Effects of Conditioning Exercise Protocols Using Upper-Body, Lower-Body, or Combined Upper- and Lower-Body Exercises on Acute Performance Enhancement of Judo-Specific Performance: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Background: Several scientific papers in recent years dealt with the menstrual cycle and its impact on female sport performance. No differences have been found in aerobic performance, but the results of the studies dealing with the influence of the menstrual cycle on anaerobic performance are often controversial. Objective: The aim of this study was to verify the effect of selected phases of the menstrual cycle on anaerobic performance of judokas in the Wingate test and Special judo fitness test. Methods: The research sample was composed of 8 young female judokas (age 18.14 ± 3.44 years; body weight 63.86 ± 10.42 kg; height 165.43 ± 5.09 cm; judo practice 11.14 ± 3.13 years). The observed parameters in the Wingate test were as follows: a) anaerobic peak power; b) anaerobic capacity; c) fatigue index; d) blood lactate in the 5th minute after completing the test. In Special judo fitness test (SJFT) we measured the following parameters: a) number of throws in the first period; b) second period; c) third period; d) total number of throws; e) SJFT index. For the processing and evaluation of obtained data, we used the non-parametric Wilcoxon t-test and effect sizes are described by Cohen's d. Results: No significant changes have been observed in any of those parameters in the Wingate test and Special judo fitness test due to changes of menstrual phases, except of number of throws in the first 15-s period of the Special judo fitness test with better performance in luteal phase (p = .03; Cohen's d = 1.149). Conclusion: Better anaerobic performance in luteal phase could be a result of potential larger phosphocreatine and adenosine triphosphate stores, which can have a positive effect on high intensity specific judo performance.

This study aimed to test the reliability, sensitivity, construct and logical validity of an adapted Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) for judo athletes with visual impairment . Twenty judo athletes with visual impairments performed both the adapted SJFT with tactile and sonorous stimuli (experimental conditions) and the typically administered SJFT (standard condition). We used analyses of variance (ANOVAs) with repeated-measures to compare the groups' SJFT performances, and one-way ANOVAs to compare different visual ability classes of athletes (B1, B2 and B3). We used t-tests to compare SJFT variables between elite and sub-elite groups. We set statistical significance for all tests at p < 0.05. The standard SJFT showed excellent test-retest reliability for number of throws and overall index (ICC = 0.91-0.95), and both sonorous and tactile sensitivity adaptations of the SJFT showed medium sensitivity for detecting performance changes. The number of throws and SJFT index were higher with the sonorous adaptation of the test, compared to the tactile and standard versions (p < 0.001). Athletes who were blind (B1) presented similar performances to athletes who were partially sighted (B2 and B3) only on the SJFT with the sonorous stimulus. Moreover, only the sonorous SJFT adaptation discriminated between the performances of elite and sub-elite athletes (p < 0.001). In conclusion, both SJFT adaptations showed excellent reliability and medium sensitivity on test-retest, but, only the SJFT with the sonorous stimulus seemed valid for assessing judo athletes with varying degrees of visual impairment, and only the sonorous stimulus SJFT discriminated elite from sub-elite athletes.

The aims of this work were to compare the performances of male and female cadet and junior judo athletes and to develop classificatory tables to these judo-specific tests for international-level from these ages. Data collected during training camps of male and female cadet and junior judo teams from three nations (Brazil, Serbia, and Spain) were analyzed, totalizing 252 individual results of special judo fitness test (SJFT), and 222 and 208 of dynamic and isometric judogi chin-up tests, respectively. Juniors performed better than cadets in the SJFT, with higher number of throws in A, B, C, and total (P<0.001 for all comparisons), lower final heart rate (P=0.021), and lower index (P<0.001), as well as higher relative performance in the dynamic chin-up test (P<0.001). Furthermore, male athletes presented better performance compared to female athletes in the SJFT (higher number of throws in A, B and total, and lower index) and in the isometric and dynamic chin-up tests (higher absolute and relative performances) (P<0.001 for all comparisons). Considering these differences, tables were established by sex and age groups, using percentile values. Thereby, each of the parameters of the SJFT (number of throws, heart rate after and 1 min after the test, and SJFT index), as well as absolute and relative results in chin-up judogi tests, were classified by sex and age. These classificatory tables can be useful for judo coaches to monitor specific physical performance during different phases of periodization process.

Lopes-Silva, JP, Panissa, VLG, Julio, UF, and Franchini, E. Influence of physical fitness on Special Judo Fitness Test performance: a multiple linear regression analysis. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1732-1738, 2021-The purpose of this study was to identify the physical fitness variables that best predict Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) performance. Thirty-five male experienced judo athletes took part in this study. All athletes performed 5 tests: upper- and lower-body cycle ergometer graded exercise tests; upper- and lower-body Wingate tests; and SJFT. The peak oxygen consumption (V̇o2peak), maximum heart rate (HRmax), maximum aerobic power, and the variables corresponding to onset blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) were determined during the graded exercise tests. For the Wingate tests, peak power (PP) and mean power were used. Furthermore, the total number of throws, heart rate (HR) immediately and 1 minute after, and SJFT index were calculated. Four separated forward multiple linear regressions (forward model) were used to identify the physical fitness variables that best explained the SJFT variables. Upper-body V̇o2peak (ml·min-1·kg-1) explained 27% of variance in the total number of throws, whereas an additional 7% was explained by upper-body PP. Upper-body HRmax explained 46% of the variance in the HR immediately after the SJFT, whereas lower-body HR at OBLA accounted for an additional 8%. Lower-body HRmax explained 21% of the variance in the HR 1 minute after the SJFT, whereas peak lactate ([La-]peak) after the lower-body graded exercise test accounted for an additional 12%. Upper-body V̇o2peak (ml·min-1·kg-1) alone accounted for 15% of the variance in the SJFT index. Based on these results, the data suggest that physical fitness variables, derived from upper- and lower-body aerobic and anaerobic tests, have a small ability to predict the SJFT variables.

PurposePrevious investigations have found positive effects of acute ingestion of capsules containing 4-to-9 mg of caffeine per kg of body mass on several aspects of judo performance. However, no previous investigation has tested the effectiveness of caffeinated chewing gum as the form of caffeine administration for judoists. The main goal of this study was to assess the effect of acute ingestion of a caffeinated chewing gum on the results of the special judo fitness test (SJFT).MethodsNine male elite judo athletes of the Polish national team (23.7 ± 4.4 years, body mass: 73.5 ± 7.4 kg) participated in a randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled and double-blind experiment. Participants were moderate caffeine consumers (3.1 mg/kg/day). Each athlete performed three identical experimental sessions after: (a) ingestion of two non-caffeinated chewing gums (P + P); (b) a caffeinated chewing gum and a placebo chewing gum (C + P; ~2.7 mg/kg); (c) two caffeinated chewing gums (C + C; ~5.4 mg/kg). Each gum was ingested 15 min before performing two Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) which were separated by 4 min of combat activity.ResultsThe total number of throws was not different between P + P, C + P, and C + C (59.66 ± 4.15, 62.22 ± 4.32, 60.22 ± 4.08 throws, respectively; p = 0.41). A two-way repeated measures ANOVA indicated no significant substance × time interaction effect as well as no main effect of caffeine for SJFT performance, SJFT index, blood lactate concentration, heart rate or rating of perceived exertion.ConclusionsThe results of the current study indicate that the use of caffeinated chewing gum in a dose up to 5.4 mg/kg of caffeine did not increase performance during repeated SJFTs.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of a period of training performing uchi-komi prescribed as high-intensity interval training on the performance of judo athletes.&#x0D; Method: Twenty judo athletes performed uchi-komi prescribed as high-intensity interval training (HIT; n = 10) or auto-oriented uchi-komi (control; n = 10). The judo athletes participated in three sessions (60 min for day) of Judo training per week, totalizing 18 sessions in six weeks. High-intensity interval training was performed with 30 s of entry to judo technique (all-out) and 15 s of rest, two times per week for six weeks. Athletes performed eight repetitions of high-intensity interval training in the first week, 10 repetitions in the second and third weeks, and 12 repetitions in the fourth, fifth, and sixth weeks. Pre and post training, athletes performed the Countermovement jump, Isometric judogi chin-up (isometric test), and Special judo fitness test.&#x0D; Results: Special judo fitness test and isometric test showed interaction (p&lt;0.01). Both the Control (p&lt;0.01) and HIT groups (p&lt;0.01) demonstrated improvement in the Special judo fitness test and isometric test. The Special judo fitness test presented a difference between groups at post (p&lt;0.01) but not pre (p= 0.06). The isometric test presented a difference between groups at pre (p= 0.03) and post (p&lt;0.01). Countermovement jump did not demonstrate interaction (p&lt;0.77).&#x0D; Conclusions: Training using uchi-komi prescribed as HIT improved performance in the Special judo fitness test and isometric test, without changing power in the lower limbs of judo athletes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) results specific to the population of male judoka and to develop age category norms for junior and senior athletes. A systematic review of the existing literature was conducted to identify 281 publications reporting SJFT results between 1995 and 2018. The final meta-analysis included data from 37 relevant studies that reported SJFT results from 51 individual samples of 515 senior and 209 junior male athletes. The combined mean and SD for SJFT variables were calculated, and the Cohen’s d effect size with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the senior and junior age classifications were compared. Senior athletes demonstrated higher total number of throws (d = 0.41, CI = 0.25–0.57, p <0.001) and heart rate (HR) immediately after the SJFT (d = 0.18, CI = 0.02–0.35, p = 0.025) with limited differences for HR one minute after the SJFT between groups. The SJFT index was lower for seniors compared to juniors (d = 0.38, CI = 0.22–0.54, p <0.001) indicating better overall performance by the more advanced athletes. Percentile rankings were used to develop SJFT classificatory tables for male senior and junior judo athletes. Training staff can use the age group classifications in the evaluation process of their athletes and for the purpose of monitoring training.

