EFFECTS OF SUCCESSIVE JUDO MATCHES AND MUSCLE DAMAGE MARKERS DANIELE DETANICO,1 JULIANO DAL PUPO,1 EMERSON FRANCHINI,2
AND
ON
SARAY G.
FATIGUE
DOS
SANTOS1
1
Physical Education Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Floriano´polis, Brazil; and 2School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sa˜o Paulo, Sa˜o Paulo, Brazil ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
Detanico, D, Dal Pupo, J, Franchini, E, and dos Santos, SG. Effects of successive judo matches on fatigue and muscle damage markers. J Strength Cond Res 29(4): 1010–1016, 2015—This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of simulated judo matches on fatigue and muscle damage markers. Twenty male judo athletes participated in this study. The athletes performed three 5-minute judo matches separated by 15 minutes of passive rest between each match. The following measurements were performed before and after each match: shoulder external/internal rotation isokinetic torque and countermovement jump (CMJ). Blood samples were taken before the first match and after the third match for serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) analysis. T-tests for dependent samples and analysis of variance for repeated measures were used to compare the variables over the time; the level of significance was set at 0.05. An overall effect of the successive matches on shoulder internal (PTIN) and external (PTEX) rotation peak torque and CMJ performance was observed. PTIN and PTEX showed significant decreases in postmatch 2 and postmatch 3 when compared with the baseline (p , 0.01). Also, CMJ height declined in postmatch 2 and postmatch 3 (p , 0.01) when compared with the baseline. Serum CK and LDH activity increased significantly after the third match (p , 0.01). It was concluded that 3 successive judo matches induced a decline of peak torque and muscle power in the upper and lower limbs, respectively, and also provoked an increase of muscle damage markers. These findings may provide important knowledge for coaches and physical trainers to improve judo-specific strength training in both the upper and lower limbs.
KEY WORDS combat sports, torque, muscle power, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase
Address correspondence to Daniele Detanico, [email protected]. 29(4)/1010–1016 Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Ó 2015 National Strength and Conditioning Association
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trength and endurance are considered potential predictors of judo performance (22,24). According to Franchini et al. (24), high muscular strength and endurance is required—mainly during grappling disputes aiming to dominate and unbalance the opponent—as well as high muscle power for the execution of throwing techniques involving both lower- and upper-body muscle groups. During a judo tournament day, athletes often participate in several matches that are generally separated by a minimum recovery period of 15 minutes (23,26). The high-intensity effort of judo combat is continuously repeated during the matches—under increasingly unfavorable metabolic conditions (7,29). These successive efforts induce force decrement due to fatigue, and consequently determine the performance over the tournament, especially in the final bouts (3,8). Few studies have investigated the effects of successive judo matches on fatigue markers in the upper and lower limbs. The study by Bonitch-Domı´nguez et al. (7) was the first to analyze the fatigue effects on performance in tournament matches (4 matches). The main results showed no changes in concentric squat power tests after the matches. Later, Bonitch-Go´ngora (9) analyzed 4 successive judo matches and verified a decrease of maximum isometric handgrip strength from the third match when compared with the baseline, suggesting fatigue occurrence in the upper limbs. Additionally, other researchers reported a reduction in the maximum handgrip strength after 2 matches (29) and a decline in the maximum strength in the bench press after a single match (17). These previous studies have been limited to analysis of maximum isometric handgrip strength (forearm strength), and its relevance has been questioned in judo performance (1,22). Thus, more specific and functional tests involving dynamic movements may be more appropriate. During judo matches, actions involving shoulder external and internal rotations are observed—for example, when the judoka suddenly pulls the opponent trying to provoke his/her fall (37) and when the judoka tries to maintain the distance with his/her opponent, respectively. Additionally, little attention has been given to lowerbody impairment during judo matches. Analyzing the leg actions during the matches, such as hip-throwing techniques, constant explosive eccentric-concentric contractions
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Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (i.e., stretch-shortening cycle—SSC) (18) are observed. As reported in the relevant literature (28,34), eccentric actions generate high mechanical load, producing great stress in muscle structures. Thus, it would be potential to think that judo bouts may induce fatigue in the lower limbs. In this case, the fatigue effects probably are better identified using sensitive tests involving SSC, such as countermovement jumps (CMJs). Another important aspect is that the high-intensity effort of successive judo matches may also induce damage in muscle structures. In a previous research, biochemical markers of muscle damage were analyzed after judo matches with different durations (1.5, 3, and 5 minutes) (36) and an increase of muscle damage markers after a 5-minute match was observed. The intense and prolonged exercise induce mechanical stress resulting in the sarcolemma rupture, allowing the release of enzymes such as creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) to the serum (11). An increase of these enzyme levels in serum is considered evidence of muscle damage (14,15,39). To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have analyzed muscle damage markers during successive judo matches in association with performance changes in both the lower and upper limbs. Could enzymatic changes occur concomitantly with a decrease in muscle strength? It is important to identify from which match enzymatic and performance changes are induced, reporting athletes’ physical fitness variation during competition. This knowledge can supply directions to physical training organization. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the acute effects of successive judo matches on fatigue and muscle damage markers. The hypothesis is that judo matches will induce muscle damage and fatigue in both the upper and lower limbs.
