The influence of karate practice level and sex on physiological and perceptual responses in three modern karate training modalities

The effect of time of day and high intensity exercise on cognitive performances of elite adolescent karate athletes

To explore the effect of time of day (TOD) on several components of cognitive performance prior and post to a physically exhaustive task in a sample of adolescent elite athletes. In a counterbalanced and randomized order, fourteen highly trained male karate athletes (17 ± 0.96 years; 1.75 ± 0.07 m; 68.0 ± 9.50 kg; BMI 22.15 ± 0.54 kg.m^-2) completed two test sessions at 09h00 and 16h00. Cognitive performance was evaluated before and after the karate specific test (KST). During each session, participants completed the profile of mood state (POMS), simple (SRT) and choice (CRT) reaction times, comparison test (COMT), mental rotation test (MRT), egocentric distance estimation (DE), and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE). KST was not TOD dependent (p > .05, d = 0.33). RPE scores were higher in the afternoon compared to the morning (p < .05, d = 0.68). Before the KST, SRT (p < .01, d = 0.69), CRT (p < .01, d = 0.47), COMT (p < .01, d = 0.62) and MRT (p < .001, d = 0.65) were better in the afternoon than in the morning. However, DE was not affected by the TOD (P > .05). KST improved SRT (p < .01, d = 0.078), CRT (p < .001, d = 0.72), COMT (p < .001, d = 1.31) and MRT (p < .001, d = 0.80) performances only in the morning. Cognitive performances are TOD dependent with higher performances realized in the afternoon. Performing a high intensity exercise in the morning, but not in the afternoon, enhanced several aspects of cognitive performances. The current results indicate that an intensive warm-up could be beneficial when a morning competition requires high cognitive readiness.

Psychophysiological characterization of different capoeira performances in experienced individuals: A randomized controlled trial

The aim of this study was to characterize the psychophysiological demand in different capoeira performances. Eleven experienced capoeira practitioners underwent the following procedures in different days: 1) anamnesis and anthropometric measurements; 2) aerobic performance assessment; 3 to 5) performances of 90 seconds in three capoeira styles (Angola, Benguela and São Bento), which were performed in randomized controlled cross-over design. The psychophysiological demand was assessed through the heart rate (HR), R-R interval (RRi), blood pressure (BP), blood lactate ([Lac]), blood glucose ([Gluc]), rating perceived effort (RPE), feeling scale (FS) and perceived activation (PA). Descriptive statistics with mean and standard deviation was performed. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc test was used. The Angola demand was between 56–71% maximal HR with [Lac]_PEAK: 6.9±2.9 mM, RPE_PEAK: 10.0±2.2 pts and FS: 2.7±1.7 pts, while in the Benguela participants reached 64–85% maximal HR with [Lac]_PEAK: 9.5±3.0 mM, RPE_PEAK: 11.0±2.8 pts and FS: 2.1±1.6 pts and for São Bento between 69–102% maximal HR with [Lac]_PEAK: 15.7±2.6 mM, RPE_PEAK: 15.5±4.1 pts and FS: -0.8±3.0 pts. Interaction time*performance occurred to [Lac] (F = 42.157; p<0.001), HR (F = 12.154; p<0.001), RRi (F = 4.774; p<0.001), parasympathetic modulation-rMSSD (F = 3.189; p<0.01), [Gluc] (F = 2.152; p<0.05), RPE (F = 5.855; p<0.01), FS (F = 2.448; p<0.05) and PA (F = 3.893; p<0.05). We concluded that São Bento rhythm resulted in a greater physiological demand according to the HR, [Lac] and cardiac autonomic indicators, with the Benguela rhythm being intermediate while the Angola rhythm presented a reduced demand. The [Gluc] increased after the São Bento rhythm when compared to the other rhythms. The perceptual demand presented increased in terms of RPE and PA variables and decreased in terms of FS when the São Bento performance was analyzed in comparison to the Angola and/or Benguela in capoeira.

