Variability Analysis in Judo Para Athletes With Visual Impairments: Match-Outcome Performance in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games With Evidence From the New Classification System.

Match-related performance analysis in judo Para athletes with visual impairments is important to coaches and staff to identify technical-tactical profiles of their athletes and opponents but also to identify whether there are similar characteristics in each visual class. Thus, this study explores the match-related performance in judo Para athletes and verifies the relationship between performance using the old and new classification systems. The match-derived variables were analyzed using different statistical methods considering a total of 182 matches from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The results indicated that performance was affected by sex and degree of impairment. The new classification system seems suitable for grouping Para judo athletes, as it differentiates performance between the two proposed classes (J1 and J2), since athletes from each group compete separately. Furthermore, different variability index measures were correlated with competitive performance, demonstrating a specific performance profile for each sport class in judo.

The effects of training type and area size variations on the physiological and session rating of perceived exertion responses during male judo matches.

Modified exercise prescription in judo is commonly used to activate the energy systems in different magnitudes. In order to study the physiological and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) responses according to area sizes (i.e., 4 m × 4 m, 6 m × 6 m and 8 m × 8 m) and training mode variations (i.e., groundwork, ne-waza; standing combat only, tachi-waza; and free combat, free randori), eighteen male judo athletes (age: 22.6 ± 1.8 years) were randomly assigned, on separate days, to 9 experimental conditions (3 area sizes × 3 training modes) with each condition lasting 4 min. Delta lactate [La] was calculated based on the blood lactate values measured before and after every condition. Heart rate (HR) was measured during and after each bout and RPE recorded at the end of each combat. The results showed that mean and peak HR, percentage of maximum HR (% HRmax), delta [La] values and RPE scores were lower in 4 m × 4 m compared to 6 m × 6 m and 8 m × 8 m, and in groundwork training mode compared to standing combat and free randori (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, the 6 m × 6 m condition induced lower delta [La] values than 8 m × 8 m (p < 0.001) and free randori resulted in higher RPE scores than standing combat (p = 0.001). In conclusion, different training variables can be easily manipulated in a variety of different ways to specifically activate the energetic systems. Focusing on groundwork, the 6 m × 6 m area size was found to be the most suitable condition to induce a higher cardiovascular response, while the standing combat and free randori in 6 m × 6 m resulted in increased glycolytic activation compared to the groundwork condition.

Short intermittent taekwondo test to assess athlete's physiological and metabolic profile.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a new Short Intermittent Taekwondo Test (SITT) in 17 black belt athletes. METHODS: Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), carbon dioxide production (V̇CO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR), and blood lactate concentration [La]+ during treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and SITT were compared. SITT started with 10 sec of all-out kicks, alternating legs, and progressively increasing 5 s on each stage until the 4th stage. After the 4th stage the participants performed 25 s of turning kicks (Dolleo chagi), on each stage until the last (10th stage). The passive recovery phase after the 4th and the 7th stage lasted 30 s. RESULTS: V̇O2max and maximal HRmax were not significantly different (P=0.85 vs. P=0.76) between tests, while RER and [La]+ were significantly higher in SITT than in CPET (P=0.002 vs. P=0.001). No difference in RPE (P=0.84) was found. A significant positive correlation between two tests for V̇O2max and HRmax was found. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that SITT induces physiological responses like CPET suggesting that it can be used to assess aerobic power in national taekwondo athletes, thus helping coaches to select correctly training intensities and monitor athletes' aerobic performance along the training phases.

Cadet and Junior Performance Is Associated With Senior's World Championship and Olympics Achievement in Judo.

