Author(s): TILL, J., CLOAK, R., LANE, A.M., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 1437

INTRODUCTION:
Altitude training is a commonly used strategy to enhance endurance performance. With greater access to altitude centres, a greater number of athletes from a range of different sports have used altitude training. Given the importance of specificity in a training programme, it is important to tailor altitude training to the demands of each sport. Practices to using altitude training amongst combat sports such as judo remain largely unknown. Therefore, the aims of this study were threefold: to explore: 1) the practices to using altitude training in judo athletes, coaches, and practitioners (hereafter referred to as “performance staff”); 2) the perceptions of judokas and performance staff in relation to the use of altitude training; 3) the educational methods implemented by performance staff and judokas regarding altitude training.
METHODS:
11 judokas and 9 performance staff completed an online questionnaire comprised of 5 sections: (1) informed consent; (2) participant information; (3) altitude practices; (4) education and understanding; (5) altitude perceptions. Closed questions were explored using frequency analysis and a 6-step thematic analysis was completed for open-ended questions.
RESULTS:
Judo athletes and performance staff primarily used altitude training to improve performance at sea-level (20%) and competition performance at sea-level (20%). Altitude training to improve competition performance at altitude was rare (60%). Using a normobaric chamber (10%) was the most common way of altitude training, with training conducted at moderate altitudes (2,100-2,600 m) were most frequently reported (15%). With training programmes being for 3-4 weeks (10%). Only 35% of respondents had received (judokas) or delivered (performance staff) education on altitude training. The main provider of education amongst judokas were sport scientists (30%) and the use of journal articles as the primary source of information (35%). Most respondents (55%) reported fitness enhancement (e.g. improved aerobic capacity) as the main benefit of altitude training and lifestyle barriers (e.g. cost) (45%) as the primary drawback. 30% of respondents agree that altitude training benefits judo performance and 25% believe it to be beneficial to improving fitness.
CONCLUSION:
Findings demonstrate altitude training is not currently common practice in judo although judokas and performance staff seem to perceive altitude training as beneficial to both fitness development and judo performance. Generally, altitude training is used by judokas and performance staff to improve sea-level performance rather than performance at altitude, which is likely to reflect where competition takes place. Few judokas had received education on altitude training. The present study is being extended to increase sample size to explore the generalizability of findings. Finally, some judokas and performance staff seem to perceive altitude training as beneficial to both fitness development and judo performance.