between Muscle
significant with a p-value.
strength and Equation