Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the effect of caffeine on judo performance, perceived exertion, and plasma lactate response when ingested during recovery from a 5-day weight loss period. Six judokas performed two cycles of a 5-day rapid weight loss procedure to reduce their body weight by ~5%. After weigh-in, subjects re-fed and rehydrated over a 4-h recovery period. In the third hour of this “loading period”, subjects ingested a capsule containing either caffeine (6 mg·kg−1) or placebo. One hour later, participants performed three bouts of a judo fitness test with 5-min recovery periods. Perceived exertion and plasma lactate were measured before and immediately after each test bout. Body weight was reduced in both caffeine and placebo conditions after the weight loss period (−3.9% ± 1.6% and −4.0% ± 2.3% from control, respectively, p < 0.05). At three hours after weigh-in, body weight had increased with both treatments but remained below the control (−3.0% ± 1.3% and −2.7% ± 2.2%). There were no significant differences in the number of throws between the control, caffeine or placebo groups. However, plasma lactate was systemically higher and perceived exertion lower in the subjects who ingested caffeine compared to either the control or placebo subjects (p < 0.05). In conclusion, caffeine did not improve performance during the judo fitness test after a 5-day weight loss period, but reduced perceived exertion and increased plasma lactate.
Highlights
In judo competition, division by weight-class guarantees matched strength, agility, and power between the competitors [1,2]
This “loading period” between weigh-in and competition provides an opportunity to develop strategies that minimize the negative effects of rapid weight loss and optimize performance
Studies investigating the effects of weight loss on performance utilized laboratory-based techniques, which may not reflect the demands of real judo combat
Summary
Division by weight-class guarantees matched strength, agility, and power between the competitors [1,2]. Athletes frequently reduce their body weight immediately before competition to reach the maximum weight for a lighter division, thereby obtaining advantages against lighter opponents [2,3] This rapid weight loss typically starts 3–5 days before competition, when athletes may restrict food and fluid, exercise in rubber or plastic suits, vomit, and use saunas or diet pills [4,5]. It is important to note that most of previous studies investigating the effects of rapid weight-loss on performance did not allow athletes to re-feed and rehydrate after the weigh-in [10,11,12,13] This strategy differs from common practice in actual judo competitions, in which a short period (~4 h) after the weigh-in is allowed for recovery. Studies investigating the effects of weight loss on performance utilized laboratory-based techniques, which may not reflect the demands of real judo combat
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