Purpose: We determined whether cadet and junior Judo World Championship participation and medal achievement would predict senior performance at World Championship (WC) and Olympic Games (OG). Methods: We analyzed retrospectively a total of 7780 athletes who competed at the OG and WC in the cadet, junior, and senior between 2009 and 2021. Results: There was an increase in the probability of winning a medal in the senior category (WC and OG, and only WC) ranged from 4.3 to 4.5 for medal-winning cadets compared to non-medalists and this probability remained around 3.3-3.8 for medalists in the male and 5.3-5.4 for the female medalists in cadet WC. Moreover, the chance of winning a medal in the senior category (WC and OG) was 8.1-8.5 times greater for medalists when compared to non-medalists in the junior WC. In turn, the probability of winning a medal in the senior (WC) was 1.5-1.7 times greater for athletes who did not compete in the junior WC. In the OG, the probability of winning a medal was 3.5 greater times for medalists when compared to non-medalists at cadet and junior WC. Conclusion: Thus, being a cadet or junior WC medalist increases the probability of winning a senior WC or an Olympic medal.

Physical demands in a small-sided soccer game: a comparison between arbitrary and individualized speed and metabolic power thresholds.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the arbitrary and individualized speed and metabolic power (Pmet) intensity thresholds in a small-sided game (SSG) regarding: 1) distance covered; 2) variations of the physical parameters during the SSG; and 3) associations with physical fitness. METHODS: Twenty-four amateur soccer players (age: 20.0±1.7 years; height: 176.4±4.2 cm; body mass: 67.6±3.2 kg), after being tested for maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and maximal sprinting speed (MSS), participated in a SSG in a separate session and were monitored with global positioning systems (GPS). The distance covered was classified into three intensity zones for each variable (speed and Pmet) using arbitrary and individualized zones based on MAS. RESULTS: There were differences in the distance covered between methods in zones 1 and 2 for both speed and Pmet (P<0.001), and in zone 3 only for Pmet (P<0.001). There were no variations in any variable analyzed during the SSG. MAS was positively correlated with the distance covered in zone 3 in the arbitrary speed (r=0.67; P<0.001) and Pmet (r=0.60; P<0.01). MSS was negatively correlated with the distance covered in zone 3 in the individualized speed (r=-0.49; P<0.05) and Pmet (r=-0.48; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that arbitrary and individualized provide different information. While the individualized method could be used to monitor physical demands, the arbitrary could be used to assess running physical performance.

Analysis of grip specificity on force production in grapplers and its effect on bilateral deficit grip specificity and bilateral deficit in force production among grapplers.

The use of strength training is important for athletes in combat sports such as judo and jiu-jitsu. Specificity is key when prescribing strength training programs for athletes, considering maximal strength, muscular power and strength-endurance. Grappling combat sports require grip control, which is necessary to execute throwing techniques and groundwork. The aim of this study was to verify the bilateral strength deficit in general and in grappling combat sport-specific action in the control group and grapplers. A sample of 73 subjects, divided into 2 groups, was used: the Student Group (15 females and 16 males) and the Grappler Group (29 males and 13 females). The male and female participants attended four laboratory sessions over a 48-hour interval, the first two to familiarize themselves with the Electromechanical Functional Dynamometer (EMFD), and the last two to collect maximal isometric strength data, using a standard grip and a judo/jiujitsu specific grip. Significant differences in mean and peak forces (p < 0.001) were found, with high performance combat sport athletes having greater maximal isometric strength compared to students both bilaterally and unilaterally (p < 0.001). All comparisons also indicated higher values for males compared to females (p < 0.001). The results suggest that specific training in combat sports as well as sex differences play a significant role in maximal isometric strength performance. The type of grip used affects the application of force in the upper limb isometric strength tests, finding a main effect of grip type (p < 0.001), with the standard grip obtaining higher levels. However, the dominance between hands remains constant. More research is needed on specific judogi/jiu-jitsu-gi grips and their impact on maximal isometric strength with the EMFD.

Examining the effects of pre-competition rapid weight loss on hydration status and competition performance in elite judo athletes.

