Effects of Photobiomodulation on High-Intensity Intermittent Anaerobic Performance of Lower Limbs in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has ergogenic effects on aerobic and anaerobic efforts and may improve sports performance. As Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) fighting requires both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, so PBM may be effective in increasing the physical performance of BJJ athletes. Thus, this study aimed to verify the effects of PBM with different energy doses (6 or 12 J per point) on high-intensity intermittent anaerobic performance in BJJ athletes. METHODS: Eleven male athletes performed three lower limb Wingate testing sessions. At the beginning of each session, in a randomized, crossover, double-blind fashion, the athletes received PBM with a dose of 6 J (4.5 J/cm2) or 12 J (9.1 J/cm2), or placebo (PLA) at 17 points in each lower limb. In each session, the squat jump (SJ) and three Wingate test series were performed, with a 3-minute interval between series. Heart rate (HR) was collected immediately before, after each Wingate test, and at 1, 3, and 5 minutes after the last test. The rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was reported after each Wingate test. Differences between Wingate tests and treatment sessions were set at p<0.05. RESULTS: No differences were observed between treatments in SJ height, Wingate performance, HR, and RPE (p>0.05; for all comparisons). The Wingate test session promoted a reduction in anaerobic capacity in the second and third sets in all conditions, indicating fatigue (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Treatment with PBM did not produce a dose-dependent ergogenic response in high-intensity intermittent performance in BJJ athletes.

Effects of Supplementary Strength Program on Generic and Specific Physical Fitness in Cadet Judo Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Branco, BHM, Marcondes, VA, de Paula Ramos, S, Badilla, PV, and Andreato, LV. Effects of supplementary strength program on generic and specific physical fitness in cadet judo athletes. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2816-2823, 2022-This study aimed to investigate the effects of a supplementary strength program on general and specific physical fitness in under-18 judo athletes. In total, 21 athletes were randomized into 2 groups: experimental group (EG: aged = 15.5 ± 1.2 years; body mass = 71.3 ± 10.6 kg; practice time = 5.1 ± 1.2 years) and control group (aged = 16.6 ± 0.5 years; body mass = 71.7 ± 11.0 kg; practice time = 5.6 ± 0.8 years). Athletes were submitted to anthropometry, generic physical fitness tests (countermovement jump, one-repetition maximum in bench-press, row, and half-squat machine), and specific field tests (isometric and dynamic judogi chin-up and Special Judo Fitness Test [SJFT]). All measurements were presented at baseline, and 8 athletes per group completed pre-training and post-training assessments. Both groups performed the same judo training routine, and the EG also performed 3/weekly/sessions of strength training for 8 weeks. All measurements were conducted during the competitive season. There were no differences in body mass, height, and body fat percentage after the training period (p > 0.05). Improvements were observed in maximal strength for bench press (26.6%), row (17.7%), half-squat machine (29%), dynamic judogi chin-up (33%), and the following SJFT responses: block A (16.7%), block B (11.3%), sum of 3 blocks (8.3%), heart rate after 1 minute (-7.0%), and index (-12.5%), representing performance improvement for the EG. It was concluded that 8 weeks of strength training was positive for general and specific performance. Finally, this strength program may help coaches to develop strength without changes in body mass.

Monitoring Internal Training Load, Stress-Recovery Responses, and Immune-Endocrine Parameters in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training.

ABSTRACT: Campos, F, Molina Correa, JC, Canevari, VCM, Branco, BHM, Andreato, LV, and de Paula Ramos, S. Monitoring internal training load, stress-recovery responses, and immune-endocrine parameters in Brazilian jiu-jitsu training. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 723-731, 2022-This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between training loads, stress, and immune-endocrine markers during a precompetitive period in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) athletes. For this, 12 athletes were submitted to 1 physical and 1 technical-tactical training session per day, 5 days a week, for 7 weeks. The saliva sampling and physical tests (countermovement jump [CMJ] and squat jump [SJ]) were performed before starting the training period (pre) and at the fourth week (4-week) and eighth week (post). Session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) and the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire-Sport (RESTQ) were applied, and the training load was calculated weekly. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and the Friedman test were used, with significance levels set at p < 0.05. Increased training loads were recorded by the sRPE method in technical-tactical training sessions (p < 0.05). Higher physical loads were reported by athletes during weeks 1-4, contributing to overall higher training load, monotony, and strain during this period (p < 0.05). Increased perception of stress, by the RESTQ, and cortisol were detected, whereas decreased salivary testosterone and salivary immunoglobulin A were observed at 4 weeks (p < 0.05). No significant differences were detected in CMJ and SJ tests, suggesting that training neither elicited significant fatigue and underperformance nor improved strength performance. However, decreasing physical training loads appeared to reduce symptoms of stress and improved recovery, favoring immune recovery and anabolic balance. Thus, the sRPE seems to be a reliable and simple method to monitor training loads in BJJ athletes because variation in values was related to the RESTQ and physiological responses to training loads.