METHODS Experimental Approach to the Problem
Judo athletes participated in a simulated judo contest consisting of three 5-minute judo matches (actual combat time) separated by 15 minutes of passive rest (7,9). To analyze the effects of judo matches on fatigue and muscle damage
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markers, shoulder external/internal rotation isokinetic torque and vertical jump were assessed before and after each match (Figure 1). The tests (isokinetic torque and vertical jump) were performed in a randomized order from fourth to sixth minutes after each match (first, second, and third). This time between the matches and assessments was determined during a pilot study, in which a minimum time was obtained to allow the displacement of the athletes from the dojo (where matches were simulated) to Biomechanics Laboratory (where the isokinetic assessments were conducted). Venous blood samples were taken before the first match and immediately after the performance tests (8 minutes after the third match) for serum CK and LDH analysis. Subjects
Twenty male judo athletes (age: 20.7 6 4.6 years; weight: 72.8 6 12.6 kg; height: 174.0 6 8.7 cm; body fat: 13.9 6 3.1%) volunteered to participate in this study. Two athletes competed in the under 55 kg category, 5 in the under 60 kg, 4 in the under 66 kg, 3 in the under 73 kg, 2 in the under 81 kg, 2 in the under 90 kg, and 2 in the under 100 kg categories. The time of judo experience was 6.4 6 4.7 years for the athletes of this study. All athletes had already participated in several national and state tournaments and were regularly training (technical and tactical training) 3–4 times a week during the evaluation period. They were in the preparatory phase and therefore were not in a period of rapid weight loss. Also, the participants were instructed not to intake alcohol or drugs for at least 24 hours before the evaluations, and were maintaining normal diets. Before the assessments, all participants were informed about the procedures and they signed an informed consent form. The responsibles for the participants younger than 18 years (n = 4 athletes; 16.4 6 0.8 years) also signed the informed consent form. Parental consent was obtained for athletes under 18 years. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the local university, in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Procedures
Judo athletes performed three 5-minute judo matches separated by 15 minutes of passive rest. The athletes were informed that they must complete all 3 matches. In the event of ippon (score that determines the end of the match), the match was restarted to guarantee that all athletes competed for the same combat duration in all 3 matches. The participants were divided into pairs with a difference of body mass of no more than 10% between them, and of similar ranking. This protocol reproFigure 1. Schematic representation of the data collection procedures. A = Shoulder external/internal rotation duced the real judo combat activisokinetic torque; B = Countermovement jump; C = Blood samples (CK, LDH). *A randomized measure of A and B between 4- and 6-minute recovery. ity (temporal structure) as described in the correlating VOLUME 29 | NUMBER 4 | APRIL 2015 |
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Fatigue and Muscle Damage After Judo Matches literature (23,26). All the matches were performed in the afternoon (2:00–6:00 PM). Isokinetic Torque Measurements. The participants were familiarized with testing procedures performing 3–4 submaximal trials of the shoulder external and internal rotations, which were also used as warm-up exercises for the upper limbs. After a 3-minute resting period, participants then performed 1 set of 4 maximal shoulder external and internal rotations, in concentric/concentric mode, on an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex Multi-Joint System-Pro 4; Biodex Inc., Shirley, NY, USA) at a velocity of 1808 per second, using only the athlete’s dominant arm. This velocity has been used in previous studies that analyzed the movement of shoulder external/internal rotation, and it is considered safe for this type of movement (19,20,37). The warm-up procedures were performed only before the first testing because between the matches, the athletes were already warmed up due to the previous effort. During the testing, participants were seated on the dynamometer’s chair and stabilized with restraining straps placed around their chest and hips. The athlete’s arm was weighted to provide gravity compensation. Shoulder external and internal rotation torque was measured with the arm positioned at 458 abduction. Based on a reference position (08) with the forearm in the vertical position, the range of motion was set at 708. Rotation movements were performed considering 08 as the beginning of the internal rotation and 708 as the end of the internal rotation/the beginning of the external rotation. All participants were encouraged, through both visual feedback and strong verbal encouragement, to give a maximal effort for each action. The torque data were exported from the Biodex Advantage software and processed in an algorithm implemented using MatLab software (MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA). Torque data were filtered using a Butterworth filter fourthorder low-pass 20 Hz, whereas for the angular data, this same filter was applied with a cutoff frequency of 10 Hz. The following variables were calculated: shoulder external
rotation peak torque (PTEX), shoulder internal rotation peak torque (PTIN), ratio between external to internal peak torque (ER:IR), angle of shoulder external rotation peak torque (APTEX), and shoulder internal rotation peak torque angle (APTIN) in each moment of assessment. Additionally, the reliability of isokinetic torque was calculated by the 3 baseline trials. We found an index of intraclass coefficient (ICC) ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 for all variables (high reliability) and an SEM ranging from 2.9 to 4.3%. Vertical Jump Measurement. Initially, the participants performed the familiarization/warm-up consisting of 1 minute of hopping on a trampoline, 3 series of 10 hops on the ground, and 8–10 submaximal CMJs. After a 3-minute resting period, they performed 3 maximal CMJs on a piezoelectric force platform (model 9290AD; Quattro Jump, Winterthur, Switzerland) at a frequency of 500 Hz. During the CMJs, the participants were asked to sustain the trunk as vertical as possible, while the hands were placed on the hips. Also, they were requested to flex their knees at ;908 in the transition between the eccentric-concentric phases (10). Ground reaction force (GRF) data were filtered by a Butterworth filter fourth-order low-pass 20 Hz, and jump height obtained by double integration of GRF and mean power output (P) during the jump was identified. An algorithm implemented in the MatLab software (MathWorks) was used in the analysis. The reliability of CMJ variables was calculated by the 3 baseline trials. We found an ICC of 0.98 and 0.99 for jump height and power output, respectively (high reliability), and SEM of 2.2 and 1.7% for jump height and power output, respectively. Creatine Kinase and Lactate Dehydrogenase Measurement. Before the first match and after the third match, 4 ml of blood of the antecubital vein were taken using Vacutainer tubes containing coagulant gel (Vacuette; Greiner Bio-one, Campinas, Brazil). The blood samples remained at rest for 15 minutes at room temperature for coagulation and then centrifuged at 3000 rpm during 15 minutes for serum
TABLE 1. Shoulder external and internal rotation torque in prematch and postmatches 1, 2, and 3.* Prematch PTEX (N$m) PTIN (N$m) ER:IR APTEX (degrees) APTIN (degrees)
45.85 62.18 0.75 55.62 27.85
6 6 6 6 6
8.33 16.86 0.11 6.95 9.56
Postmatch 1 44.05 61.45 0.74 55.27 29.84
6 6 6 6 6
9.15 18.89 0.10 5.09 9.60
Postmatch 2 42.87 58.56 0.76 55.72 31.11
6 6 6 6 6
8.79† 15.94† 0.11 6.31 11.0
Postmatch 3
ES
6 6 6 6 6
0.78 0.50 0.15 0.24 0.14
43.40 59.73 0.76 54.49 29.29
8.45† 19.12† 0.14 5.56 10.98
*Data are expressed as mean 6 SD; PTEX and PTIN = shoulder external and internal rotation peak torque, respectively; ER:IR = ratio between external and internal peak torque; APTEX = angle of shoulder external rotation peak torque; APTIN = angle of shoulder internal rotation peak torque. †Significantly different from prematch (p # 0.05). ES = effect size calculated between prematch and postmatch 3.
