Criterion Validity, Reliability and Usefulness of a Judo-Specific Maximal Aerobic Power Test.

PURPOSE: To evaluate criterion validity, reliability and usefulness of a test to measure maximal aerobic power using judo-specific movements (UKtest). METHODS: 12 judokas performed five graded exercise tests (GETs) in 4 sessions. In sessions 1 and 2, upper-body (UBtest), lower-body (LBtest) and familiarization UKtest. GETs were randomly performed and separated by at least 48 hours. In sessions 3 and 4, test and retest UKtest were performed (7-day apart). For all GETs, peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak), maximal heart rate (HRmax), peak blood lactate concentration ([Lapeak]), maximal aerobic intensity and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were determined. Another group of 12 judokas performed the UKtest and one confirmation test (20-min after the UKtest), at 105% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS) until exhaustion, to confirm if maximal responses were achieved. RESULTS: V̇O2peak did not differ (P>.05) between UKtest (46.04±5.34 mL.kg-1.min-1) and LBtest (44.78±5.98 mL.kg-1.min-1), but was higher (P<.05) than UBtest (37.03±7.16 mL.kg-1.min-1). Total duration (551±60s) and [Lapeak] (7.10±1.76 mmol.L-1) in the UKtest were different (P<.05) from UBtest (416±47s, 9.93±2.15 mmol.L-1, respectively) and LBtest (433±54s, 10.29±2.23 mmol.L-1, respectively). Very large relationships between V̇O2peak in UKtest with UBtest (r=0.78, P=.003) and LBtest (r=0.87, P<.001) were found. Maximal values were achieved for the UKtest V̇O2peak, HRmax, [Lapeak], RPE and MAS, with no difference between test and retest (P>.05). In addition, very large intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for the V̇O2peak (ICC=0.86), HRmax (ICC=0.90) and MAS (ICC=0.81) were found. CONCLUSIONS: UKtest can be considered a valid, reliable and useful test to measure maximal aerobic power using judo-specific movements.

Optimal Interval for Success in Judo World-Ranking Competitions.

PURPOSE: To determine the optimal interval between competitions for success in the different events of the judo world tour. METHODS: A total of 20,916 female and 29,900 male competition participations in the judo world-tour competitions held between January 2009 and December 2015 were analyzed, considering the dependent variable, winning a medal, and the independent variables, levels of competition. RESULTS: There was an increased probability of winning a medal when the interval was in the 10- to 13-wk range for both male and female athletes competing at Grand Prix, Continental-Championship, and World-Championship events, whereas for Grand Slam, only men had an increased probability of winning a medal in this interval range. Furthermore, men had increased probability of podium positions in Continental Championship, World Master, and Olympic Games when the interval was longer than 14 wk. CONCLUSION: Optimal interval period between successive competitions varies according to competition level and sex; shorter intervals (6-9 wk) were better for female athletes competing at the lowest competition level (Continental Open), but for most of the competitions, the 10- to 13-wk interval was detected as optimal for both male and female athletes (Grand Prix, Continental Championship, and World Championship), whereas for the ranking-based qualified male competitions (ie, Masters and Olympic Games), a longer period (>14 wk) is needed.