The prevalence of rapid weight loss (RWL) among martial arts athletes including judo is very high. Many applied RWL strategies could be dangerous to health and even lead to death. Therefore, the International Judo Federation (IJF) introduced changes in the weigh-in rules, changing the official weigh-in for the day before the competition. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the new IJF rules on hydration status and weight loss strategies among professional judo athletes. Seventeen elite judo athletes participated in the study. Body mass and hydration status, were analyzed before the competition. Moreover, competition result and practice of RWL survey were collected. All subjects reached their weight category limits for the competition. RWL resulted in body mass changes (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.79) and dehydration among participants (urine osmolality > 700 [mOsmol*kg]-1 and urine specific gravity > 1.020 [g*cm3]-1). However, urine osmolality (p > 0.05, ηp2 = 0.18), as well as urine specific gravity (p > 0.05, ηp2 = 0.16), at subsequent time points of measurement revealed no statistical differences. The prevalence of RWL was 100%, and only 17.6% of the athletes declared that they would compete in a different weight category if the competition would be conducted on the same day of the weigh-in. All judo athletes applied RWL procedures using traditional methods to achieve the required body mass (i.e., increased exercise, reduced fluid, and food intake). Dehydration state was not associated with competitive performance (p > 0.05).

Acute effects of caffeine supplementation on taekwondo performance: the influence of competition level and sex.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of acute caffeine supplementation on physical performance and perceived exertion during taekwondo-specific tasks in male and female athletes with varying expertise. In a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study design, 52 young athletes from elite (n = 32; 16 males and 16 females) and sub-elite competitive level (n = 20; 10 males and 10 females) participated. Athletes performed taekwondo-specific tasks including the taekwondo-specific agility test (TSAT), 10 s frequency speed of kick test (FSKT-10 s) and multi-bout FSKT (FSKT-multi) under the following conditions: (1) Caffeine (CAF; 3 mg kg-1), placebo (PLA), and no supplement control (CON). Session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) was determined after the tests. Findings show that regardless of condition, males performed better than females (p < 0.05) and elite athletes had superior performance compared to their sub-elite counterparts (p < 0.05). For the TSAT (p < 0.001), FSKT-10s (p < 0.001), and FSKT-multi (p < 0.001), CAF enhanced performance in elite female athletes compared to sub-elite females. Likewise, CAF ingestion resulted in superior performance in elite males compared to sub-elite males for FSKT-10s (p = 0.003) and FSKT-multi (p < 0.01). The ergogenic potential of CAF during taekwondo-specific tasks appears to be related to a competitive level, with greater benefits in elite than sub-elite athletes.

Effects of conditioning activity mode, rest interval and effort to pause ratio on post-activation performance enhancement in taekwondo: a randomized study.

Introduction: The present study assessed the effects of conditioning activities, using different effort-to-pause ratios and rest intervals, on taekwondo physical performance. Methods: Twenty-one athletes (13 males and 8 females) (Mean ± SD; age = 20.4 ± 1.4 years) performed a control (CC) and twelve experimental conditions. Each condition contained a standard warm-up (i.e., CC: running at 9 km/h for 10 min) and conditioning activities comprising plyometrics P) or repeated high-intensity techniques (RT) using 1:6, 1:9 and self-selected rest (SSR) ratios, and two rest intervals (3 and 7 min). Athletes then performed a battery of fitness tests: countermovement jump (CMJ), taekwondo specific agility (TSAT), 10s and multiple frequency speed kick test (FSKT-10s and FSKT-mult, respectively). Results: All of the preloads provided higher performance outputs compared to the control trial (all p < 0.05). For CMJ, 1:6 ratio with 3 min induced lower values with RT compared to P (p = 0.037) and 1:9 ratio using 3 min induced higher values with RT compared to P (p = 0.027). Additionally, 1:6 ratio using 7 min induced higher values with RT compared to P (p = 0.016). For FSKT-10, 3 min using 1:6 induced higher values with P compared to RT, while RT induced higher values with 7 min using 1:6 ratio compared to P (both p < 0.001). Moreover, 3 min using 1:9 ratio induced higher values with P compared to RT (p = 0.034), while RT induced higher values with 1:9 ratio using 7 min compared to P (p < 0.001). Finally, 3 min using SSR ratio induced higher values with RT compared to P (p = 0.034). Conclusion: Plyometrics and RT activities improved performance with plyometrics requiring shorter rest interval to induce potentiation effects compared to RT, which required longer interval.