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TABLE 2. Jump height and power output of CMJ in prematch and postmatches 1, 2, and 3.*
H (cm) P (W$kg21)
Prematch
Postmatch 1
Postmatch 2
Postmatch 3
ES
45.38 6 5.24 27.73 6 3.92
44.96 6 5.56 27.89 6 3.63
43.74 6 5.81†z 27.50 6 4.40
43.93 6 6.13†z 27.39 6 3.94
0.88 0.15
*Data are expressed as mean 6 SD; H = jump height; P = power output; ES = effect size. †Significantly different from prematch (p # 0.05). zSignificantly different from postmatch 1 (p # 0.05). Effect size calculated between prematch and postmatch 3.
separation. The biochemical determinations were performed using an automated analyzer (Vitros 5.1; OrthoClinical Diagnostics, Johnson & Johnson, Rochester, NY, USA) using dry chemistry methodology. The LDH was measured using the multipoint kinetic technique (variation coefficient for the same sample = 1.10%). The CK values were determined by the rate of multiple points (variation coefficient for the same sample = 1.39%). Blood collection was performed by a nurse (research assistant) trained for this function. Statistical Analyses
dependent samples was used to compare serum CK and LDH before the first match and after the third match. The analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (v.17.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), and the level of significance was set at 5%. Additionally, the effect size was calculated in the G*Power 3.1.7 software (University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany) using the mean values, SDs, and correlation between the variables. We adopted the Batterham and Hopkins (5) criterion of classification.
RESULTS
Data were reported as mean and SD. The Shapiro-Wilk test was performed to verify the normality of the residual data. The sphericity of data was assumed according to the Mauchly’s test results. Analysis of variance for repeated measures (within-subjects ANOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used to compare neuromuscular parameters before and after the matches. A Student’s t-test for
Table 1 shows the parameters of shoulder external and internal rotation torque in prematch (baseline) and postmatches 1, 2, and 3. Analysis of variance revealed that the PTIN and PTEX were affected by the matches (F = 7.19; p , 0.01 and F = 3.27; p = 0.02, respectively). According to post hoc analysis, significant reduction was verified in PTEX and PTIN in postmatch 2 (p = 0.001; p = 0.01, respectively) and postmatch 3 (p = 0.03; p = 0.05, respectively) when compared with baseline values. A moderate effect was observed in PTEX and a small/moderate effect in PTIN after postmatch 3 when compared with the baseline. No significant changes were verified for the ratio ER:IR (F = 0.93; p = 0.43), APTEX (F = 0.42; p = 0.62), and APTIN (F = 1.19; p = 0.32) among the matches. Also, no significant differences were found between the postmatch 2 and postmatch 3 for any variables. Table 2 shows the jump height and power output of CMJ in prematch and postmatches 1, 2, and 3. According to the analysis of variance, the Figure 2. Creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration before the first match and after jump height showed significant the third match. *p # 0.05. differences among the matches VOLUME 29 | NUMBER 4 | APRIL 2015 |
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Fatigue and Muscle Damage After Judo Matches (F = 10.41; p = 0.0001). There was a significant reduction in this variable in postmatch 2 when compared with the baseline and postmatch 1. Similarly, the jump height in postmatch 3 decreased when compared with the baseline and postmatch 1. We verified a moderate effect in postmatch 3 when compared with the baseline, and a small/moderate effect comparing postmatch 3 with postmatch 1. No significant effect of the matches in terms of power output was detected (F = 1.04; p = 0.61). The serum concentration of CK and LDH are presented in Figure 2. Serum CK increased significantly after match when compared with the baseline values (p , 0.01; ES = 1.56—moderate/large effect). Similarly, LDH increased from the baseline to postmatch 3 (p = 0.01; ES = 0.86—moderate effect).
DISCUSSION The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of 3 successive judo matches on fatigue and muscle damage markers. The main hypothesis was confirmed since judo matches affected both the upper and lower limbs’ strength production and induced muscle damage. The peak torque of shoulder external and internal rotations was considered in this study as the indicator of fatigue in the upper limbs. These movements were chosen since they are widely used during matches, especially when the judo athlete pulls the opponent, trying to provoke a fall (37), and during grip combat to control the distance between the judoka and the opponent. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to analyze the fatigue effects on functional dynamic actions during successive judo matches, thereby increasing the external validity of the study. According to our results, a significant decrease of PTEX and PTIN was observed after matches 2 and 3 when compared with the baseline values. Most judo combat time is spent in grip disputes, requiring high levels of isometric and dynamic strength-endurance in the upper limbs (22). In this context, the athletes were able to withstand the effort of a single match (close to 1.5 minutes of grip disputes) (33), but they began to present signs of fatigue from the second match onward. Comparing pre-exercise to the end of matches, the rate of torque decrement was 5.3% in PTEX and 3.9% in PTIN. This decline observed in this study was less than the rate of torque decrement in the maximum isometric handgrip strength (approximately 15% drop) of elite judo athletes after 4 matches (9). Additionally, Iglesias et al. (29) reported a 5% reduction of handgrip strength after the first judo match and 15% after the second match. The smaller incidence of fatigue in this study may likely be explained by the greater muscle mass involved in the shoulder external/internal rotation in comparison with the forearm muscles (handgrip). Another possible explanation is that the isometric action results in different fatigue responses compared with those in dynamic actions, especially concerning the blood-flow restriction observed in the isometric
