Maximal oxygen uptake changes during judoist's periodization training

Background and Study Aim: To evaluate the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) of judoists in consecutive training periods: a) GPP, b) SPP, c) CP and to exanimate the efficiency of special training of judoists group and assessing their fitness level Material/ Methods: Fifteen male judoists aged of 22 +/- 7 years took part in this study. Their competition levels varied from departmental (group D, n=7) to inter-regional (group IR, n=8) experience. The standing height was measured with a wall-mounted wooden stadiometer. An electronic weighing scale was used to assess the body mass (W) in each period of preparation. The VO2 max was measured indirectly using the multistage 20-meters shuttle run test. Results: The performance level had a statistically significant bearing (p<0.001) of judo competitors weight, but not with the time factor. The pattern of changes in weight in both groups IR and D was different during the training period. We also noticed that the weight of group D members decreased in SP period and increased in CP. We didn't observed a significant difference of VO2 max between group D and IR (95% Tukey HSD intervals are overlapping). The competition level affects significantly the HRmax (p<0.001). Group D presented higher HRmax values in three testing periods (GPP, SP and CP) than IR group. The time factor was close to reach significance level. Conclusions: The VO2 max is different in terms of individual training periods, but cannot be considered as physiological indices to determine the competition level of each judoka. HRmax has an impact on their sporting level, but cannot be used as a physiological parameter for aerobic fitness checks. VO2 maximum is very sensitive to changes in training loads, more than HRmax during training periods and is suitable for use as an indicator of adaptation changes in workload. Use of the test can greatly help trainers in the diagnosis, monitoring and appropriate classification of its competitors what directly lead to improving achieved results.