Participation in the International Judo Federation World Tour competitions and performance in Tokyo Olympic Games.

Introduction: The International Judo Federation introduced a ranking system in 2009 that determines top athletes for the Olympic Games and seeds them in competitions. Previous research indicated that this ranking list and past performances predicted 19%-27% of performance in the Olympic Games and World Championships. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the relationship between Judo World Tour competitions and Olympic Games performance may have been affected. This study aimed to examine the relationship between athletes' performance in Judo World Tour competitions and their competitive performance at the Olympic Games. Methods: Data from 393 athletes who participated in the Tokyo Olympics were analyzed considering both long and short-term performance measures. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between variables and multiple linear regressions were used to predict performance for each sex and the entire sample. Results: The results revealed a range of magnitudes in the correlation between variables, varying from small to large. In terms of regression analyses, it was observed that, for females, the percentage of matches won during the classification period and competition in the year prior to the Olympic Games predicted 37% of their performance. For males, the percentage of matches won during the classification period and competition in the six months before the Olympic Games predicted 36% of their performance. Discussion: Thus, athletes' quality and reduced exposure to competition near the Olympic Games appear to be important factors in their performance at the event.

Para Powerlifting performance: A retrospective analysis considering origin of impairment, sport-classification and sex.

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the retrospective performance of Para Powerlifters over eight years considering sex, the origin of impairment and sport classification of Para Powerlifting. DESIGN: This retrospective study analyzed data from 6791 (4613 and 2178 for male and female, respectively) individual results from 1634 athletes' performances. We collected absolute load (kg), relative load (kg/BM), chronological age and origin of impairment (acquired or congenital), and sport classification (leg length difference (LLD), limb deficiency (LD), range of movement (ROM), impaired muscle power (IMP), hypertonia (HT), Ataxia (AT), Athetosis (ATH) and short stature (SS) of Para Powerlifters. RESULTS: Males being stronger than females thorough the years with acquired impairment being stronger than congenital impairment. Para Powerlifters with acquired impairment were older compared to congenital impairment over the years. Acquired impairment males won 60% more medals than the congenital group. There was a significant association between competition achievement and sports class classification, with a higher number of medals for limb deficiency than other sports classes. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that the sex, origin of impairment and sports classification influences performance of athletes in Para Powerlifting. Thus, this information can help athletes, coaches, sport managers and sport institutions involved in the sport of Para Powerlifting.

Repeated High-Intensity Technique Training and Repeated Sprint Training Elicit Similar Adjustment in Physiological Responses But Divergent Perceptual Responses and Combat-Related Performances in Adolescent Taekwondo Matches.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of 4 weeks of repeated sprint training (RST) versus repeated high-intensity technique training (RTT) on the physiological responses (ie, blood lactate), mean and peak heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, technical-tactical performance, and time-motion variables during simulated taekwondo combats. METHODS: Twenty-four taekwondo athletes (18 male and 6 female; age: 16 [1] y) were randomly and equally assigned to RST (10 × 35-m running sprints interspersed by 10-s rest) or RTT (10 × 6-s bandal-tchagui kicking executions interspersed by 10-s rest) groups in addition to their regular training. Both groups performed simulated combats before and after training. RESULTS: Delta lactate and peak heart rate were attenuated following training (P < .001 and P = .03, respectively), with no differences identified between RTT and RST conditions. Rating of perceived exertion decreased after training only in the RTT (P = .002). Time fighting and preparatory activities increased following training (P < .001), with higher values observed following RTT than RST (P < .001). Nonpreparatory time decreased after training (P < .001), with more pronounced reductions observed following RTT when compared to RST (P < .001). The number of single attacks decreased only following RST (P < .001), whereas combined attacks increased only after RTT training (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Similar adjustments in the physiological responses to combat were observed following 4 weeks of either RST or RTT, but RTT elicited more favorable perceptual responses and combat-related performance. This highlights the importance of specificity of training and its effective transfer to combat.

