Effects of intensified training and tapering periods using different exercise modalities on judo-specific physical test performances

Ibrahim Ouergui; Imen Daira; Hamdi Chtourou; Anissa Bouassida; Ezdine Bouhlel; Emerson Franchini; Luca P Ardigò

doi:10.5114/biolsport.2022.108702

Effects of intensified training and tapering periods using different exercise modalities on judo-specific physical test performances

Biol Sport. 2022 Oct;39(4):875-881. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2022.108702. Epub 2021 Nov 10.

Authors

Ibrahim Ouergui¹, Imen Daira¹, Hamdi Chtourou^{2

3}, Anissa Bouassida¹, Ezdine Bouhlel⁴, Emerson Franchini⁵, Luca P Ardigò⁶

Affiliations

¹ High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, Kef, University of Jendouba, Tunisie.
² Institut Supérieur du Sport et de l'Education Physique de Sfax, Université de Sfax, Tunisie.
³ Activité Physique, Sport et Santé, UR18JS01, Observatoire National du Sport, Tunis, Tunisie.
⁴ Laboratory of Cardio-Circulatory, Respiratory, Metabolic and Hormonal Adaptations to Muscular Exercise, Faculty of Medicine Ibn El Jazzar, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia.
⁵ Martial Arts and Combat Sports Research Group, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
⁶ School of Exercise and Sport Science, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of intensified training and tapering periods using different exercise modalities on judo athletes' physical fitness. Fifty-nine adolescent male and female judo athletes (age 15 ± 1 years) were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups or one control group (CG). Experimental groups (kumi-kata [KG], uchi-komi [UG] and running [RG]) trained four times per week over four weeks of intensified training (in addition to their usual technical-tactical judo training; CG underwent only the usual training) followed by 12 days of tapering. The countermovement jump test (CMJ), isometric and dynamic judogi chin-up tests (JCT), uchi-komi speed test (UST), Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) and Judo Physical Fitness Test (JPFT) were administered before and after the intensified period and after tapering. The CMJ performance was superior in KG compared with UG, RG and CG. Isometric JCT performance was superior in KG compared with RG and CG. Regarding UST, performance was superior in UG compared with RG and CG. The same performance was superior with respect to the same groups considering pre-training to tapering change. The SJFT index did not differ between groups or time-points. The JPFT index increased after intensified and tapering periods compared with before training, with KG eliciting higher values compared with CG. Coaches and conditioning coaches could administer kumi-kata high-intensity interval training to enhance athletes' judo-specific physical fitness.

Keywords: Athletic assessment; Combat sports; High-intensity interval training; Speed; Strength.