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

NCT06997783 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: PNU2
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 20
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Healthy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT).

  The SJFT will be used to assess judo-specific performance through repeated throwing efforts within defined time intervals. The test consists of three periods of activity (15 seconds, 30 seconds, and 30 seconds) separated by 10-second rest intervals.

  Immediately post-intervention on Day 1, Day 8, and Day 15 (across the 3-week study period)

Study Arms (3)

Standard Warm-Up (SWU):

This condition will involve a typical judo-specific warm-up protocol lasting approximately 25 minutes. It will include: 8-10 minutes of mobility and dynamic flexibility exercises focusing on major joints and muscle groups (e.g., hip circles, arm swings, and leg kicks)

Other: warm up

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

This experimental warm-up condition will consist of the same initial exercises as the SWU, followed by the addition of a moderate-load squat-based PAPE protocol. The structure will include: Back squats performed at 80% of the participant's 6-repetition maximum (6RM) 3 sets of 3 repetitions, performed with maximal effort and proper form, under supervision Rest intervals of 3-5 minutes between sets to allow partial recovery and facilitate potentiation.

Other: warm up

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

This condition will also begin with the same general and judo-specific exercises as the SWU, followed by a high-intensity PAPE protocol: Extended rest periods of 4-5 minutes between the final lift and performance testing to minimize fatigue effects The full warm-up will also be completed within a 25-minute session

Other: warm up

Interventions

warm up OTHER

1. Standard Warm-Up (SWU): This condition will involve a typical judo-specific warm-up protocol lasting approximately 25 minutes. 2. Moderate-Load PAPE Warm-Up (80% of 6RM): This experimental warm-up condition will consist of the same initial exercises as the SWU, followed by the addition of a moderate-load squat-based PAPE protocol. 3. Maximal-Load PAPE Warm-Up (100% of 1RM): This condition will also begin with the same general and judo-specific exercises as the SWU, followed by a high-intensity PAPE protocol: 1-2 sets of a single repetition of back squats at 100% of the participant's 1-repetition maximum (1RM).

A maximal-load PAPE warm-up (100% of 1-repetition maximum); A moderate-load PAPE warm-up (80% of 6-repetition maximum); Standard Warm-Up (SWU):

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 25 Years
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population will consist of elite male judokas aged 18 to 25 years who have a minimum of two years of continuous judo training experience and are actively competing at the national level. Participants will be recruited from local judo clubs and training centers. All individuals must be in good health, free from recent injuries, and capable of performing high-intensity strength and sport-specific exercises. The sample will represent a homogenous group of trained athletes, enabling a focused investigation of post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocols on judo-specific performance outcomes.

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University: lead
• İnönü University: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Van Yuzuncu Yil University

Van, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Warm-Up Exercise

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Exercise; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CROSSOVER
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 21, 2025
• First Posted: May 30, 2025
• Study Start: April 10, 2023
• Primary Completion: May 10, 2024
• Study Completion: June 10, 2024
• Last Updated: May 30, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-05

Locations

TU (1)