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actions (21), which impairs the removal of metabolites as well as the supply of oxygen, to allow phosphocreatine to resynthesize and aerobic metabolism to contribute to energy production (6). It is important to highlight that the ratio between external to internal peak torque (ER:IR) did not change throughout the matches, despite the reduction of the shoulder external/internal rotation peak torque. These results show that the balance between the shoulder rotator muscles was not affected by fatigue. Muscular imbalance has been considered an important risk factor to musculoskeletal injuries (19,20) because it decreases the glenohumeral joint stability and thus impairs the efficiency of judo actions involving rotational movements of the shoulder (37). As the torque ratio, the angle of peak torque (APTEX and APTIN) was not affected by the effort required in judo matches. Changes in the angles of peak torque have been typically associated with muscle damage (35). It is postulated that a damaged muscle produces maximal force in longer muscle lengths, which would be a protective neuromuscular adjustment against new muscle injury (13). A relevant finding of this study was that the simulated judo matches also induced fatigue in the lower limbs, as indicated by the decline in CMJ height (3.6% after match 2 and 3.2% after match 3 when compared with baseline). This finding may be explained by the high eccentric-concentric load (SSC) in the actions performed by the lower limbs during the judo-specific techniques (18). It has been documented that prolonged and intense eccentric exercise, mainly involving SSC, induces immediate and prolonged reductions of function in several muscles, such as stretchreflex sensitivity, joint stiffness regulation, and jump performance (28,34). Our results differ from those of other researchers that have found no significant difference in CMJ height after a single match (17), or after 2 matches (29). In another study, Bonitch-Domı´nguez et al. (7) reported no changes in squat jump after any of the 4 judo matches; however, in their tests, eccentric actions were not required. It is important to highlight that CMJ power output did not change throughout the matches. According to Markovic and Jaric (31), jump height is considered an absolute indicator of lower-limb muscle power because it is independent of body size characteristics (e.g., body mass and body fat). Therefore, jump height seems to be a more sensitive parameter than power output when used to detect effects of sports training or, as observed in this study, fatigue effects. Finally, we also verified increased values of serum CK and LDH after the third match when compared with the baseline, suggesting that the physical effort expended during simulated contests induced muscle damage. Ribeiro et al. (36) also reported increased CK after a 5-minute judo match. In addition, analyzing other combat sports, an increase of LDH after a Brazilian jiu-jitsu match (2), and an increase of CK and immune-function markers (leukocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes) after a Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament (5 matches) were also reported (12), thus indicating the
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Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research incidence of muscle damage. Also, analysis of wrestling contests reported an increase in clinical markers of acute muscle damage and immune response, which were progressively accumulated over the tournament (4,30). The increase of serum CK and LDH occurs when muscle fibers are metabolically exhausted due to effort, exhibiting a decrease in the membrane resistance, or even cytoskeletal and sarcolemma disruption, which permits the release of these enzymes to the serum (11). The main determinants of muscle damage include the intensity and duration of exercise (27), and the type of muscle contraction. There is a consensus in the literature that eccentric actions result in greater evidence of muscle damage than isometric or concentric exercises (14,15,39). According to Byrne et al. (16), eccentric actions actively contribute to SSC, and therefore, muscle damage is a common occurrence during prolonged or intense exercise involving the SSC. During judo matches, athletes perform several movements involving isometric, pure concentric and eccentric-concentric actions (SSC). Functional movements of mainly high-intensity eccentric actions were the main mechanisms that induced muscle damage in athletes of this study. In addition, it is important to mention that the peak of serum CK and LDH is generally reached 24–96 hours after the exercise (14,15,39). Thus, in this study, the values probably did not correspond to the peak but provide evidence of muscle damage immediately after the matches. In summary, we conclude that 3 successive judo matches induced fatigue in both the upper and lower limbs, as indicated by the reduction of shoulder external and internal rotation peak torque, and the decreased vertical jump performance from the second match onward. The torque ratio ER:IR was unchanged throughout the matches, suggesting that the muscular balance in the external and internal rotator muscles was not affected by fatigue. Finally, the effort promoted significant changes in serum CK and LDH activity, which confirms evidence of muscle damage.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The results of this study showed that during a simulated judo contest, strength reductions occur from the second match onward. Considering strength and endurance as potential predictors of judo performance (22,24), these findings may provide important information for coaches and physical trainers to delineate specific training to improve physical performance. It is recommended that the design of a training regime be directed to strength-endurance in the upper limbs and power-specific resistance training in the lower limbs, with the aim of maintaining optimum levels of neuromuscular performance during successive judo matches. Strengthendurance should be developed using judo-specific pulling and pushing actions gripping the judogi, actions that requires forearm, biceps, triceps, and deltoid muscle activation repeatedly (25). The use of ropes to pull heavy objects has also been recommended to develop strength-endurance in
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combat sports’ athletes (38). For lower limbs, power development plyometric exercises can be used, especially when used as a conditioning activity to proportionate postactivation potentiation in a judo-specific throwing activity conducted after the plyometric stimulus (32). Other exercises such as weightlifting and squats are also recommended. Another important aspect is that the strength reduction observed in this study may suggest the possibility of using recovery strategies during tournament matches, which aim to delay the onset of fatigue and improve neuromuscular recovery. In this context, we suggest that future research investigates the effects of different recovery strategies used during matches (active, passive, or combined active–passive), and the effects of dietary supplements and cryotherapy on fatigue and muscle damage markers during successive matches.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The authors acknowledge all volunteer participants for their collaboration and the Biomechanics Laboratory group (LABIOMEC-UFSC) and Physical Effort Laboratory group (LAEF-UFSC) for their support.