High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise and its Effects on Heart Rate Variability and Subsequent Strength Performance.

UNLABELLED: Prupose: To investigate the effects of a 5-km high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on heart rate variability (HRV) and subsequent strength performance. METHODS: Nine trained males performed a control session composed of a half-squat strength exercise (4 × 80% of one repetition maximum-1 RM) in isolation and 30-min, 1-, 4-, 8-, and 24-h after an HIIE (1-min at the velocity peak:1-min passive recovery). All experimental sessions were performed on different days. The maximum number of repetitions (MNR) and total weight lifted (TWL) during the strength exercise were registered in all conditions; in addition, prior to each session, HRV were assessed [beat-to-beat intervals (RR) and log-transformed of root means square of successive differences in the normal-to-normal intervals (lnRMSSD)]. RESULTS: Performance in the strength exercise dropped at 30-min (31%) and 1-h (19%) post-HIIE concomitantly with lower values of RR (781 ± 79 ms; 799 ± 134 ms, respectively) in the same recovery intervals compared to the control (1015 ± 197 ms). Inferential analysis did not detect any effect of condition on lnRMSSD, however, values were lower after 30-min (3.5 ± 0.4 ms) and 1-h (3.3 ± 0.5 ms) with moderate and large effect sizes (0.9 and 1.2, respectively) compared with the control condition (3.9 ± 0.4 ms). CONCLUSION: Both RR and lnRMSSD seem to be associated with deleterious effects on strength performance, although further studies should be conducted to clarify this association.

Physiological, Nutritional and Performance Profiles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes.

This study analysed the physiological, nutritional and performance profiles of athletes practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu. To this end, 15 athletes that practiced Brazilian jiu-jitsu (aged: 28 ± 5 years; 8 brown belts and 7 black belts; training experience: 11 ± 4 years) underwent anthropometric measurements (body composition and somatotype), dietary evaluation (24 h recall) and physical fitness tests (movement time, dynamometer handgrip, kimono grip strength, vertical jump and sit-and-reach tests). The athletes had 12.7 ± 4.8% of body fat, 59.2 ± 5.0% of muscle mass and their somatotype was dominated by the mesomorphic component (5.3 ± 2.0), followed by endomorphic (3.7 ± 1.5) and ectomorphic (1.4 ± 0.9) components. Nutritional assessment suggested a diet consisting of 54 ± 7% of carbohydrates, 19 ± 4% of protein and 27 ± 6% of lipids. Movement time on the handgrip tests was 0.42 ± 0.05 s, for handgrip strength, 53 ± 7 kgf was found for the dominant hand and 50 ± 9 kgf for the non-dominant hand. For the countermovement jump, the jiu-jitsu athletes reached 41 ± 5 cm. Athletes remained 30 ± 14 s in the maximum static suspension test gripping a kimono, and reached 27 ± 8 cm in the sit-and-reach test. Overall the sample presented average levels of body fat, elevated muscle mass and a predominantly mesomorphic somatotype. Diet was generally poor, with low carbohydrate intake, high protein intake and adequate lipid intake. Maximum isometric handgrip strength was consistent with observations of other athletes in this sport discipline. However, the performance in the maximum static suspension test gripping a kimono was lower than in other Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes. Movement time was comparable and lower body muscle power was worse compared to athletes in similar sports. Additionally, flexibility was rated as poor.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Simulated Competition Part I: Metabolic, Hormonal, Cellular Damage, and Heart Rate Responses.

The aim of this study was to analyze physiological responses in Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes during simulated competition. To this end, 10 athletes (age: 28 ± 4 years, body mass: 81.8 ± 7.4 kg, body fat: 13.0 ± 4.8%, systematic practice: 11 ± 4 years) were analyzed in simulated competition (4 matches of 10 minutes). Blood samples were taken to assess energy demand, hormonal responses, and cell damage. Additionally, the heart rate variability (HRV) response was analyzed. The main results show that in simulated competition, during the last matches, athletes had lower lactate (p < 0.001), epinephrine (p < 0.001), norepinephrine (p < 0.001), and insulin (p = 0.002) concentrations. Increases observed in creatine kinase (p < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.007), and creatinine (p < 0.001) seen, especially, in the last matches are indicative of possible cell damage. The HRV reflected a decrease in the RR medium (average of the normal R-R intervals) (p = 0.001) during the competition. Thus, it is concluded that successive matches from competition generate a gradual decrease of adrenergic and glycolytic activities, which is accompanied by a gradual increase in cell damage markers and decrease in the RR medium of the HRV.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Simulated Competition Part II: Physical Performance, Time-Motion, Technical-Tactical Analyses, and Perceptual Responses.