Relationship between aerobic and anaerobic power, and Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) in elite Iranian male judokas

To compare the acute effect of caffeine ingestion on performance in young judo athletes. In a randomized double-blind design, eighteen judo athletes (16.1 ± 1.4 yrs.) were evaluated on three nonconsecutive days. On the first day, the special judo fitness test (SJFT) was used as a control session. On the second day, the sample was randomly divided into two equal groups. One group received 4 mg.kg-1 of caffeine (capsule) and the other group received a placebo. After resting for 60 min, the sample performed the SJFT. On the final day of testing, the same procedure was performed but the substance ingested was exchanged between the groups. Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded throughout the applications of the SJFTs. Caffeine ingestion did not induce changes in HR, but reduced the RPE compared with the placebo session (7.0 ± 1.1 vs 8.2 ± 2.0; p < .05), increased the number of throws applied (29.0 ± 2.6 vs 22.1 ± 3.4; p < .01) and reduced the SJFT index (12.2 ± 0.5 vs. 15.7 ± 0.9; p < .001). 4 mg.kg-1 did not alter HR but improved performance on SJFT in young judo athletes and reduced the RPE.

Conflicting results have been documented in the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) for mean parameters of performance between male and female judo athletes matched by age and competitive level. Therefore, it is debatable whether previously established norms for the SJFT prepared for men, should be adopted for use in women. The goal of this investigation was to prepare standards to allow coaches and researchers to control and evaluate training effects in female judoka. Systematic review was used to compile previously published scientific studies containing information on female judo athletes who were tested using the SJFT. The results were derived using meta-analysis and included data obtained from 11 relevant studies published between January 1997 and December 2013. Combined mean and SDs were computed based on studies containing 161 individual results from the SJFT. A 5° scale was adopted as follows: Excellent = highest 5%, Good = next highest 15%, Regular = middle 60%, Poor = next lowest 15%, and Very poor = lowest 5%. The results of the current investigation provide normative data for the SJFT for junior and senior female judoka. Classification for each of the parameters of the SJFT, including number of throws completed during the test, heart rate (HR) measured immediately after the effort, HR after a 1-minute recovery period and SJFT index, were established. This normative data can be used in the design of training programs for female judoka, as well as evaluation after training, and in preparation for competition.

&lt;p class="CuerpoA"&gt;El objeto del presente estudio fue validar si la aplicación del Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) para judokas genera mejores resultados a través de su aplicación con el Tokui Waza (TW) del judoka (técnica especial), frente a la impuesta por el propio test, Ippon Seoi-Nage, en situaciones de ausencia de fatiga (AF) y de fatiga (CF). Se seleccionaron tres competidores de nivel nacional que realizaron los 4 SJFT repartidos en dos días alternos: un día el SJFT con su TW, en ambas situaciones (AF y CF); y a las 48 horas el SJFT estándar del mismo modo en ambas situaciones (AF y CF). Se registraron valores del test SJFT, la frecuencia cardiaca (FC), la concentración lactato sanguíneo [lact] y la percepción subjetiva de esfuerzo (RPE). Los judokas obtuvieron índices en el SJFT muy similares para ambos test en AF (12,41±0,21 frente a 12,52±0,89), sin embargo, en situación CF los valores de FC, [lact]y número de proyecciones fueron mejores en el SJFT-TW. &lt;/p&gt;