Time-motion analysis of taekwondo matches in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to determine the time-motion structure of high-level taekwondo matches during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in relation to sex, match outcome, weight category and match round. METHODS: Overall, 7007 actions were recorded during the analysis of 134 performances (67 rounds of 24 matches: four rounds of 16, eight quarterfinals, eight semifinals and four finals) in male and female flyweight (≤58 kg and ≤49 kg, respectively), and heavyweight categories (≥80 kg and ≥67 kg, respectively). The attack time (AT), number of AT (AN), skipping time (ST) and pause time (PT) were registered. RESULTS: The AT/ST ratio was ~1:1.5. Male athletes performed significantly longer (P<0.001) sum PT than female athletes. Flyweight athletes differed significantly from their heavyweight counterparts by having longer (P<0.001) average and sum AT, greater (P<0.001) AN, higher (P<0.001) AT/ST ratio, shorter (P<0.001) average and sum ST, and lower (P<0.01) (AT+ST)/PT ratio. Rounds 2 and 3 had average PT significantly longer (P<0.01) than round 1. Round 3 had sum PT longer (P<0.001) and (AT+ST)/PT ratio lower than in round 1. CONCLUSIONS: The rule changes and the implementation of the electronic score recording system had a major impact on the time-motion structure of combat by generating a considerably higher AT/ST ratio than in the past. The comparisons indicated that the structure of the combat is modulated by weight category and phase of the combat. In practice, coaches could develop sport-specific high-intensity interval training using the time-motion indexes of the present study as guidelines.

Listening to Preferred and Loud Music Enhances Taekwondo Physical Performances in Adolescent Athletes.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of warm-up music preference and loudness on physical performance, perceived exertion (RPE), and enjoyment in young taekwondo athletes. In a crossover counterbalanced design, 20 taekwondo athletes (10 male, 10 female) performed a battery of physical tasks specific to taekwondo under the following five conditions: (a) No music (NM), (b) Preferred music-Soft (60 dB; PMS), (c) Preferred music-Loud (80 dB; PML), (d) Non-preferred music-Soft (60 dB; NPMS), and (e) Non-preferred music-Loud (80 dB; NPML). On each lab visit, participants completed a taekwondo-specific agility test (TSAT), a10-second kick test (KSKT-10s) and a multiple frequency speed of kick tests (FSKT) within each music condition. Pre-exercise enjoyment was assessed using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) after the warm-up, while we obtained RPE scores after each test. The PML condition resulted in significantly better agility test times on the TSAT compared to PMS (p < .001), and NPML (p < .001). Furthermore, PML led to a greater number of total kicks during the FSKT-10s test compared to the PMS (p < .001), and NPML (p < .001) conditions. The decrement index on the FSKT was lower in PML than in PMS and NPML conditions (p < .001). For RPE, values were significantly lower with preferred than non-preferred music (p < .001). These findings lend support to ergogenic benefits of listening to PML prior to taekwondo physical tasks, with important implications for enhancing taekwondo training and performance.

The effects of tempo and loudness variations during warm-up with music on perceived exertion, physical enjoyment and specific performances in male and female taekwondo athletes.

