Elite Judo Research Articles

Effects of acute ingestion of caffeinated chewing gum on performance in elite judo athletes

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.

Injuries and time loss in elite judo athletes: a Korean prospective cohort study.

Few epidemiological studies have investigated pain and time loss due to sports injury. We analyzed the specific patterns of injury among Korean elite judo athletes and examined the effects of pain on time loss. We also assessed the association between the type of injury and time loss. We prospectively collected data on elite judo athletes at the Korean Training Center for the year 2019. The athletes were assessed by sports medicine doctors, and data were stratified according to sex, weight class, and injury location. We used χ2 tests to compare groups. Injury rates were expressed as Poisson rates with 95% confidence intervals. One-way analysis of variance was used to investigate the pain scores and time losses due to sports injury. The study included 232 athletes whose 606 injuries (annual average, 2.61 injuries/athlete) were recorded. Female athletes had higher injury rates than male athletes. Overall, most injuries occurred in the lower extremities (38.12%), followed by the upper extremities (36.80%), trunk (17.66%), and head and neck area (7.43%). Injury severity significantly differed according to the body regions in the weight classes. The pain score and time loss differed significantly according to the type of injury. When the pain score increased by 1, the time loss increased by approximately 1.47 days. Among all weight classes, female athletes had a higher injury rate than male athletes. The pain score and time loss varied depending on the type of injury, with pain score being associated with time loss.

Partial sleep restriction impairs static postural control in elite judo athletes

ABSTRACT The present study evaluates the effect of partial sleep restriction on postural control in judokas. Fourteen elite-level judokas performed three static postural control tests (the Unilateral Stance (US, on the Right and Left Foot); the modified Clinical Test for the Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB, on a firm and an unstable surface) stance with the eyes opened and then closed, and the Weight-Bearing Squat test (WBS)) after (i) a reference-normal-sleep-night (RN) and (ii) 4-h of partial sleep restriction at the end (SREN) (i.e., sleep from 22h30 to 03h00) or the beginning (SRBN) (i.e., sleep from 03:00h to 07:00h) of the night. Concerning US, sway velocity increased significantly after SRBN and SREN, in comparison with RN (p < 0.001) and was significantly higher in closed vs. open eyes during SRBN, SREN and RN (p < 0.001). For mCTSIB, sway velocity increased significantly during SBND and SRBN, compared to RN (p < 0.001) and was higher with eyes open than eyes closed in the foam surface during SRBN, SREN and RN (p < 0.0001). For WBS, there were no significant between conditions differences. In conclusion, partial sleep restriction of 4-h may negatively affect the postural control of judokas.

Evaluation the frequency of the IGF2 ApaI polymorphism in Iranian elite judo athletes

هدف تحقیق: توانایی انسان‌ها برای دستیابی به موفقیت در رشته‌های ورزشی با یکدیگر متفاوت است و بسیاری از این تفاوت‌ها با عوامل ژنتیکی در ارتباط است. یافتن ساختارهای ژنتیکی اثرگذار بر عملکرد ورزشی گام مهمی در توسعه روش‌های مربوط به استعدادیابی در ورزش است. جودوکاران برای موفقیت در این رشته ورزشی به مقادیر بالایی از قدرت و توان نیاز دارند. مطالعات گذشته نشان داده‌اند که پلی‌مورفیسم عامل رشد شبه انسولین 2 (IGF2) با شاخص توده بدنی، توده بدون چربی، قدرت پنجه دست و قدرت پا در ارتباط است. هدف از مطالعه پیش رو بررسی و ارزیابی ارتباط احتمالی بین پلی‌مورفیسم ApaI IGF2 و وضعیت جودوکاران نخبه ایرانی بود. آزمودنی‌های گروه ورزشکار را 40 جودوکار نخبه ایرانی که در مدال‌های آسیای و جهانی دارای مدال بودند تشکیل می‌دادند و آزمودنی‌های گروه کنترل متشکل از 120 مرد سالم غیر ورزشکار بود. روش‌شناسی: DNA ژنومیک از خون به روش غیر آنزیمی استخراج و ژنوتیپ گذاری به شیوه PCR-RFLP انجام گرفت. تفاوت‌ها در توزیع فراوانی این پلی‌مورفیسم به‌وسیله آزمون آماری کای مربع مورد ارزیابی قرار گرفت. نتایج: تفاوت معناداری در توزیع ژنوتیپی و فراوانی آللی بین جودوکاران و گروه کنترل مشاهده نشد. بحث و نتیجه‌گیری: نتایج مطالعه حاضر نشان داد که پلی‌مورفیسم ApaI IGF2 احتمالا به علت تأثیرپذیری ورزش جودو از عوامل مختلف و عدم وابستگی کامل آن به یک عامل مانند قدرت یا استقامت ممکن است بر وضعیت جودوکاران نخبه ایرانی تأثیری نداشته باشد.