The purpose of this study was to compare the acute short-term effects of (1) plyometric exercise, (2) combined strength and plyometric exercise (contrast), and (3) maximum strength performance in the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT). Eight male judo athletes (mean ± SD, age, 19 ± 1 years; body mass, 60.4 ± 5 kg; height, 168.3 ± 5.4 cm) took part in this study. Four different sessions were completed; each session had 1 type of intervention: (a) SJFT control, (b) plyometric exercises + SJFT, (c) maximum strength + SJFT, and (d) contrast + SJFT. The following variables were quantified: throws performed during series A, B, and C; total number of throws; heart rate immediately and 1 minute after the test; and test index. Significant differences were found in the number of throws during series A: the plyometric exercise (6.4 ± 0.5 throws) was superior (p < 0.05) to the control condition (5.6 ± 0.5 throws). Heart rate 1 minute after the SJFT was higher (p < 0.01) during the plyometric exercise (192 ± 8 bpm) than during the contrast exercise (184 ± 9 bpm). The contrast exercise (13.58 ± 0.72) resulted in better index values than the control (14.67 ± 1.30) and plyometric exercises (14.51 ± 0.54). Thus, this study suggests that contrast and plyometric exercises performed before the SJFT can result in improvements in the test index and anaerobic power of judo athletes, respectively.

This study investigated the associations between total and regional body composition with performance in the special judo fitness test (SJFT), as well as strength and power tests (countermovement vertical jump-CMJ, squat jump-SJ, plyometric push-up-PPU, and force push-up-FPU). Twenty-three high-level judo athletes participated in this study. Initially, they underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, after which they performed the CMJ, SJ, PPU, and FPU tests. On another day, the SJFT was carried out. Correlations were tested using Pearson's test. The performance in the SJFT was correlated with the total and arm %fat mass (r = -0.759), torso fat mass (r = -0.802), torso %fat mass (r = -0.822) and in the lower limb regions with the leg fat mass (r = -0.803) and leg %fat (r = -0.745). In the strength and power tests, there were also negative correlations observed between regional fat and performance. There was a negative correlation between the percentage of total fat and performance in the SJFT (r = -0.824), SJ (r = -0.750), CMJ (r = -0.742), PPU (r = -0.609), and FPU (r = -0.736). Fat, both total fat and regional fat in the arms, torso, and legs, is strongly correlated with a poor performance in the SJFT and poor strength and power.

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a combat sport requiring the ability to complete repeated high impulse actions for 9-25 minutes. This study reports proxy measures of lower body neuromuscular performance and anerobic capacities of tier 3 standard amateur MMA athletes for the first time. A cohort of n=9 female (age = 20.5±2.8 years) and n=12 male (age=20.8±1.6 years) participants completed squat jumps, countermovement jumps, and drop jumps to provide proxy measures of their neuromuscular performance and reactive strength. The cohort also completed the special judo fitness test (SJFT) as a proxy for their anaerobic capacity. Participant’s MMA success rates were determined using their MMA bout winning %. Relationships between physiological measures and success rates were calculated using Pearson’s r correlation coefficient (p&lt;0.05). Both male and female jump characteristics were generally equal to athletes from other combat sports, but below athletes from non-combat sports. Males and females were found to be ‘poor/very poor’ in the majority of SJFT factors. Female success rate was found to have very large relationships to jump variables (SJ r = 0.713; CMJ r = 0.794; CMJ-AS r = 0.718; all p&lt;0.05). Male success rate was found to have very large relationships to SJFT factors (# of throws r = 0.732; SJFT index r = - 0.648; both p&lt;0.05). These results indicate that MMA success is dependent on different physiological factors in each sex. These results may also highlight areas for concern in MMA athlete’s physiological performance standards.

In judo tournaments, matches for each weight category are held on the same day and athletes competing at the finals have to compete at different times of the day. This study aimed to investigate the effect of time-of-day on judo specific performance and the changes in physiological load following judo specific performance. Fourteen male judo athletes (age 19.1±1.4 years) voluntarily participated in the study. At the 1st visit, anthropometrical measurements and familiarization procedures were conducted and the athletes’ chronotype was determined. Athletes performed the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) during 2nd and 3rd visits. Athletes randomly performed two consecutive SJFTs with 15 min intervals at 10:00h, which is the official start time of matches, and at 18:00h which is the time when the finals start. During SJFT applications, athletes heart rate (HR), blood lactate (bLA), body temperature and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored. The changes in total throw numbers (F1, 13= 1.32, p=0.27) and SJFT index (F1, 13= 0.30, p=0.59) were not different between morning and evening. There were similar changes in bLA (F4, 52=0.66, p=0.63), RPE (F1, 13=1.42, p=0.26) and body temperature (F1.4, 18.0=1.18, p=0.31) which were measured before and after the tests. However, HR measured in the evening were higher compared to morning measurement at all measurement times (F1, 13=10.28, p=0.01), but there was no difference in SJFT throws (F3.8, 48.8=0.49, p=0.74). In conclusion, different times of the day did not affect judo specific performance as well as physiological variables in judo athletes.