The Relationship between the Special Judo Fitness Test and Aerobic Fitness in a Sample of Saudi Judo Athletes

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the relationship between the special judo fitness test (SJFT) and aerobic fitness in a sample of Saudi judo athletes. Fourteen judo athletes (mean ± SD, age, 17.1 ± 4.1 years; body mass, 66.7 ± 21 kg; height, 160.2 ± 13.6 cm) undertook the SJFT and a maximal multistage 20-m shuttle run test to estimate maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max). The mean (±SD) of the index of the SJFT and VO₂ max were 16.2 ± 1.6 and 46.2 ± 5.2 (ml/kg/min^-1), respectively. The SJFT index was in an inverse direct relationship with VO₂max (r = −0.71, p0.02). We conclude that aerobic fitness is associated with judo performance. Our findings corroborate those of other studies on elite judo athletes, who are required to maintain high aerobic fitness levels.