Rapid Weight Loss Adversely Affects Muscle Damage Markers In Elite Judo Athletes

Rapid weight loss (RWL) is a phenomenon that is commonly detected amongst elite judo athletes. It is used to gain the advantage over their lighter opponents. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of 7-day RWL intervention on muscle damage markers in seven elite judokas during a pre-competition period. METHODS: The participants voluntarily participated in this study. RWL was induced in accordance to personal preference previously practiced by judo athletes. Most frequently reported methods of RWL were increased exercise volume, fluid and caloric restriction and heated environment exposure. RESULTS: RWL induced a significant drop in weight within all seven participants (93.07 ± 10.69 kg at baseline vs. 88.12 ± 10.30 kg at follow-up; P < 0.001). Regarding biochemical changes, myoglobin levels significantly increased on the last day of intervention (P < 0.01) (day 7). In addition, creatine kinase levels were also elevated on the 6th day of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the obtained results, RWL methods caused alterations in myoglobin and creatine kinase levels in elite judokas. This indicates that although RWL is perceived as helpful in achieving success in competition, it can produce muscle tissue damage that can further impact fitness profile of elite judokas. This project was partly supported by the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development (175037 and 179011), the Provincial Secretariat for Higher Education and Scientific Research (142-451-2473 and 114-451-710) and the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad (2019 Annual Award).

The Effect of One Bout of Intensive Judo Exercise on Select Hematological and Immunological Parameters in Adolescent Elite Judo Athletes

Background: Exercise-related studies do not agree on changes in blood parameters regarding anemia and serum immunoglobulin concentration as adaptive immunity. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate exercise-induced variations in hematological and immunological parameters in response to one bout of intensive judo exercise in adolescent elite judoka. Methods: Venipuncture was performed on ten adolescent male Iranian elite judoka (age: 15.60 ± 0.69 years; body mass index: 24.15 ± 2.80 kg/m2) before and immediately after one bout of intensive judo protocol. Erythrocyte variables [red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red distribution width (RDW), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)], platelets variables [platelet count (PLT), platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT)], cellular immune variables [white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (NEU), lymphocyte (LYM)], and humoral immune variables (IgM, IgA, IgG, IgE) were measured. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon and paired-samples t-test, and P &lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Results: After the plasma volume was corrected using the Dill and Costill equation, the results showed that RBC, HGB, HCT, MCHC, IgA, and IgM decreased significantly immediately after exercise. However, MCH, RDW, PLT, PDW, MPV, PCT, WBC, LYM, NEU, IgG, and IgE did not change significantly. Conclusions: According to the findings, it can be concluded that intensive judo exercise results in transient anemia and suppression of humoral immune response among adolescent elite judoka.

The Relationship between Dynamic Balance Ability and Low Limb Isokinetic Muscle Function of Elite Judo Athletes

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between lower extremity isokinetic muscle strength and dynamic balance ability of elite judo athletes and improve the efficient dynamic balance ability of athletes.METHODS A total of 26 male and female judo national candidates (13 males and 13 females) were participated. Isokinetic strength and dynamic balance in three consecutive areas of the lower limbs (knee, hip, waist) were measured. Multiple regression analysis step selection method was used to analyze the correlation between isokinetic strength measurement variables and dynamic balance ability. In addition, the results were analyzed by dividing the difference of fitness variables between male and female athletes and male and female athlete groups.RESULTS The male athlete group showed higher muscle strength in all areas of isokinetic strength (p &lt;.01). Stability was statistically significantly higher (p &lt;.05). There was interrelationship between the lower extremity isokinetic strength and the dynamic balance of the lower extremities in male and female athletes. The trunk flexion showed the highest correlation with the dynamic balance in the male athletes, and trunk flexion and hip extension in female athletes.CONCLUSIONS The trunk muscle strength showed the highest correlation with the dynamic balance ability in male and female athletes.