The aim of this study was to analyze performance, time structure, technical actions, and perceptual responses in Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes during a simulated competition. For this purpose, 10 athletes were analyzed in a simulated competition (4 matches of 10 minutes). Physical tests and scales of the perception of effort and recovery were applied. The matches were recorded for the purpose of technical-tactical analysis and to determine the time structure. The main results show that in the simulated competition, reaction time (F(2.5,17.6) = 2.7; p = 0.087; η² = 0.28) and flexibility (F(7,63) = 1.5; p = 0.172; η² = 0.15) were unchanged across the matches. An analysis of variance showed a significant difference for grip endurance using the kimono (F(2.0,15.9) = 8.1; p = 0.004; η² = 0.50), which was not confirmed by the Bonferroni test. Jump height indicated postactivation potentiation after match 2 (F(7,63) = 3.5; p = 0.003; η² = 0.28). The maximal isometric handgrip strength in the dominant hand (F(3.2,28.6) = 2.9; p = 0.049; η² = 0.24) and in the nondominant hand (F(7,63) = 3.8; p = 0.002; η² = 0.30) showed a decline after matches 3 and 4. Although these data indicate the onset of fatigue, the effort/pause ratio of the matches was not altered (F(3,12) = 0.6; p = 0.624; η² = 0.13). The perceptions of effort (F(3,27) = 0.9; p = 0.469; η² = 0.09) and recovery (F(1.9,17.0) = 2.4; p = 0.125; η² = 0.21) and the degree of fatigue reported (F(1.5,13.8) = 0.5; p = 0.588; η² = 0.05) did not change during the simulated competition. Thus, it may be concluded that the execution of successive matches causes a decline in maximal isometric handgrip strength. No changes in the time structure of the matches or in the perceptual responses were observed.

Association between the Rating Perceived Exertion, Heart Rate and Blood Lactate in Successive Judo Fights (Randori).

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the association between the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR) and the blood lactate concentration ([La]) in successive judo fight simulations (randori). METHODS: TEN ATHLETES PARTICIPATED IN THE STUDY (AGE: 25.6±2.1 years; stature: 1.75±0.07 m; body mass: 75.6±14.9kg; %BF: 11.5±7.8%; practice: 14.5±6.2 years) and completed 4 judo fight simulations (T1 to T4) with duration of 5 min separated by 5 min passive recovery periods. Before each randori, [La] and HR were collected, and after each randori, the same measures and the RPE (CR-10 scale) were collected. RESULTS: SIGNIFICANT CORRELATIONS WERE OBSERVED BETWEEN: (1) CR-10 and HR (T2: r =0.70; T3: r =0.64; both, P<0.05); (2) ΔCR-10 and Δ[La] (T1-T2: r = .71, P< 0.05; T2-T3: r =0.92, P<0.01; T3-T4: r =0.73, P<0.05). Moreover, significant differences were noted in the behavior of the HR between the 2(nd) (T2) and 3(rd) (T3) judo fight simulations (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of CR-10 in the evaluation process, as well as in deciding the load of training in judo, should be done with caution.

Physiological and Technical-tactical Analysis in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Competition.

PURPOSE: The present study aims at investigating the physiological response and technical-tactical parameters in Brazilian jiu-jitsu competition. METHODS: The study included 35 male Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes (adult category, body mass: 80.2 ± 13.0 kg), graded from white to brown belt, during combats fought at regional level. Twenty-two fights were analyzed in terms of technique and time structure. Blood glucose, lactate and maximal isometric grip strength were determined before and after the fights. The rate of perceived exertion was also assessed after the fight, using the 6-20 Borg rating. The fights were recorded and the following variables were determined: the exertion/pause ratio and subjective intensity of actions, categorized between low and high intensity. RESULTS: The results indicated that during Brazilian jiu-jitsu fights, the glycolytic pathway is only moderately activated (lactate before: 4.4 (4.0 - 4.6) mmol/L, after: 10.1 (8.0 - 11.3) mmol/L; glucose before: 112.4 ± 22.3 mg/dL, after: 130.5 ± 31.0 mg/dL). The exertion during the fight resulted in significant reductions in handgrip strength (right hand grip before: 45.9 ± 10.3 kgf, after: 40.1 ± 9.5 kgf; left hand grip before: 44.2 ± 11.1 kgf, after: 37.0 ± 10.2 kgf). The athletes rated the fight as hard: 15 (13 - 15). Effort/pause ratio was 6:1, while high-intensity actions lasted approximately 4 s, resulting in a low/high intensity? ratio of 8:1. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that coaches direct the training loads to simulate the energy demand imposed by the competitive matches, activating moderately the glycolytic pathway. Moreover, the time structure of combats can be used to prescribe both physical and technical-tactical training.