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blood lactate removal and on performance in an intermittent anaerobic task. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 43: 424–431, 2003. 27. Hartmann, U and Mester, J. Training and overtraining markers in selected sport events. Med Sci Sports Exerc 32: 209–215, 2000. 28. Horita, T, Komi, PV, Nicol, C, and Kyro¨la¨inen, H. Effect of exhausting stretch-shortening cycle exercise on the time course of mechanical behavior in the drop jump: Possible role of muscle damage. Eur J Appl Phys 79: 160–167, 1999. 29. Iglesias, E, Clavel, I, Dopico, J, and Tuimil, JL. Acute effect of judo-specific effort on different types of strength and his relationship with heart rate during the combat. Rendimiento Deportivo Com 6: 1–13, 2003. 30. Kraemer, WJ, Fry, AC, Rubin, MR, Triplett-Mcbride, T, Gordon, SE, Koziris, LP, Lynch, JM, Volek, JS, Meuffels, DE, Newton, RU, and Fleck, SJ. Physiological and performance responses to tournament wrestling. Med Sci Sports Exerc 33: 1367–1378, 2001. 31. Markovic, G and Jaric, S. Is vertical jump height a body sizeindependent measure of muscle power? J Sports Sci 25: 1355–1363, 2007. 32. Miarka, B, Del Vecchio, FB, and Franchini, E. Acute effects and postactivation potentiation in the Special Judo Fitness Test. J Strength Cond Res 25: 427–431, 2011. 33. Miarka, B, Panissa, VL, Julio, UF, Del Vecchio, FB, Calmet, M, and Franchini, E. A comparison of time-motion performance between age groups in judo matches. J Sports Sci 30: 899–905, 2012. 34. Nicol, C, Komi, PV, Horita, T, Kyro¨la¨inen, H, and Takala, TE. Reduced stretch-reflex sensitivity after exhausting stretchshortening cycle exercise. Eur J Appl Phys 72: 401–409, 1996. 35. Proske, U and Morgan, DL. Muscle damage from eccentric exercise: Mechanism, mechanical signs, adaptation and clinical applications. J Phys 1: 333–345, 2001. 36. Ribeiro, SR, Tierra-Criollo, JC, and Martins, RABL. Effects of different strengths in the judo fights, muscular electrical activity and biomechanical parameters in elite athletes. Braz J Sports Med 12: 27–32, 2006. 37. Ruivo, R, Pezarat-Correia, P, and Carita, AI. Elbow and shoulder muscles strength profile in judo athletes. Isokinet Exerc Sci 20: 41–45, 2012. 38. Santana, JC and Fukuda, DH. Unconventional methods, techniques, and equipment for strength and conditioning in combat sports. J Strength Cond 33: 64–70, 2011. 39. Twist, C and Eston, R. The effects of exercise-induced muscle damage on maximal intensity intermittent exercise performance. Eur J Appl Physiol 94: 652–658, 2005.
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AND
ON
SARAY G.
FATIGUE
DOS
SANTOS1
1
Physical Education Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Floriano´polis, Brazil; and 2School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sa˜o Paulo, Sa˜o Paulo, Brazil ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
Detanico, D, Dal Pupo, J, Franchini, E, and dos Santos, SG. Effects of successive judo matches on fatigue and muscle damage markers. J Strength Cond Res 29(4): 1010–1016, 2015—This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of simulated judo matches on fatigue and muscle damage markers. Twenty male judo athletes participated in this study. The athletes performed three 5-minute judo matches separated by 15 minutes of passive rest between each match. The following measurements were performed before and after each match: shoulder external/internal rotation isokinetic torque and countermovement jump (CMJ). Blood samples were taken before the first match and after the third match for serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) analysis. T-tests for dependent samples and analysis of variance for repeated measures were used to compare the variables over the time; the level of significance was set at 0.05. An overall effect of the successive matches on shoulder internal (PTIN) and external (PTEX) rotation peak torque and CMJ performance was observed. PTIN and PTEX showed significant decreases in postmatch 2 and postmatch 3 when compared with the baseline (p , 0.01). Also, CMJ height declined in postmatch 2 and postmatch 3 (p , 0.01) when compared with the baseline. Serum CK and LDH activity increased significantly after the third match (p , 0.01). It was concluded that 3 successive judo matches induced a decline of peak torque and muscle power in the upper and lower limbs, respectively, and also provoked an increase of muscle damage markers. These findings may provide important knowledge for coaches and physical trainers to improve judo-specific strength training in both the upper and lower limbs.
KEY WORDS combat sports, torque, muscle power, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase
Address correspondence to Daniele Detanico, [email protected]. 29(4)/1010–1016 Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Ó 2015 National Strength and Conditioning Association
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trength and endurance are considered potential predictors of judo performance (22,24). According to Franchini et al. (24), high muscular strength and endurance is required—mainly during grappling disputes aiming to dominate and unbalance the opponent—as well as high muscle power for the execution of throwing techniques involving both lower- and upper-body muscle groups. During a judo tournament day, athletes often participate in several matches that are generally separated by a minimum recovery period of 15 minutes (23,26). The high-intensity effort of judo combat is continuously repeated during the matches—under increasingly unfavorable metabolic conditions (7,29). These successive efforts induce force decrement due to fatigue, and consequently determine the performance over the tournament, especially in the final bouts (3,8). Few studies have investigated the effects of successive judo matches on fatigue markers in the upper and lower limbs. The study by Bonitch-Domı´nguez et al. (7) was the first to analyze the fatigue effects on performance in tournament matches (4 matches). The main results showed no changes in concentric squat power tests after the matches. Later, Bonitch-Go´ngora (9) analyzed 4 successive judo matches and verified a decrease of maximum isometric handgrip strength from the third match when compared with the baseline, suggesting fatigue occurrence in the upper limbs. Additionally, other researchers reported a reduction in the maximum handgrip strength after 2 matches (29) and a decline in the maximum strength in the bench press after a single match (17). These previous studies have been limited to analysis of maximum isometric handgrip strength (forearm strength), and its relevance has been questioned in judo performance (1,22). Thus, more specific and functional tests involving dynamic movements may be more appropriate. During judo matches, actions involving shoulder external and internal rotations are observed—for example, when the judoka suddenly pulls the opponent trying to provoke his/her fall (37) and when the judoka tries to maintain the distance with his/her opponent, respectively. Additionally, little attention has been given to lowerbody impairment during judo matches. Analyzing the leg actions during the matches, such as hip-throwing techniques, constant explosive eccentric-concentric contractions
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Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (i.e., stretch-shortening cycle—SSC) (18) are observed. As reported in the relevant literature (28,34), eccentric actions generate high mechanical load, producing great stress in muscle structures. Thus, it would be potential to think that judo bouts may induce fatigue in the lower limbs. In this case, the fatigue effects probably are better identified using sensitive tests involving SSC, such as countermovement jumps (CMJs). Another important aspect is that the high-intensity effort of successive judo matches may also induce damage in muscle structures. In a previous research, biochemical markers of muscle damage were analyzed after judo matches with different durations (1.5, 3, and 5 minutes) (36) and an increase of muscle damage markers after a 5-minute match was observed. The intense and prolonged exercise induce mechanical stress resulting in the sarcolemma rupture, allowing the release of enzymes such as creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) to the serum (11). An increase of these enzyme levels in serum is considered evidence of muscle damage (14,15,39). To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have analyzed muscle damage markers during successive judo matches in association with performance changes in both the lower and upper limbs. Could enzymatic changes occur concomitantly with a decrease in muscle strength? It is important to identify from which match enzymatic and performance changes are induced, reporting athletes’ physical fitness variation during competition. This knowledge can supply directions to physical training organization. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the acute effects of successive judo matches on fatigue and muscle damage markers. The hypothesis is that judo matches will induce muscle damage and fatigue in both the upper and lower limbs.