Monitoring Hydration Status of Elite Judo Athletes During a Competition Day

Dehydration is defined as deficit in total body water and has been suggested to have adverse effects on athletic performance. Despite ongoing efforts to inform the athletes, especially weight-classified athletes present higher level of dehydration. As judo is a weight-classified sport and athletes are exposed to rapid weight loss methods, hydration status of judo athletes should be monitored for athletes’ health and implications for future precautions. Thus, the aim of this study was to monitor hydration status of elite judo athletes during a competition day. Eighteen (13 males, 5 females) elite judo athletes voluntarily participated in this study. Following body composition measurements, USG and urine color measurements were carried out before and after the competition in order to determine their hydration status. Athletes’ pre-match USG value was 1,021 while it was found 1,019 after competitions. As for urine color, it was 5,17 before competitions and 4,87 after competition. According to these results elite judo athletes presented higher level of dehydration during a competition day despite ad libitum fluid intake. Judo athletes and coaches should be informed about adverse effects of dehydration and individual water intake prescriptions for these athletes can be advised. Further research is also advised to confirm that dehydration negatively affects judo specific performance.

Neuromuscular and physiological responses to different training loads in Randori of elite judo athletes

Abstract Aim: To compare two different randori structure (high volume and short pauses - TRAD training vs low volume with long pauses - COMP training) in the neuromuscular and metabolic responses of elite judo athletes. Methods: The first situation (TRAD) consisted of 12 randoris of 5 minutes with 45 seconds rest, and the other situation (COMP), consisted of 6 randoris of 5 minutes with 10 minutes between them. Physiological (Blood Lactate and Creatine Kinase), neuromuscular (Countermovement Jump and Medicine Ball Throws) and perceptive variables (Rating Perceived Exertion) were measured before and at the end of the sessions. Results: The subjective perception of effort at the end of the training was significantly higher in the TRAD training type (TRADpost: 8.1 ± 0.9 AU; COMPpost: 6.6 ± 1.5 AU, p <0.001). Blood lactate concentration (TRADpost: 6.4 ± 2.2 mmol/L; COMPpost: 8.1 ± 2.9 mmol/L; p <0.001), CMJ height (TRADpost: 36.2 ± 4.6 cm; COMPpost: 35.9 ± 4.3 cm, p = 0.012) and upper limb power performance (TRADpost: 6.4 ± 0.9 m; COMPpost: 6.3 ± 0.9 m p = 0.03) were significantly higher at the end of the two training sessions compared to their start, but there are no group effect. There is group effect in CK (TRADpost: 490.7 ± 273.5 U\L; COMPpost: 357.4 ± 203.8 U\L; p <0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that TRAD and COMP Judo training induced similar physical demands, and both seem to not be enough to reach higher intensities, which made them distant methods of competitive reality.

Usefulness of raw bioelectrical impedance parameters in tracking fluid shifts in judo athletes

Bioelectrical impedance (BI) has been widely used but clarification about the behaviour of raw BI measurements under specific athletic conditions is required. Thus, we determined the usefulness of raw BI measures in tracking body fluids changes during the preparation period prior to competition in elite Judo athletes. At baseline (weight stability), 27 male athletes were evaluated (23.2 ± 2.8y) and again 1–3 days before competition (∼1–2 months apart). Athletes were free to gain/lost weight based upon specific competition needs. Using dilution techniques (deuterium and bromide), total-body water (TBW) and extracellular water were estimated, and intracellular water calculated as TBW minus extracellular water. Body fluid distribution was determined as Extra-to-/Intracellular water (E/I). Fat and fat-free mass (FFM) was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Resistance, reactance, and phase angle (PhA) were obtained from bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (50-kHz frequency). No differences in raw BI measures were observed between athletes that lost (N = 17) or gain weight (N = 10), except for fat, FFM, extracellular water, and EI (p < 0.05). After adjusting for FFM and height, resistance explained TBW (β = −0.047, p = 0.002) and extracelular water (β = −0.025, p = 0.001). Reactance explained ECW (β = −0.098, p = 0.004) and EI (β = −0.004, p = 0.006), while PhA predicted TBW (β = 1.609, p = 0.047), ICW (β = 1.899, p = 0.001) and EI (β = −0.056, p = 0.001). Regardless of body composition changes, athletes who increase reactance and resistance reduced extracellular water and body fluids while those who raised PhA increased intracellular water. Judo athletes who reduced weight, decreased FFM but cellular health was not compromised, as PhA remained stable and, consequently, cell hydration.