Effects of intensity distribution changes on performance and on training loads quantification

The present study analyses the effects of the high-intensity distribution change within sessions on physical performance and on training loads (TL) provided by quantification methods based on heart rate (HR) and on whole body indicators of exercise-induced physiological stress. Fourteen trained physical education students (21.9±1.2 years, 68.3±7.9 kg, 180±7.3 cm) performed two sessions with the same intensities, volumes and pauses but differing in the efforts’ intensity distribution: one was composed of exercises dissociating the intensities (12 repetitions of 30 m sprints then 12 min interval runs) and the second mixed the intensities (30 m sprint followed by 60 s rest and 2 runs of 15 s - 15 s at 100% and 50% of maximal aerobic velocity – MAV). Session TL was calculated using methods based on heart rate zones, training impulse, ratings of perceived exertion (session RPE) and endurance limit. Session-induced fatigue was observed using performances in repeated sprints and counter-movement jumps. The heart rate zone method provided higher TL for the mixed session (p=0.007), while training impulse described similar TL for the two sessions (p=0.420). The endurance limit method showed borderline significantly higher TL in dissociated sessions (p=0.058) and session RPE provided similar but the largest differences between sessions’ TL (p=0.001). The dissociated session induced larger losses in counter-movement jumps (p=0.010) but lower speed decreases in sprints (p=0.007). Change in intensity distribution within sessions induced contradictory effects on performances and on TL quantification according to the method used. When high intensities are programmed, methods based on heart rate may present limitations for TL quantification, as such methods based on whole body indicators of exercise-induced physiological stress should be preferred.

Validity and Reliability of the 30-s Continuous Jump for Anaerobic Power and Capacity Assessment in Combat Sport

Cycling test such Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) is used to measure anaerobic power (AP), but not anaerobic capacity (AC, i.e., the metabolic energy demand). However, in sports that do not involve cycling movements (Karate), the continuous jump for 30 s (vertical jumps for 30 s) has been extensively used to measure anaerobic performance in all young athletes. Limited information’s are available concerning its validity and reliability especially in children. As such, the current study aimed to test validity and reliability of a continuous jumps test (the CJ30s), using WAnT as a reference. Thirteen female Karate kids (age: 11.07 ± 1.32 years; mass: 41.76 ± 15.32 kg; height: 152 ± 11.52 cm; training experience: 4.38 ± 2.14 years) were tested on three separate sessions. The first and second sessions were used to assess the reliability using Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) of CJ30s, whereas on the third session WAnT was administered. Following CJ30s and WAnT, we assessed AP (1/CJ30s, as jump height [JH], fatigue index [FI], and blood lactate [BL]; 2/WAnT, as mechanical power [P], FI, and BL) and AC as the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). Large/highly significant correlations were found between CJ30s and WAnT EPOCs (r = 0.730, P = 0.003), and BLs (r = 0.713, P = 0.009). Moderate/significant correlations were found between CJ30s and WAnT FIs (r = 0.640, P = 0.014), CJ30s first four jumps mean JH and WAnT peak P (r = 0.572, P = 0.032), and CJ30s mean JH and WAnT mean P (r = 0.589, P = 0.021). CJ30s showed excellent and moderate reliability (ICC) for AP (maximal JH 0.884, mean JH 0.742, FI 0.657, BL 0.653) and AC (EPOC 0.788), respectively. Correlations observed especially in terms of AC between CJ30s and WAnT provide evidence that former may adequately assess anaerobic performance for the young combat athlete. CJ30 is a reliable test and allow an easy assessment of AP and AC in karate children.

Rating of Perceived Exertion for Quantification of Training and Combat Loads During Combat Sport-Specific Activities: A Short Review

The aim of this short review was to summarize data pertaining to the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) methods (RPE value and session-RPE) during combat sport-specific activities (i.e., competition and training) based on many factors, including contest type (i.e., official vs. simulated vs. training), combat rounds, age of participants and muscle groups, and their correlation with physiological variables (i.e., blood lactate concentration [La] and heart rate [HR]). The current review shows higher RPE in a match of mixed martial arts (MMAs) than Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing matches and during the competitive period compared with the precompetitive period. This could be explained by the longer duration of bouts, the higher percentage contribution of aerobic metabolism in MMA than other combat sports and contest type differences (simulated vs. official matches). Thus, this review found significant correlations between RPE or session-RPE, [La] and HR. Particularly, there was a stronger correlation between RPE and [La] during official striking (r = 0.81) than grappling combat sports matches (r = 0.53). In addition, a variation of correlation (moderate to large) between session-RPE and HR-based methods has been reported (i.e., Edwards' training load [r ranged between 0.58 and 0.95] and Banister training impulse [r ranged between 0.52 and 0.86]). Specifically, stronger correlation was apparent in combat sport competition that required a much higher percentage contribution of aerobic metabolism (e.g., karate) and in adult athletes than anaerobic-based combat sports (e.g., taekwondo) and young athletes, respectively. Indeed, the current review highlights that the correlations between session-RPE and HR-based methods were higher during official competition than training sessions. Session-RPE was affected by participants' competitive level, the intensity of session (high vs. low), the training modalities (tactical-technical vs. technical-development vs. simulated competition), and the training volume in combat sports athletes. Rating of perceived exertion is a valid tool for quantifying internal training and combat loads during short- and long-term training and simulated and official competitions in novice and elite combat sport athletes. Furthermore, both RPE methods may be a more reliable measure of intensity or effort when both anaerobic and aerobic systems are appreciably activated. Coaches, sports scientists, and athletes can use session-RPE method to quantify short-term training and combat loads in adult athletes during precompetitive period much more than long-term training and in young athletes during the competitive period. They can also use RPE to monitor combat and short- and long-term training loads to better plan and assist training programs and competitions.

Relationships between rating of perceived exertion, heart rate and blood lactate during continuous and alternated-intensity cycling exercises

This study aimed to: i) use Borg's scale of rating perceived exertion (RPE) in the prescription of cycling training exercises with alternated intensity (S); ii) determine the relationships between RPE and the indices of physiological strains, e.g. heart rate (HR) and blood lactate ([La]), measured during S compared to continuous exercises (C). HR, [La] and RPE were measured in 11 active men at the 5th and 10th minutes of cycling exercises. These exercises were performed with constant or varying intensity corresponding to average power outputs (APO) equal to 160 and 240 W. The protocols with varying intensity consisted of alternated short periods (10 s: S10, or 20 s: S20) of medium and high intensity (120-200 W for APO-160 W and 200-280 W for APO-240 W). During S exercises HR, [La] and RPE were significantly higher compared to C exercises. This effect was more pronounced when the duration of alternated-intensity bouts was longer (S20 versus S10 protocols). The relationships between HR, [La] and RPE (mean or individual data) were not significantly different for the different protocols. However, there was a shift in the relationship between RPE and HR measured at the 5th and 10th minutes of exercise (p<0.001). Moreover, in each protocol, there were significant differences in the individual values of HR or [La] corresponding to the same RPE. The relationships between HR, [La] and RPE were not different between C and S exercises. Individually determined RPE can be used in the prescription of training for both exercises.

Do maximal aerobic power and blood lactate concentration affect Specific Judo Fitness Test performance in female judo athletes?

The Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) has become the test most widely used by coaches and physical trainers for assessment of competitors’ judo-specific physical aptitude and training programme prescription. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the SJFT performance indices and both maximal aerobic power and the level of blood lactate concentrations in female judo athletes. Seventeen female judokas (age: 21.9±1.6 years, body mass: 74.6±27.4 kg, height: 164.5±8.6 cm; BMI: 27.1±8.0 kg · m^-2) took part in this study. All participants performed the SJFT, 20 m multi-stage shuttle run test (MSRT), and 30 m straight sprint test (SST), from which we calculated both acceleration (10 m) and the maximal anaerobic speed (MAnS: flying 20 m sprint). A blood sample was taken 3 min after the SJFT. The number of throws was significantly correlated with estimated VO₂max (r=0.795, p=0.0001) and both acceleration (r=0.63, p =0.006) and MAnS (r=0.76, p=0.0004). Peak blood lactate recorded after the SJFT was 13.90±1.39 mmol · l^-1. No significant correlation was found between blood lactate concentration and the SJFT performance indices. The lack of significant correlation between blood lactate and SJFT performance suggests that lactic anaerobic metabolism has no effect on this type of judo-specific supra-maximal exercise. The observed results can provide coaches and strength and conditioning professionals with relevant information for the interpretation of SJFT performance and the prescription of specific training programmes for female judo athletes.

INTERPRETATION AND PERCEPTION OF TWO DIFFERENT KUMITE FIGHTING INTENSITIES THROUGH AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TRAINING IN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL KARATEKAS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

"Small sided games," used effectively in many team sports as a form of training, can be mimicked in combat sports by fighting at different subjective intensities, based on adjectives proposed by coaches. This approach could aim at improving aerobic performance by using specific techniques. Nevertheless, an adequate perception of intensity is crucial. The aim of the study was to verify the ability of karatekas to interpret and perceive two different intensities during this integrated approach. Ten international level karatekas (M age = 18 yr., SD = 3, range = 16-25) were asked to fight four matches (2 min. each) either at low or highest intensity. Physiological (heart rate, blood lactate) and perceptual (perceived effort) responses were different between intensities. However, physiological responses at low intensity were higher than expected and did not match effort perception. This could be attributable to the presence of an opponent, which probably raised the level of effort through a competitive component. At the highest intensity, physiological responses were similar to official competitions and other specific training protocols, whereas perceptual responses were higher than values found in literature.