Changes in peak leg power induced by successive judo bouts and their relationship to lactate production

Abstract

Eleven male judoka, who compete at national level, were recruited with the aim of investigating changes in peak leg power as a result of successive judo bouts and their relationship with lactate production. The participants executed a force–velocity curve to determine peak power in a 90° squat exercise in concentric work. The group then participated in four 5-min judo bouts each separated by 15 min of passive rest. The power developed as a result of the load associated with the maximum peak power reached in the preliminary test was determined, for the same movement, before and after each bout. Finger capillary blood samples were taken after each bout to determine the maximum lactate concentration achieved and lactate clearance. The results showed no effect of successive bouts on peak leg power (P > 0.05) and no difference when comparing the power measured before and after each bout (P > 0.05). Maximum lactate concentration of the fourth bout was lower than that of the first (12.6 ± 3.5 and 14.6 ± 4 mmol · l⁻¹ respectively; P < 0.05), although there was no difference in their clearance dynamics (P > 0.05). On the basis of the results obtained, we conclude that successive judo bouts, with the structure proposed in this study, produce high acidosis levels, which have no effect on the peak power developed in the legs.

Keywords:

• Judo
• peak power
• legs
• lactic acid