Epidemiology of Competition Injuries in Elite European Judo Athletes: A Prospective Cohort Study.

To determine the injury incidence rate (IIR) and injury pattern, and to identify risk factors for injury, among elite adult European judo athletes. Prospective cohort study. The 2015 Under 23 European Judo Championships, Bratislava, Slovakia. All registered athletes (N = 295). Sex, weight division, and fight outcome. Injury incidence rates were calculated per 1000 athlete-exposures (IIRAE) and per 1000 minutes of exposure (IIRME) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Subgroups were compared by calculating the injury incidence rate ratio (RR) with a 95% CI. The overall IIRAE and IIRME were 35.6 (95% CI, 22.8-53.0) and 10.9 (95% CI, 7.0-16.2), respectively. The most frequently injured anatomical region was the head/neck (41%), whereas the most common type of injury was contusion (33%). The risk of injury was almost 4 times greater for defeated athletes compared with winners [RRME 3.80 (95% CI, 1.47-9.82)]. Athletes in middleweight divisions had a greater risk of injury compared with their lightweight [RRME 3.58 (95% CI, 1.24-10.35)] and heavyweight [RRME 2.34 (95% CI, 0.93-5.89)] counterparts. The risk of injury for women was not significantly different from their male counterparts [RRME 1.33 (95% CI, 0.61-2.90)]. Weight division (middle) and fight outcome (losing) are significant risk factors for injury. The IIR in elite adult judo competition is lower than that in taekwondo and karate. Future research is encouraged to investigate the actual severity of judo injuries, and to investigate potentially modifiable risk factors to mitigate the risk of injury in judo.

Unilateral Knee and Ankle Joint Fatigue Induce Similar Impairment to Bipedal Balance in Judo Athletes.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of unilateral ankle fatigue versus the knee muscles with and without vision on bipedal postural control. Elite judo athletes who competed at the national level with at least 10 years of training experience, were randomised into KNEE (n = 10; 20 ± 2 years) and ANKLE (n = 9; 20 ± 3 years) groups, who performed dynamic isokinetic fatiguing contractions (force decreased to 50% of initial peak torque for three consecutive movements) of the knee flexors and extensors or ankle dorsiflexors and plantar flexors, respectively. Static bipedal postural control (French Posturology Association normative standards) with eyes open and eyes closed was examined before and immediately after the fatiguing task. Postural variables examined were the centre of pressure (CoP) sway in the medio-lateral and antero-posterior directions, total CoP area sway and CoP sway velocity. Although unilateral ankle and knee fatigue adversely affected all bipedal postural measures, with greater disturbances with eyes closed, there were no significant main group or interaction effects between KNEE and ANKLE groups. Unilateral lower limb fatigue adversely affected bipedal balance, with knee extension/flexion fatigue affecting bipedal postural control to a similar extent as unilateral ankle dorsiflexion/plantar flexion fatigue. Hence unilateral fatigue can affect subsequent bilateral performance or also have implications for rehabilitation exercise techniques. Our findings may be limited to judo athletes as other populations were not tested.

An Analysis Model for Studying the Determinants of Throwing Scoring Actions During Standing Judo.

