Effect of five-week preparatory training period on aerobic and anaerobic performance of male judo athletes

Abstract

Summary Introduction. The physiological demands of a judo match strain both anaerobic and aerobic systems. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of five weeks of training during a preparatory period on anaerobic and aerobic performance of well trained male judokas. Material and methods. The subject of the present study were nine male judo athletes, members of a collegiate team. Before and after five-week training, all participants performed a graded exercise test on the treadmill for the determination of anaerobic threshold and the 30 s Wingate test for lower body. After each workload, the capillary blood from finger tips was taken for lactate determination during incremental exercise and 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 30 minutes after cessation of the 30 s Wingate test. Results. Five-week training period resulted in statistically significant increase of velocity at anaerobic threshold (VAT), determined in a graded exercise test. The peak power, in terms of relative (W/kg) values, measured in the Wingate test for lower body, was similar before and after the five-week training period, however the relative mean power was significantly higher after this training period finished. The blood lactate concentration, 30 minutes after cessation of the Wingate test, was significantly lower after the five weeks of training in comparison with the values before training. Conclusions. The obtained data shows that the five-week preparatory training period resulted in the increase of aerobic fitness of male judo athletes. The results of the current study in well trained male judokas may provide useful information for coaches and trainers in optimizing training programs.