The ergogenic effect of pre-selected warm-up music with the tempo and loudness variations on the performance of combat sports' athletes as well as the difference between sexes is not well established. The present study aimed to assess the effects of listening to music with different tempos and loudness during warm-up on perceived exertion, physical enjoyment and physical performances in young taekwondo athletes. In a randomized study design, 20 taekwondo athletes (10 males, mean ± SD: age: 17.5 ± 0.7 years, taekwondo experience: ≥ 6 year) performed the taekwondo specific agility test (TSAT) and the 10s and multiple frequency speed of kick test (FSKT-10s and FSKT-mult) after warming-up with or without music. The music was played at high (140 beats·min-1) or very high (200 beats·min-1) tempo combined with low (60 dB) or high (80 dB) loudness, resulting in four experimental and control conditions. The ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES) were assessed after each condition. After normality, homogeneity and sphericity checks, two-way (or multivariate) analysis of variance and Bonferrroni (or Friedman's and Wilcoxon's test) post-hoc test were operated when necessary. For TSAT, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB induced better performance compared with 200 beats·min-1+80 dB, 200 beats·min-1+60 dB, control and the 140 beats·min-1+60 dB conditions. For FSKT-10s, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB condition induced higher performance compared with 200 beats·min-1+60 dB, 200 beats·min-1+80 dB, 140 beats·min-1+60 dB and the control conditions. For FSKT-mult, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB induced higher number of techniques compared with 200 beats·min-1+60 dB, 140 beats·min-1+60 dB, control and the 200 beats·min-1+80 dB conditions. Moreover, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB induced lower decrement index (DI) compared with the other conditions and lower DI in 140 beats·min-1+60 dB compared with 200 beats·min-1+80 dB and control conditions. Moreover, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB resulted in greater PACES scores compared with 200 beats·min-1+80 dB and control conditions. Better performance was found for males compared with females in TSAT, FSKT-10s and FSKT-mult (i.e., techniques' number), as well as lower DI and higher RPE post-FSKT-10s. Pre-selected warm-up music played at 140 beats·min-1 and 80 dB is an efficient strategy to enhance physical activity enjoyment and specific performances in taekwondo.

Relative Age Effect in Judo Competitions: Influence of Age, Weight Category, Sex, and Time Frames.

This study was conducted to determine whether the relative age effect (RAE) is present in different age groups, weight categories, sexes, and across different time frames in international-level judo competition. A total of 9451 judo athletes competing at the Olympic Games and/or World Championships in the Cadet, Junior and/or Senior age groups between 1993 and 2020 were considered. Athletes' birthdate distributions were grouped in four quartiles (Q1: January-March; Q2: April-June; Q3: July-September; Q4: October-December) and compared to a day-corrected theoretical distribution using Chi-squared analysis. Poisson regression was also used to evaluate the ability to explain weekly birth count. RAE was more prevalent in males than females (p < .05), and for Cadets and Juniors compared to Seniors (p < .05). Heavyweight and middleweight categories presented RAEs in Senior and Junior males, while for females it was present in Cadet heavyweights (p < .05). RAE was more prevalent in recent years (2009-2021) for Senior male judo athletes (p < .05). Poisson analysis illustrated some nuanced information, including RAE detection during an earlier time frame, not readily apparent with the traditional analysis.

Energy System Contributions during Olympic Combat Sports: A Narrative Review.

This narrative review focuses on the studies that estimate the energy systems' contributions during match simulations of striking (boxing, karate, and taekwondo), grappling (judo), and weapon-based (fencing) Olympic combat sports. The purpose is to provide insights into the metabolism of these athletes. In striking Olympic combat sports, the oxidative contribution varied from 62% (in karate and taekwondo) to 86% (in boxing), the ATP-PCr system contribution varied from 10% (in boxing) to 31% (in taekwondo), and the glycolytic contribution was between 3% (in the third round of taekwondo) and 21% (in karate). In grappling combat sports, only judo was studied, and for a 4 min match, the oxidative contribution was 79%, followed by 14% ATP-PCr system contribution and 7% contribution from the glycolytic system. In fencing, the only weapon-based Olympic combat sport, the oxidative contribution varied from 81% (in the first bout) to 90% (in the second bout), followed by 9% (bout 2) to 12% (bout 1) contribution from the ATP-PCr system, and 0.6% to 7% contribution from the glycolytic system during 3 × 3 min bouts of épée match simulation. Hence, Olympic combat sports are primarily powered by the oxidative system, but the key scoring actions are likely fueled by anaerobic pathways.