In judo, the attacking system is grounded on several determinants of the chances to throw. In our study, data regarding four determinants of the attacking system were collected in order to classify the standing scoring actions: the attacking type (direct/counter-attack), the throwing area (forward/backward), the technique’s category (based on motor criteria), and the lateral structure of fighting (contenders with a symmetrical/asymmetrical position). To study the usefulness of such an analysis, the standing scoring actions of the 2013 Judo World Championship were analyzed as an example of elite judo’s attacking system (n = 775). The Pearson’s chi-squared test and Cramér’s V were used to analyze the hypothesis of a uniform distribution or the association between variables and the strength of such an association, respectively. The scoring actions (p < 0.001) were mostly direct attacks (82.6%), in the forward throw area (57.5%), and in an asymmetrical position (67.2%). All of the variables were associated (p < 0.05; V = 0.11–0.54), with higher proportions of counter-attacks and attacks occurring on the backward thrown area during asymmetrical structures than the expected. Some categories of techniques were observed more than expected, depending on the symmetrical or asymmetrical structure. Our data augment the knowledge of standing judo by showing features of the attacking system, suggesting strategies for optimizing performance.

Motivational Structure of Men and Women in High Performance and Elite Judo

Motivational Structure of Men and Women in High Performance and Elite Judo

FREQUENCY OF INJURIES AMONG ELITE BULGARIAN ATHLETES

Judo is martial art,which philosophy is very closely tied with its east-asian roots and it focuses on the contestant’s physical and spiritual development. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of traumas in elite judo athletes from the Bulgarian national team, in a retrospective manner throughout their careers as athletes. A survey was conducted among 37 athletes from the Bulgarian national judo team. All competitors have received at least one injury during their competitive career. These are sprains, strains and contusions. Most of the traumas occur during training. The severe injuries occur during competition and in general are caused from the direct contact with the opponent. The present study has limitations such as the small focus group size. Thus suggested future studies involving other judo competitors, as well as coaches and judges. It’s interesting to recognize their opinion and to compare it with that of the athletes. That will help to propose strategies for prevention of injuries.

Quantification of motor abilities during the execution of judo techniques.

Quantitative performance analysis is of great importance, especially to increase personalized training and to reduce injuries. The use of inertial sensors has given many possibilities and has been largely used in analysing technical capabilities of athletes. With respect to combat sports, judo has many issues resulting from the great number of variables involved in the techniques and due to the critical measurement environment. The aim of this study was to propose a method for measuring and quantifying motor abilities objectively. Four inertial sensors were fixed to the lower limbs and one on the sternum of five male and five female elite judo athletes. Accelerations and angular velocities of the lower limbs were measured in 480 judo techniques. Regression lines of accelerations and angular velocities have been analysed to obtain 5 single technique indices and 1 overall technique index representing the motor abilities connected, respectively to force expressions and coordination capabilities. Correlations of motor abilities (force expression and coordination capabilities) and athletes' weight and height were found in only 6.7% of pairs. Results of force expression and coordination capabilities for most of the athletes are in line with their level of technical and combat experience. This method allowed to "photograph" athlete's technical level and to compare it in time through subsequent trials. With this innovative way, motor abilities could become evaluable and measurable, highlighting the importance of their objective quantification in order to evaluate effectiveness and efficiency of the sport technique.

Analysis of respiratory function and muscle strength of elite judo athletes and sedentary females

The purpose of this study is to analyse the respiratory function and muscle strengths of elite female judo athletes and sedentary females. 20 elite female judo athletes (EG) and 20 sedentary healthy females (CG) participated in our study. The subjects’ respiratory function tests were conducted in sitting position with spirometry, while the respiratory muscle strength tests were conducted by using intraoral barometry. SPSS 22.0 program was used for statistical analysis. When EG and CG were analysed in terms of respiratory functions, no statistically significant difference was found (p>0.05). However, when MIP* and MEP** values were analysed, it was found statistically that female judo athletes (EG) had much higher results when compared with sedentary females (CG) (*p<0.05, **p<0.01). As a conclusion, it can be seen that elite female judo athletes had stronger respiratory muscles when compared with sedentary females, while their lung capacities were found to be similar. Based on the results of our study, it is thought that by doing extra respiratory muscle and function developing trainings, these parameters influencing performance can be developed in female judo athletes. In addition, our study has the characteristic of a reference in terms of respiratory functions and especially respiratory muscle strength in the branch of judo.

