Physiological and Biochemical Changes in Adolescent Judo Athletes Caused by Training During Start Period

Abstract

Study aim: The goal of the present study was to estimate and compare dynamics of physical fitness indices of judo athletes and non-sporting persons aged 11-17 years during this stage ontogeny and their importance of the body’s functional adaptation. Study material: The studies involved 47 judo athletes, 11–17 years old, who were divided into three age groups GP 11-13 years n=16; GP 14-15 years n=16; GP 16-17 years n=15, and 48 schoolchildren not involved in sports GK 11-13 years n=16; GK 14-15 years n=15; GK 16-17 years n=17. Aerobic and anaerobic capacity was studied in all groups. The initial studies were carried out in January and follow-up studies were conducted six months later. Results: Power indicators increased in all groups, but judo athletes’ anaerobic capacity was significantly higher comparing to other groups. Judo athletes’ simulation fights resulted in increased La concentrations, pH changes, and heart rate alterations, whereas the level of changes depended on athletes’ age, training, and training experience. Comparison of maximum oxygen intake parameters of judo players and untrained children of the same age did not reveal significant differences between these groups. Wrestlers aged 12 and 16 years presented significantly higher anaerobic prevalence in comparison with untrained children. The differences indicate that anaerobic performance potential in older judo athletes (16 years old and above) is increased, which is reflected by a higher intensity and elevated exercise loads as well as training experience. Conclusions: No significant differences were reported in terms of VO2 max between the study groups. The indicators of anaerobic performance of children training in judo (W/kg, W average /kg, Time achieved max power, Time to maintain max power) were significantly better in comparison with untrained peers. The maximum loads (Wingate test, especially in simulative judo fights) caused a significant increase in La levels accompanied by a decrease in pH in the chosen period of growth period.