Acute Effects of Moderate and Maximal Squat Loading on Ju-do-Specific Performance in Elite Judokas

Acute Effects of Moderate and Maximal Squat Loading

This study will investigate the acute effects of two squat-based post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocols-moderate load (80% of 6RM) and maximal load (100% of 1RM)-on judo-specific performance in elite male judokas. A total of 20 national-level male judokas will participate in a randomized, counterbalanced protocol across a 3-week period. Each participant will complete standard and experimental warm-up sessions followed by the Special Judo Fitness Test. Outcome measures will include total throws, immediate and 1-minute post-exercise heart rates, and the performance index. The study aims to determine the optimal PAPE intensity for enhancing performance while minimizing fatigue in combat sport athletes.

This study will examine the acute effects of two different squat-based post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocols on judo-specific performance in elite male judokas. The purpose is to identify an optimal loading strategy that enhances performance without inducing excessive fatigue, which is critical for pre-competition preparation in combat sports.

A total of 20 male judokas with at least two years of competitive experience at the national level will be recruited. Participants will undergo three different warm-up conditions in a randomized, counterbalanced order over a 3-week period:

A standard warm-up (SWU) based on typical judo routines

A moderate-load PAPE warm-up (80% of 6-repetition maximum)

A maximal-load PAPE warm-up (100% of 1-repetition maximum)

Each warm-up session will last approximately 25 minutes. After each warm-up, participants will perform the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT), which assesses anaerobic capacity, throwing ability, and recovery. Outcome measures will include the number of total throws, immediate and 1-minute post-test heart rate, and the SJFT performance index.

It is expected that the moderate-load (80%) PAPE protocol will yield the greatest improvements in judo-specific performance, offering a better balance between muscle potentiation and fatigue than the maximal-load (100%) or standard warm-up conditions. These findings will inform practical warm-up strategies for combat sport athletes aiming to enhance performance immediately before competition.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male judokas aged 18-25 years
• Minimum of 2 years of continuous judo training experience
• Active participation in national-level judo competitions
• Free from injury for at least 6 months prior to the study
• Able to perform high-intensity resistance and sport-specific exercises
• Willing to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current musculoskeletal injury or medical condition affecting performance
• History of surgery within the last 6 months
• Cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological conditions contraindicating intense physical activity
• Use of medications that affect muscle performance or recovery
• Participation in other performance-enhancement or warm-up research studies during the study period
• Inability to follow study instructions or complete testing protocols