Body Composition and Strength Parameters in Elite Judo Athletes 5 Years after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

The purpose of this study was to investigate if there are still deficits in muscle mass or strength capabilities in elite judo athletes with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) after their return to the sport. Therefore, bioimpedance analysis, 3D-laser thigh circumference measurement and isokinetic dynamometry in a closed kinetic chain were used. The side-to-side differences were investigated in a group of judo athletes 5 years after ACLR (n=17) and compared with a group of healthy judo athletes (n=27). Neither thigh circumferences, nor muscle masses of the lower extremities differed in formerly injured judo athletes compared to healthy judo athletes. In contrast, isokinetic strength testing showed a significantly larger side-to-side difference of peak muscle force in formerly injured judo athletes (p=0.021). They provided significantly lower peak forces with the formerly injured leg than with the non-injured leg (p<0.001). The authors conclude that strength capabilities, but not body composition, remains altered in recovered judo athletes in mean 5 years after ACLR and definitely after their return to sports. This indicates that the focus of rehabilitation protocols and return to sports assessments should focus more on maximum strength capabilities.

Effects of Rapid Weight Loss on Balance and Reaction Time in Elite Judo Athletes.

To examine the effects of rapid and progressive weight loss (RWL and PWL) on balance, reaction time, and strength in a group of elite judo athletes. A total of 38 female and male judo athletes (age = 20.6 [2.6]y) completed balance, reaction-time, and strength assessments 1 wk prior to an official weigh-in (pretest) and immediately after the weigh-in (posttest). The athletes were divided into 3 groups, 1 control group who maintained regular training and eating habits, 1 experimental group who engaged in PWL (<3% reductions in body mass), and a second experimental group who used RWL techniques (>3% reductions in body mass). The RWL group showed significant decreases (P < .05) in balance performance (ellipse area: 4.83 [0.87] vs 6.31 [1.39]mm2 with eyes closed; mean mediolateral velocity: 2.07 [0.2] vs 2.52 [0.45]mm·s-1 with eyes closed; and mean anteroposterior velocity: 2.25 [0.20] vs 2.51 [0.32]mm·s-1 with eyes open and 2.44 [0.26] vs 3.06 [0.56]mm·s-1 with eyes closed) and reaction time (0.38 [0.04] vs 0.42 [0.06]s) with no changes in strength from pretesting to posttesting. The athletes in the PWL and control groups maintained performance in all variables. These findings demonstrate negative effects on perceptual motor-skill performance in judo athletes engaging in RWL strategies prior to competition.

Diurnal Variation of Short-Term Repetitive Maximal Performance and Psychological Variables in Elite Judo Athletes.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of time of day on short-term repetitive maximal performance and psychological variables in elite judo athletes.Methods: Fourteen Tunisian elite male judokas (age: 21 ± 1 years, height:172 ± 7 cm, body-mass: 70.0 ± 8.1 kg) performed a repeated shuttle sprint and jump ability (RSSJA) test (6 m × 2 m × 12.5 m every 25-s incorporating one countermovement jump (CMJ) between sprints) in the morning (7:00 a.m.) and afternoon (5:00 p.m.). Psychological variables (Profile of mood states (POMS-f) and Hooper questionnaires) were assessed before and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) immediately after the RSSJA.Results: Sprint times (p > 0.05) of the six repetition, fatigue index of sprints (p > 0.05) as well as mean (p > 0.05) jump height and fatigue index (p > 0.05) of CMJ did not differ between morning and afternoon. No differences were observed between the two times-of-day for anxiety, anger, confusion, depression, fatigue, interpersonal relationship, sleep, and muscle soreness (p > 0.05). Jump height in CMJ 3 and 4 (p < 0.05) and RPE (p < 0.05) and vigor (p < 0.01) scores were higher in the afternoon compared to the morning. Stress was higher in the morning compared to the afternoon (p < 0.01).Conclusion: In contrast to previous research, repeated sprint running performance and mood states of the tested elite athletes showed no-strong dependency of time-of-day of testing. A possible explanation can be the habituation of the judo athletes to work out early in the morning.