Training Protocols and Specific Performance in Judo Athletes: A Systematic Review

da Silva, LS, Neto, NRT, Lopes-Silva, JP, Leandro, CG, and Silva-Cavalcante, MD. Training protocols and specific performance in judo athletes: A systematic review. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2021-The aim of this systematic review was to describe different training protocols (e.g., resistance training, high-intensity interval training [HIIT], sprint IT, standard judo training [SJT], and aerobic training [AT]) used to improve neuromuscular adaptation and performance in specific tests with judo athletes. In addition, comparisons were made of the training protocols in the articles analyzed. The searches were conducted using the electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Cochrane. This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Search terms included martial arts, judo, physical endurance, physical conditioning, training, strength training, resistance training, IT, HIIT, adults, and young adult. A total of 9,230 articles were initially identified. Based on the inclusion criteria, 19 published studies were selected. Approximately 94.7% of studies analyzed used the traditional judo training method, and 57.9% of the articles analyzed introduced the high-intensity interval protocol, whereas 57.9% of the articles analyzed used strength training, and 31.5% of the articles analyzed used AT. Of the 19 studies analyzed, 3 contained female athletes in their samples, representing 15% of the studies, and 4.3% of the athletes who participated in the analyzed studies were women. In addition, some studies reported interventions with more than 1 training method used throughout the training program. It seems that the HIIT methods and SJT promoted greater effects on physiological and neuromuscular adaptations in judo athletes than other methods.