Effects of Strength Training on Physical Fitness of Olympic Combat Sports Athletes: A Systematic Review.

This review aimed to identify the effects of strength training programs on the physical fitness of Olympic combat sports (OCS) athletes. The systematic review included peer-reviewed articles that incorporated interventions that included pre- and post-intervention physical fitness assessment. The search was performed in the SCOPUS, PubMed, and Web of Science databases between April and September 2022. PRISMA and the TESTEX checklist were used to select and assess the methodological quality of the studies. Twenty studies with 504 participants (428 males and 76 females) were included. Significant improvements were found in athletes' maximal dynamic and isometric strength, muscle power, flexibility, and balance. In addition, improvements in favor of the training groups in specific actions of judo, karate, fencing, and boxing were observed. In conclusion, interventions aimed at the development of muscle strength in OCS, specifically in judo, boxing, karate, wrestling, and fencing, proved to be beneficial at a physical fitness level, resulting in significant increases in favor of the training groups with OCS, which could be used by trainers and coaches to improve the physical performance of athletes.

Relation between VT1, VT2, and VO2max with the Special Wrestling Fitness Test in Youth Wrestlers: A Short Report.

This study investigated the relationship between peak oxygen uptake and ventilatory threshold 1 (VT1) and 2 (VT2) with the Special Wrestling Fitness Test variables. Thirteen wrestlers (male: six; female: seven) of Olympic freestyle wrestling were assessed. The Pearson's correlation coefficient (p < 0.05) was used to establish the relationship between variables. A positive correlation was found between VT1 with throws in set B (r = 0.77; p = 0.002; 95%CI = 0.37-0.93), total throws (r = 0.73; p = 0.004; 95%CI = 0.30-0.91), heart rate recovery (r = 0.58; p = 0.036; 95%CI = 0.05-0.86), and test index (r = -0.60; p = 0.031; 95%CI = -0.86-0.07); between VT2 and throws in set B (r = 0.57; p = 0.043; 95%CI = 0.01-0.86); and between peak oxygen uptake with throws in set B (r = 0.77; p = 0.002; 95%CI = 0.39-0.93), throws in set C (r = 0.64; p = 0.02; 95%CI = 0.12-0.89), and total throws (r = 0.72; p = 0.006; 95%CI = 0.28-0.91). In conclusion, the peak oxygen uptake and ventilatory thresholds correlated with specific Special Wrestling Fitness Test variables.

Variations in Power Performance and Perceptual Responses to Training in Olympic Boxers Over a 7-Month Training Period.

PURPOSE: To assess the variations in power performance and perceptual training responses and compare the physical performance of national boxing athletes qualified or not qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games over a 7-month training period. METHODS: Twelve amateur boxers from the Brazilian national team were tested 6 times across 7 months. In the first assessment, boxers performed squat and countermovement jumps and bench press, prone bench pull, half squat, and jump squat power tests. In the following testing sessions, only countermovement jump and bench press power were assessed. In addition, the rating of perceived exertion and total quality recovery status were assessed in 106 training sessions across the study. Independent t test and repeated-measures analysis of variance were used for data analysis purposes. RESULTS: No significant differences (P > .05) were observed between Olympic and non-Olympic groups for any test variables (effect size [95% CI] ranging from 0.01 [-1.13 to 1.13] to 0.69 [-0.53 to 1.79]). No significant changes (P > .05) were detected throughout the study for countermovement jump height and bench press power in either group (effect size [95% CI] ranging from 0.01 [-1.13 to 1.13] to 1.03 [-0.25 to 2.14]). Overall, both groups exhibited similar variations in both rating of perceived exertion and total quality recovery over the 7-month period. CONCLUSIONS: Within the same national team, power-related performance was similar between Olympic and non-Olympic boxers. The maintenance of power abilities and optimization of technical and tactical skills seem to be key issues to consider during the final stages of preparation for international boxing competitions.