The Work Endurance Recovery Method for Quantifying Training Loads in Judo

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Combat Sports Analysis

Background:

• Quantifying training load in judo is crucial for optimizing athlete performance and preventing overtraining.
• Existing methods may not fully capture the specific demands of judo combat (randori).
• The work endurance recovery (WER) method and randori maximal time to exhaustion (RMTE) offer potential for accurate load assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt the work endurance recovery (WER) method, utilizing randori maximal time to exhaustion (RMTE), for quantifying training loads in judo combat.
• To evaluate the reliability and validity of the adapted WER method against established training load quantification techniques.

Main Methods:

• Eleven international-level judo athletes (7 male, 4 female) participated.
• Athletes completed maximal incremental tests, Wingate tests, Special Judo Fitness Tests, and two RMTE sessions.
• Training loads were quantified using the WER method, Stagno method, Lucia method, and session rating of perceived exertion (RPEsession) during a training camp.

Main Results:

• Randori maximal time to exhaustion (RMTE) exhibited high test-retest reliability (ICC = .91).
• RMTE showed moderate to high correlations with performance tests (MIT, WIN, SJFT).
• The adapted WER method demonstrated high correlations with other load quantification methods (RPEsession, Stagno, Lucia), with no significant differences found.

Conclusions:

• The work endurance recovery (WER) method, when adapted with randori maximal time to exhaustion (RMTE), is a reliable and adaptable tool for quantifying judo training loads.
• This approach facilitates the a priori planning of individualized training loads for judo practitioners.
• The findings support the use of the WER-RMTE method for optimizing judo training programs.