Judo, Recovery of Function (G11.427.698.620), Athletic Performance, Muscle Fatigue, Adolescent
Conditions
Keywords
judo, recovery, massage, stretching, circadian rhythm, adolescent athletes, blood lactate, countermovement jump
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of three different recovery strategies-sports massage (SM), static stretching (SS), and passive rest (PR)-on physiological and neuromuscular recovery in adolescent male judokas. Additionally, the study investigates the role of diurnal variation (morning vs. evening sessions) on recovery performance. Thirteen competitive adolescent judokas participated in a randomized crossover design. Recovery was assessed using physiological markers such as heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (La-) levels, as well as neuromuscular performance through countermovement jump (CMJ) and medicine ball throw tests. The findings aim to identify the most effective recovery modality for young athletes to optimize performance and prevent overtraining during intensive training or competition schedules.
Detailed description
This study employed a randomized, crossover experimental design to evaluate the efficacy of different recovery modalities in adolescent judokas. Participants underwent three distinct recovery protocols-Sports Massage (SM), Static Stretching (SS), and Passive Rest (PR)-following a standardized high-intensity exercise bout designed to induce fatigue. Each recovery session lasted 15 minutes. To account for the influence of circadian rhythms, the protocols were conducted during both morning (08:00-10:00) and evening (17:00-19:00) sessions, with a minimum of 48 hours between sessions to ensure full recovery. Physiological recovery was monitored through blood lactate concentration (La-) and heart rate (HR) measurements taken at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and at specific intervals during the recovery period. Neuromuscular performance was assessed through the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test to measure lower-body power and the Medicine Ball Throw test for upper-body explosive strength. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the recovery rates and performance maintenance across the three modalities and two diurnal time points.
Interventions
OTHERSports Massage
A 10-minute sports massage protocol was applied to the major muscle groups of the lower and upper body, specifically those involved in judo movements, to facilitate recovery.
OTHERStatic Stretching
A 10-minute static stretching session involving major muscle groups. Each stretch was held for a duration consistent with clinical standards to the point of mild discomfort
OTHERPassive Rest
Participants rested quietly in a seated position for 10 minutes in a neutral environment, with no physical activity or external stimulation.
Sponsors
Inonu University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
A randomized, crossover design where each participant completed three different recovery protocols (Sports massage, Static stretching and Passive rest) in a randomized order
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
10 Years to 13 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Active male judo athletes with at least orange belt * Aged between 10-13 years * Having at least 2 years of experience in judo training * Active participation in national or international competitions * Voluntary participation and signing the informed consent form
Exclusion criteria
* Any chronic disease or cardiovascular problems * Upper or lower limb injuries within last 6 months that might affect performance * Use of performance-enhancing supplements or medications during the study period * Smoking or regular alcohol consumption
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| blood lactate concentration | Measured at 4 time points: Baseline (before exercise), immediately after exercise, 5 minutes after recovery protocol, and 10 minutes after recovery protocol. | Lactate levels were measured to assess the physiological recovery of the participants after judo-specific tasks. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Countermovement jump height | Baselibe (pre-post) and after 10-minute recovery period | Measured in centimeters to assess lower-body explosive power and neuromuscular fatigue |
| Handgrip strength | Baseline (pre-test) and after the 10-minute recovery period | measured in kilograms using a hand dynamometer for both dominant and non-dominant hands to assess upper-body strength |
| Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion | Immediately after the judo match | Subjective assessment of effort using the 6-20 Borg scale |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORÖzgür Eken, Associate Professor
Inonu University, Faculty of Sport Sciences
Outcome results
None listed