METHODS Experimental Approach to the Problem
Judo athletes participated in a simulated judo contest consisting of three 5-minute judo matches (actual combat time) separated by 15 minutes of passive rest (7,9). To analyze the effects of judo matches on fatigue and muscle damage
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markers, shoulder external/internal rotation isokinetic torque and vertical jump were assessed before and after each match (Figure 1). The tests (isokinetic torque and vertical jump) were performed in a randomized order from fourth to sixth minutes after each match (first, second, and third). This time between the matches and assessments was determined during a pilot study, in which a minimum time was obtained to allow the displacement of the athletes from the dojo (where matches were simulated) to Biomechanics Laboratory (where the isokinetic assessments were conducted). Venous blood samples were taken before the first match and immediately after the performance tests (8 minutes after the third match) for serum CK and LDH analysis. Subjects
Twenty male judo athletes (age: 20.7 6 4.6 years; weight: 72.8 6 12.6 kg; height: 174.0 6 8.7 cm; body fat: 13.9 6 3.1%) volunteered to participate in this study. Two athletes competed in the under 55 kg category, 5 in the under 60 kg, 4 in the under 66 kg, 3 in the under 73 kg, 2 in the under 81 kg, 2 in the under 90 kg, and 2 in the under 100 kg categories. The time of judo experience was 6.4 6 4.7 years for the athletes of this study. All athletes had already participated in several national and state tournaments and were regularly training (technical and tactical training) 3–4 times a week during the evaluation period. They were in the preparatory phase and therefore were not in a period of rapid weight loss. Also, the participants were instructed not to intake alcohol or drugs for at least 24 hours before the evaluations, and were maintaining normal diets. Before the assessments, all participants were informed about the procedures and they signed an informed consent form. The responsibles for the participants younger than 18 years (n = 4 athletes; 16.4 6 0.8 years) also signed the informed consent form. Parental consent was obtained for athletes under 18 years. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the local university, in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Procedures
Judo athletes performed three 5-minute judo matches separated by 15 minutes of passive rest. The athletes were informed that they must complete all 3 matches. In the event of ippon (score that determines the end of the match), the match was restarted to guarantee that all athletes competed for the same combat duration in all 3 matches. The participants were divided into pairs with a difference of body mass of no more than 10% between them, and of similar ranking. This protocol reproFigure 1. Schematic representation of the data collection procedures. A = Shoulder external/internal rotation duced the real judo combat activisokinetic torque; B = Countermovement jump; C = Blood samples (CK, LDH). *A randomized measure of A and B between 4- and 6-minute recovery. ity (temporal structure) as described in the correlating VOLUME 29 | NUMBER 4 | APRIL 2015 |
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Fatigue and Muscle Damage After Judo Matches literature (23,26). All the matches were performed in the afternoon (2:00–6:00 PM). Isokinetic Torque Measurements. The participants were familiarized with testing procedures performing 3–4 submaximal trials of the shoulder external and internal rotations, which were also used as warm-up exercises for the upper limbs. After a 3-minute resting period, participants then performed 1 set of 4 maximal shoulder external and internal rotations, in concentric/concentric mode, on an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex Multi-Joint System-Pro 4; Biodex Inc., Shirley, NY, USA) at a velocity of 1808 per second, using only the athlete’s dominant arm. This velocity has been used in previous studies that analyzed the movement of shoulder external/internal rotation, and it is considered safe for this type of movement (19,20,37). The warm-up procedures were performed only before the first testing because between the matches, the athletes were already warmed up due to the previous effort. During the testing, participants were seated on the dynamometer’s chair and stabilized with restraining straps placed around their chest and hips. The athlete’s arm was weighted to provide gravity compensation. Shoulder external and internal rotation torque was measured with the arm positioned at 458 abduction. Based on a reference position (08) with the forearm in the vertical position, the range of motion was set at 708. Rotation movements were performed considering 08 as the beginning of the internal rotation and 708 as the end of the internal rotation/the beginning of the external rotation. All participants were encouraged, through both visual feedback and strong verbal encouragement, to give a maximal effort for each action. The torque data were exported from the Biodex Advantage software and processed in an algorithm implemented using MatLab software (MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA). Torque data were filtered using a Butterworth filter fourthorder low-pass 20 Hz, whereas for the angular data, this same filter was applied with a cutoff frequency of 10 Hz. The following variables were calculated: shoulder external
rotation peak torque (PTEX), shoulder internal rotation peak torque (PTIN), ratio between external to internal peak torque (ER:IR), angle of shoulder external rotation peak torque (APTEX), and shoulder internal rotation peak torque angle (APTIN) in each moment of assessment. Additionally, the reliability of isokinetic torque was calculated by the 3 baseline trials. We found an index of intraclass coefficient (ICC) ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 for all variables (high reliability) and an SEM ranging from 2.9 to 4.3%. Vertical Jump Measurement. Initially, the participants performed the familiarization/warm-up consisting of 1 minute of hopping on a trampoline, 3 series of 10 hops on the ground, and 8–10 submaximal CMJs. After a 3-minute resting period, they performed 3 maximal CMJs on a piezoelectric force platform (model 9290AD; Quattro Jump, Winterthur, Switzerland) at a frequency of 500 Hz. During the CMJs, the participants were asked to sustain the trunk as vertical as possible, while the hands were placed on the hips. Also, they were requested to flex their knees at ;908 in the transition between the eccentric-concentric phases (10). Ground reaction force (GRF) data were filtered by a Butterworth filter fourth-order low-pass 20 Hz, and jump height obtained by double integration of GRF and mean power output (P) during the jump was identified. An algorithm implemented in the MatLab software (MathWorks) was used in the analysis. The reliability of CMJ variables was calculated by the 3 baseline trials. We found an ICC of 0.98 and 0.99 for jump height and power output, respectively (high reliability), and SEM of 2.2 and 1.7% for jump height and power output, respectively. Creatine Kinase and Lactate Dehydrogenase Measurement. Before the first match and after the third match, 4 ml of blood of the antecubital vein were taken using Vacutainer tubes containing coagulant gel (Vacuette; Greiner Bio-one, Campinas, Brazil). The blood samples remained at rest for 15 minutes at room temperature for coagulation and then centrifuged at 3000 rpm during 15 minutes for serum
TABLE 1. Shoulder external and internal rotation torque in prematch and postmatches 1, 2, and 3.* Prematch PTEX (N$m) PTIN (N$m) ER:IR APTEX (degrees) APTIN (degrees)
45.85 62.18 0.75 55.62 27.85
6 6 6 6 6
8.33 16.86 0.11 6.95 9.56
Postmatch 1 44.05 61.45 0.74 55.27 29.84
6 6 6 6 6
9.15 18.89 0.10 5.09 9.60
Postmatch 2 42.87 58.56 0.76 55.72 31.11
6 6 6 6 6
8.79† 15.94† 0.11 6.31 11.0
Postmatch 3
ES
6 6 6 6 6
0.78 0.50 0.15 0.24 0.14
43.40 59.73 0.76 54.49 29.29
8.45† 19.12† 0.14 5.56 10.98
*Data are expressed as mean 6 SD; PTEX and PTIN = shoulder external and internal rotation peak torque, respectively; ER:IR = ratio between external and internal peak torque; APTEX = angle of shoulder external rotation peak torque; APTIN = angle of shoulder internal rotation peak torque. †Significantly different from prematch (p # 0.05). ES = effect size calculated between prematch and postmatch 3.
