A Novel Approach to Safe Special Fitness Testing in Judo Players

Background: Measurements of physical fitness indices obtained in laboratory tests using an ergometer or a treadmill are very accurate, but they involve selected groups of muscles and do not reproduce the structure of the sport-specific exercise in judo. For this reason, researchers seek for the tests that use movements similar to the characteristic offensive techniques used during competitions (i.e. throwing). The most commonly recommended is the seoi-nage throwing test, known as SJFT (special judo fitness test).The aim of the study was to develop a new test in which uke is replaced by a dummy, in order to reduce the injury rate and ensure the safety of the participants. Methods: : During the 3-week period, competitors from different weight classes performed at the beginning and then after the 2-week period one 1-minute series of continual dummy throws using the o-goshi technique and the seoi-nage technique. Post-exercise physiological responses (heart rate [HR] and blood lactate levels [La]) were evaluated. Results: Significant improvements were reported in o-goshi performance level after the training period. Physiological responses to exercise did not change significantly after training sessions. On both measurement days, post-exercise La levels were similar for o-goshi and seoi-nage throws, whereas post-exercise HR was significantly greater after seoi-nage throws. Conclusions: : The dummy throwing test can be a recommended alternative to uke throwing due to the elimination of the risk of injuries to practising athletes.