Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate neuromuscular adaptations in elite judo athletes after three weeks of power-oriented strength training at terrestrial altitude (2320 m). Nineteen men were assigned to altitude training (AL) (22.1 ± 2.3 years) and sea level training (SL) (22.6 ± 4.1 years). Neuromuscular assessment consisted of: (1) maximal isometric knee extensor (KE) torque, (2) KE rate of torque development (RTD), (3) quadriceps activity and voluntary activation, (4) soleus H-reflex, (5) quadriceps single (TTW) and double twitch torque (TDB100) and contraction time (CTTW). There were no significant differences between groups at baseline for any of the observed parameters. Significant differences were found between groups in terms of change in RTD (p = 0.04). Cohen’s d showed a positive significant effect (0.43) in the SL group and a negative significant effect (−0.58) in the AL group. The difference between groups in changes in CTTW as a function of altitude was on the edge of significance (p = 0.077). CTTW increased by 8.1 ± 9.0% in the AL group (p = 0.036) and remained statistically unchanged in the SL group. Only the AL group showed a relationship between changes in TTW and TDB100 and changes in RTD at posttest (p = 0.022 and p = 0.016, respectively). Altitude induced differences in muscular adaptations likely due to greater peripheral fatigue.
Highlights
Published: 24 June 2021Judo is a complex, high-intensity sport where success in competition requires a wide range of skills and good technical knowledge [1,2,3]
Rate paralleled the decrease in peak twitch and double twitch torques (Figure 2). It appears that power-oriented strength training at altitude produces a greater change in contractile muscle properties, probably due to greater peripheral fatigue, than similar training at sea level. These results suggest that power-oriented strength training performed at moderate altitude has a more intense effect on contractile muscle properties than similar training performed at sea level
A minor, probably individual, peripheral adaptation in elite judo athletes altered the rate of torque development during explosive isometric knee extension after altitude training
Summary
Published: 24 June 2021Judo is a complex, high-intensity sport where success in competition requires a wide range of skills and good technical knowledge [1,2,3]. Effective judo techniques require highly developed maximal strength and power, performed under adverse metabolic conditions [4,5]. In order to meet these specific anaerobic and aerobic metabolic demands of judo combat, it is of primary importance that elite judo athletes optimize their conditioning training, focusing on the development of power along with endurance. Altitude training (for 2–4 weeks) is a common strategy of elite athletes that allow to benefit for explosive movements and aerobic and anaerobic metabolism [6]. Elite athletes use various training strategies, the most common being the traditional prolonged exposure to natural or artificial altitude, which has become known as “live hightrain high”, where athletes live and train at a terrestrial altitude (i.e., 1800–3300 m a.s.l.) [7]
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