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TABLE 2. Jump height and power output of CMJ in prematch and postmatches 1, 2, and 3.*
H (cm) P (W$kg21)
Prematch
Postmatch 1
Postmatch 2
Postmatch 3
ES
45.38 6 5.24 27.73 6 3.92
44.96 6 5.56 27.89 6 3.63
43.74 6 5.81†z 27.50 6 4.40
43.93 6 6.13†z 27.39 6 3.94
0.88 0.15
*Data are expressed as mean 6 SD; H = jump height; P = power output; ES = effect size. †Significantly different from prematch (p # 0.05). zSignificantly different from postmatch 1 (p # 0.05). Effect size calculated between prematch and postmatch 3.
separation. The biochemical determinations were performed using an automated analyzer (Vitros 5.1; OrthoClinical Diagnostics, Johnson & Johnson, Rochester, NY, USA) using dry chemistry methodology. The LDH was measured using the multipoint kinetic technique (variation coefficient for the same sample = 1.10%). The CK values were determined by the rate of multiple points (variation coefficient for the same sample = 1.39%). Blood collection was performed by a nurse (research assistant) trained for this function. Statistical Analyses
dependent samples was used to compare serum CK and LDH before the first match and after the third match. The analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (v.17.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), and the level of significance was set at 5%. Additionally, the effect size was calculated in the G*Power 3.1.7 software (University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany) using the mean values, SDs, and correlation between the variables. We adopted the Batterham and Hopkins (5) criterion of classification.
RESULTS
Data were reported as mean and SD. The Shapiro-Wilk test was performed to verify the normality of the residual data. The sphericity of data was assumed according to the Mauchly’s test results. Analysis of variance for repeated measures (within-subjects ANOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used to compare neuromuscular parameters before and after the matches. A Student’s t-test for
Table 1 shows the parameters of shoulder external and internal rotation torque in prematch (baseline) and postmatches 1, 2, and 3. Analysis of variance revealed that the PTIN and PTEX were affected by the matches (F = 7.19; p , 0.01 and F = 3.27; p = 0.02, respectively). According to post hoc analysis, significant reduction was verified in PTEX and PTIN in postmatch 2 (p = 0.001; p = 0.01, respectively) and postmatch 3 (p = 0.03; p = 0.05, respectively) when compared with baseline values. A moderate effect was observed in PTEX and a small/moderate effect in PTIN after postmatch 3 when compared with the baseline. No significant changes were verified for the ratio ER:IR (F = 0.93; p = 0.43), APTEX (F = 0.42; p = 0.62), and APTIN (F = 1.19; p = 0.32) among the matches. Also, no significant differences were found between the postmatch 2 and postmatch 3 for any variables. Table 2 shows the jump height and power output of CMJ in prematch and postmatches 1, 2, and 3. According to the analysis of variance, the Figure 2. Creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration before the first match and after jump height showed significant the third match. *p # 0.05. differences among the matches VOLUME 29 | NUMBER 4 | APRIL 2015 |
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Fatigue and Muscle Damage After Judo Matches (F = 10.41; p = 0.0001). There was a significant reduction in this variable in postmatch 2 when compared with the baseline and postmatch 1. Similarly, the jump height in postmatch 3 decreased when compared with the baseline and postmatch 1. We verified a moderate effect in postmatch 3 when compared with the baseline, and a small/moderate effect comparing postmatch 3 with postmatch 1. No significant effect of the matches in terms of power output was detected (F = 1.04; p = 0.61). The serum concentration of CK and LDH are presented in Figure 2. Serum CK increased significantly after match when compared with the baseline values (p , 0.01; ES = 1.56—moderate/large effect). Similarly, LDH increased from the baseline to postmatch 3 (p = 0.01; ES = 0.86—moderate effect).
