Determining the optimal areas of effort in terms of force and force-velocity based on the functional state of the neuromuscular system in the training of elite female judokas

Abstract

Background The evaluation of the functional state of the neuromuscular system (NMS) in elite female judokas according to the muscular activity indices is influenced by the force (F) and force-velocity (F-V) efforts. The implementation of the individual correction plan in the elite female judokas’ process of instruction and training must be based on the accurate determination of the force and force-velocity effort areas throughout the training and competitive periods. Methods The research involved 44 elite female judokas, divided in to two experimental groups (A, C) and two control groups (B, D). To diagnose the NMS, 21 elite female judokas were evaluated, belonging to different classification categories, divided into three groups: group I–category I (Cat. I), group II–candidates for Masters of Sports (CMS) and group III—Masters of Sports (MS).The evaluation of NMS was performed at the end of each two-week cycle, using 3 tests: Tmax—time to reach the maximum muscle contraction, (msec); Fy –examination of elasticity indices in different muscles, (Hz); J–explosive muscular strength, (kg/s). Measurements were made for six muscle groups and 9 indices of fitness tests: 5 force tests (F) and 4 force-velocity tests (F-V). The research was carried out during 24 cycles, each one lasting two weeks: 12 training cycles and 12 competitive ones. Each cycle lasted two weeks. During the research, the model plan of training for F and F-V was used, determining the optimal areas of F and F-V training efforts in the preparation and competitive periods. In the experimental groups (A and C), according to the data of judokas’ NMS functional state evaluation, the individual correction of the F and F-V efforts was performed every two weeks. As for the control groups (B, D), traditional methods of training were used. Results The NMS evaluation of the female judokas was made every two weeks and the level of correlation of Tmax, Fy and J indices was determined. The value of the Fy index at F effort is 32% in group I, 30% - in group II, 27% - in group III, 28–30% at the effort of F-V. The total number of corrections in group A: 79 negative corrections and 59 positive corrections, while in group C: 65 negative corrections and 89 positive ones. Within the F-V effort, the number of effort corrections in group A was: 68 negative corrections and 92 positive; in group C - 81 positive and 78 negative corrections. The female judokas’ results in the final stage of EG–A were significantly improved in F indices by 52.15%, F-V by 6.22% and 6.18%. In the EG–C, the F increased considerably by 7.52%, F-V by 5.67% and 7.20%. These results characterize the level of physical training. Conclusion The functional state of the NMS in elite judokas, determined according to the temporal indices of reaching the maximal muscular contraction, the muscle explosive strength and the muscles elasticity, is subjected to dynamics under the influence of force effort and force-velocity effort.