The Relationship between VO2 and Muscle Deoxygenation Kinetics and Upper Body Repeated Sprint Performance in Trained Judokas and Healthy Individuals.

André Antunes,Cristina P. Monteiro,Christophe Domingos,Francisco B. Alves,Joana F. Reis,Mário C. Espada,Luísa Diniz

doi:10.3390/ijerph19020861

Abstract

The present study sought to investigate if faster upper body oxygen uptake (VO2) and hemoglobin/myoglobin deoxygenation ([HHb]) kinetics during heavy intensity exercise were associated with a greater upper body repeated-sprint ability (RSA) performance in a group of judokas and in a group of individuals of heterogenous fitness level. Eight judokas (JT) and seven untrained healthy participants (UT) completed an incremental step test, two heavy intensity square-wave transitions and an upper body RSA test consisting of four 15 s sprints, with 45 s rest, from which the experimental data were obtained. In the JT group, VO2 kinetics, [HHb] kinetics and the parameters determined in the incremental test were not associated with RSA. However, when the two groups were combined, the amplitude of the primary phase VO2 and [HHb] were positively associated with the accumulated work in the four sprints (ΣWork). Additionally, maximal aerobic power (MAP), peak VO2 and the first ventilatory threshold (VT1) showed a positive correlation with ΣWork and an inverse correlation with the decrease in peak power output (Dec-PPO) between the first and fourth sprints. Faster VO2 and [HHb] kinetics do not seem to be associated with an increased upper body RSA in JT. However, other variables of aerobic fitness seem to be associated with an increased upper body RSA performance in a group of individuals with heterogeneous fitness level.

Highlights

Introduction iationsJudo is a technically and tactically demanding sport, involving several intermittent efforts of high-intensity activity, interceded by short rest periods [1]
Several authors proposed that faster VO2 kinetics, as expressed by a shorter τphase II, are associated with the ability to support a given workload without tapping into O2 deficit-related metabolic processes [7] and that faster VO2 kinetics are related with faster [PCr] recovery kinetics following exercise [48], two potential aspects that may determine exercise tolerance during repeated high-intensity exercise
The results observed in the current study indicate that there is no significant correlation between pulmonary τphase II and upper body repeated-sprint ability (RSA) performance, namely between τphase II

Summary

Introduction

Introduction iationsJudo is a technically and tactically demanding sport, involving several intermittent efforts of high-intensity activity, interceded by short rest periods [1]. Seniorlevel match may last up to 4 min, and judokas may perform up to seven matches during a tournament, including preliminary rounds, main rounds and finals, all in the same day. This sport is reported to rely heavily on upper body strength and power [2], and it has been suggested that the high-intensity efforts that occur throughout a match are mainly supported by anaerobic energy systems, while the oxidative energy system may be crucial to the recovery process in between high-intensity efforts and between matches [2].

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion