Effectiveness of Additional Respiratory Resistance for Physical Fitness of Judo Athletes

Abstract

The development and implementation of scientifically based methods for athletes’ functional status improvement is rather relevant. One of such methods implies additional respiratory resistance (ARR).
 The aim of the study is to determine how additional respiratory resistance influences physical fitness of judo athletes.
 Materials and Methods. The trial subjects (n=42) were divided into two groups. The main group (n=25) trained under ARR equal to 20 % Pmmax, where Pmmax is the maximum intraoral pressure, evaluated under complete mouth and nose overlap. Athletes trained under ARR once a day for 6 weeks. The training session lasted 25 minutes. The control group (n=27) trained without ARR. 
 Results. By the 6th week of physical training under ARR, the athletes of the treatment group demonstrated significant increase in tidal volume (p<0.05), maximum intraoral pressure (p<0.05), and physical performance (p<0.05) compared to the control. Maximum oxygen consumption significantly increased (p<0.05) in the athletes of the treatment group. The most significant changes in speed-strength readiness (compared to the control) were noted in barbell squats (p<0.05), 60-meter and 100-meter dash (p<0.01).
 Conclusion. 6-week training session with ARR equal to 20% Pmmax has a positive effect on the physical fitness of judo athletes.