DISCUSSION The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of 3 successive judo matches on fatigue and muscle damage markers. The main hypothesis was confirmed since judo matches affected both the upper and lower limbs’ strength production and induced muscle damage. The peak torque of shoulder external and internal rotations was considered in this study as the indicator of fatigue in the upper limbs. These movements were chosen since they are widely used during matches, especially when the judo athlete pulls the opponent, trying to provoke a fall (37), and during grip combat to control the distance between the judoka and the opponent. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to analyze the fatigue effects on functional dynamic actions during successive judo matches, thereby increasing the external validity of the study. According to our results, a significant decrease of PTEX and PTIN was observed after matches 2 and 3 when compared with the baseline values. Most judo combat time is spent in grip disputes, requiring high levels of isometric and dynamic strength-endurance in the upper limbs (22). In this context, the athletes were able to withstand the effort of a single match (close to 1.5 minutes of grip disputes) (33), but they began to present signs of fatigue from the second match onward. Comparing pre-exercise to the end of matches, the rate of torque decrement was 5.3% in PTEX and 3.9% in PTIN. This decline observed in this study was less than the rate of torque decrement in the maximum isometric handgrip strength (approximately 15% drop) of elite judo athletes after 4 matches (9). Additionally, Iglesias et al. (29) reported a 5% reduction of handgrip strength after the first judo match and 15% after the second match. The smaller incidence of fatigue in this study may likely be explained by the greater muscle mass involved in the shoulder external/internal rotation in comparison with the forearm muscles (handgrip). Another possible explanation is that the isometric action results in different fatigue responses compared with those in dynamic actions, especially concerning the blood-flow restriction observed in the isometric
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actions (21), which impairs the removal of metabolites as well as the supply of oxygen, to allow phosphocreatine to resynthesize and aerobic metabolism to contribute to energy production (6). It is important to highlight that the ratio between external to internal peak torque (ER:IR) did not change throughout the matches, despite the reduction of the shoulder external/internal rotation peak torque. These results show that the balance between the shoulder rotator muscles was not affected by fatigue. Muscular imbalance has been considered an important risk factor to musculoskeletal injuries (19,20) because it decreases the glenohumeral joint stability and thus impairs the efficiency of judo actions involving rotational movements of the shoulder (37). As the torque ratio, the angle of peak torque (APTEX and APTIN) was not affected by the effort required in judo matches. Changes in the angles of peak torque have been typically associated with muscle damage (35). It is postulated that a damaged muscle produces maximal force in longer muscle lengths, which would be a protective neuromuscular adjustment against new muscle injury (13). A relevant finding of this study was that the simulated judo matches also induced fatigue in the lower limbs, as indicated by the decline in CMJ height (3.6% after match 2 and 3.2% after match 3 when compared with baseline). This finding may be explained by the high eccentric-concentric load (SSC) in the actions performed by the lower limbs during the judo-specific techniques (18). It has been documented that prolonged and intense eccentric exercise, mainly involving SSC, induces immediate and prolonged reductions of function in several muscles, such as stretchreflex sensitivity, joint stiffness regulation, and jump performance (28,34). Our results differ from those of other researchers that have found no significant difference in CMJ height after a single match (17), or after 2 matches (29). In another study, Bonitch-Domı´nguez et al. (7) reported no changes in squat jump after any of the 4 judo matches; however, in their tests, eccentric actions were not required. It is important to highlight that CMJ power output did not change throughout the matches. According to Markovic and Jaric (31), jump height is considered an absolute indicator of lower-limb muscle power because it is independent of body size characteristics (e.g., body mass and body fat). Therefore, jump height seems to be a more sensitive parameter than power output when used to detect effects of sports training or, as observed in this study, fatigue effects. Finally, we also verified increased values of serum CK and LDH after the third match when compared with the baseline, suggesting that the physical effort expended during simulated contests induced muscle damage. Ribeiro et al. (36) also reported increased CK after a 5-minute judo match. In addition, analyzing other combat sports, an increase of LDH after a Brazilian jiu-jitsu match (2), and an increase of CK and immune-function markers (leukocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes) after a Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament (5 matches) were also reported (12), thus indicating the
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Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research incidence of muscle damage. Also, analysis of wrestling contests reported an increase in clinical markers of acute muscle damage and immune response, which were progressively accumulated over the tournament (4,30). The increase of serum CK and LDH occurs when muscle fibers are metabolically exhausted due to effort, exhibiting a decrease in the membrane resistance, or even cytoskeletal and sarcolemma disruption, which permits the release of these enzymes to the serum (11). The main determinants of muscle damage include the intensity and duration of exercise (27), and the type of muscle contraction. There is a consensus in the literature that eccentric actions result in greater evidence of muscle damage than isometric or concentric exercises (14,15,39). According to Byrne et al. (16), eccentric actions actively contribute to SSC, and therefore, muscle damage is a common occurrence during prolonged or intense exercise involving the SSC. During judo matches, athletes perform several movements involving isometric, pure concentric and eccentric-concentric actions (SSC). Functional movements of mainly high-intensity eccentric actions were the main mechanisms that induced muscle damage in athletes of this study. In addition, it is important to mention that the peak of serum CK and LDH is generally reached 24–96 hours after the exercise (14,15,39). Thus, in this study, the values probably did not correspond to the peak but provide evidence of muscle damage immediately after the matches. In summary, we conclude that 3 successive judo matches induced fatigue in both the upper and lower limbs, as indicated by the reduction of shoulder external and internal rotation peak torque, and the decreased vertical jump performance from the second match onward. The torque ratio ER:IR was unchanged throughout the matches, suggesting that the muscular balance in the external and internal rotator muscles was not affected by fatigue. Finally, the effort promoted significant changes in serum CK and LDH activity, which confirms evidence of muscle damage.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The results of this study showed that during a simulated judo contest, strength reductions occur from the second match onward. Considering strength and endurance as potential predictors of judo performance (22,24), these findings may provide important information for coaches and physical trainers to delineate specific training to improve physical performance. It is recommended that the design of a training regime be directed to strength-endurance in the upper limbs and power-specific resistance training in the lower limbs, with the aim of maintaining optimum levels of neuromuscular performance during successive judo matches. Strengthendurance should be developed using judo-specific pulling and pushing actions gripping the judogi, actions that requires forearm, biceps, triceps, and deltoid muscle activation repeatedly (25). The use of ropes to pull heavy objects has also been recommended to develop strength-endurance in
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combat sports’ athletes (38). For lower limbs, power development plyometric exercises can be used, especially when used as a conditioning activity to proportionate postactivation potentiation in a judo-specific throwing activity conducted after the plyometric stimulus (32). Other exercises such as weightlifting and squats are also recommended. Another important aspect is that the strength reduction observed in this study may suggest the possibility of using recovery strategies during tournament matches, which aim to delay the onset of fatigue and improve neuromuscular recovery. In this context, we suggest that future research investigates the effects of different recovery strategies used during matches (active, passive, or combined active–passive), and the effects of dietary supplements and cryotherapy on fatigue and muscle damage markers during successive matches.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The authors acknowledge all volunteer participants for their collaboration and the Biomechanics Laboratory group (LABIOMEC-UFSC) and Physical Effort Laboratory group (LAEF-UFSC) for their support.
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