Perceived training intensity and performance changes quantification in judo.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Judo Training

Background:

• Effective long-term training quantification is crucial for optimizing performance in young athletes.
• Previous models for judo training load (TL) and performance adaptation require further validation.
• Understanding the relationship between training intensity and athlete response is key for junior development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the most appropriate quantification methods for training load (TL) and performance in cadet and junior judo athletes.
• To model the responses to long-term training in young judo athletes.
• To establish a simple and effective method for relating training quantification to performance changes.

Main Methods:

• Collected data over a 2-year period from 10 junior male judo athletes.
• Quantified training load (TL) using session rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in arbitrary units (a.u.).
• Assessed performance using competition data (points per level) and training tests (physical battery, judo-specific tests).

Main Results:

• The quality of fit between TL and performance was similar whether TL was computed directly from RPE or session RPE (R = 0.55–0.56).
• Significant relationships were found in 8 out of 10 athletes when excluding the standing jump test.
• Quantifying training amounts simply from RPE yielded the best relationships between training and performance changes.

Conclusions:

• Session rating of perceived exertion (RPE) provides a valid and simple method for quantifying training load (TL) in junior judo athletes.
• This approach effectively models the relationship between training volume and performance adaptations over the long term.
• The findings offer a practical tool for coaches to optimize training prescription and monitor athlete development in judo.