Attentive Processes and Blood Lactate in the Sambo

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Neuroscience
• Physiology

Background:

• Sambo, a martial art from the Soviet Union, has two styles: Sport Sambo and Combat Sambo.
• Limited research exists on Sambo's physiological effects, especially on cognitive functions like attention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between increased blood lactate and changes in attention intensity and selectivity in Sambo athletes.
• To differentiate the cognitive effects of Sport Sambo versus Combat Sambo.

Main Methods:

• Sixteen experienced male Sambo athletes underwent both Sport Sambo and Combat Sambo matches.
• Blood lactate levels and attentional capacities (reaction time, errors, omissions) were measured pre-match, post-match, and 15 minutes post-match.

Main Results:

• Sport Sambo showed no significant changes in attention despite a moderate blood lactate increase.
• Combat Sambo resulted in a significant blood lactate rise (above 4 mmol/L) and a notable decline in attentional performance.

Conclusions:

• Combat Sambo significantly impairs attentional mechanisms when blood lactate exceeds the Onset of Blood Lactate Accumulation (OBLA) threshold.
• These findings highlight the distinct physiological and cognitive demands of Combat Sambo compared to Sport Sambo.