Retesting the validity of a specific field test for judo training

Abstract

The main goal of this research project was to retest the validity of a specifically designed judo field test (Santos Test) in a different group of judokas. Eight (n=8) national-level male judokas underwent laboratory and field testing. The mean data (mean +/- SD) obtained in the laboratory tests was: HRmax: 200 ± 4.0 beats × min(-1), VO2 max: 52.8 ± 7.9 ± ml × kg(-1) × min(-1), lactate max: 12 ± 2.5 mmol × l(-1), HR at the anaerobic threshold: 174.2 ± 9.4 beats × min(-1), percentage of maximum heart rate at which the anaerobic threshold appears: 87 ± 3.6 %, lactate threshold: 4.0 ± 0.2 mmol × l(-1), and RPE: 17.2 ± 1.0. The mean data obtained in the field test (Santos) was: HRmax: 201.3 ± 4.1 beats × min(-1), VO2 max: 55.6 ± 5.8 ml × kg(-1) × min(-1), lactate max: 15.6 ± 2.8 mmol × l(-1), HR at the anaerobic threshold: 173.2 ± 4.3 beats × min(-1), percentage of maximum heart rate at which the anaerobic threshold appears: 86 ± 2.5 %, lactate threshold: 4.0 ± 0.2 mmol × l(-1), and RPE: 16.7 ± 1.0. There were no significant differences between the data obtained on both tests in any of the parameters, except for maximum lactate concentration. Therefore, the Santos test can be considered a valid tool specific for judo training.

Keywords: Aerobic-anaerobic transition; combat-sports; physiological demands.