Monitoring Internal Training Load, Stress-Recovery Responses, and Immune-Endocrine Parameters in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training

Abstract

Monitoring internal training load, stress-recovery responses, and immune-endocrine parameters in Brazilian jiu-jitsu training. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 723-731, 2022-This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between training loads, stress, and immune-endocrine markers during a precompetitive period in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) athletes. For this, 12 athletes were submitted to 1 physical and 1 technicaltactical training session per day, 5 days a week, for 7 weeks. The saliva sampling and physical tests (countermovement jump [CMJ] and squat jump [SJ]) were performed before starting the training period (pre) and at the fourth week (4-week) and eighth week (post). Session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) and the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire-Sport (RESTQ) were applied, and the training load was calculated weekly. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and the Friedman test were used, with significance levels set at p , 0.05. Increased training loads were recorded by the sRPE method in technical-tactical training sessions (p , 0.05). Higher physical loads were reported by athletes during weeks 1-4, contributing to overall higher training load, monotony, and strain during this period (p , 0.05). Increased perception of stress, by the RESTQ, and cortisol were detected, whereas decreased salivary testosterone and salivary immunoglobulin A were observed at 4 weeks (p , 0.05). No significant differences were detected in CMJ and SJ tests, suggesting that training neither elicited significant fatigue and underperformance nor improved strength performance. However, decreasing physical training loads appeared to reduce symptoms of stress and improved recovery, favoring immune recovery and anabolic balance. Thus, the sRPE seems to be a reliable and simple method to monitor training loads in BJJ athletes because variation in values was related to the RESTQ and physiological responses to training loads.

Modification of Diurnal Cortisol Secretion in Women’s Professional Basketball. A Pilot Study

“…When comparing our results with those published by other authors this accumulation of training, not during a specific week as we have studied, but assessing up to 7 consecutive weeks of top-level training, show that a higher increase in salivary cortisol appears from the fifth week, as well as an increase in the perception of stress among the players' [35]. In this same sense, a progressive increase of salivary cortisol throughout the whole season as a result of top-level physical activity is correlated with a gradual increase in physical and emotional or mental exhaustion in the last weeks of the season, that can end up leading to a loss in interest for professional sports or even depression [36].…”

The Salivary Concentration of Chemical Elements in Response to Training Loads in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes

“…So, increased salivary Cl secretion may be observed when athletes were at rest and physically recovered. Recovery is associated with high parasympathetic tonus 33 , whereas periods of intensified training decreased the parasympathetic tonus and increased the physiological stress 14,34 Indeed, our previous study found a high degree of stress and under-recovery in BJJ athletes at 4 weeks, compared to Pre ant Post moments 14 , which may contribute to impaired Cl secretion.…”

“…The TXRF of saliva samples demonstrated that the concentration of some essential (Cl and K) and trace elements (Mn, Cu, Br, Rb) were significantly reduced after a period of intense training, except Zn. A previous work of our research groups demonstrated that saliva is an easy sample and non-invasive method to monitor physiological responses to intensified training periods, such as anabolic/ stress balance and immunity 14 . Another study demonstrated that several salivary chemical elements were detected (P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Br, and Rb) in saliva and modulated by physical efforts 2 .…”

Intra-unit reliability and movement variability of submission grappling external load as measured by torso mounted accelerometery

“…Submission grappling refers to a series of skills, techniques and movements used in a range of combat sports including: Brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ), mixed martial arts (MMA), sambo, wrestling and judo [ 1 ]. The aim is for participants to attain and maintain a dominant position over an opponent in order to apply joint manipulations or choke holds to make them admit defeat by ‘submitting’ [ 2 ]. While submission grappling techniques are a secondary skill in wrestling, judo and sambo [ 3 – 5 ], they are a key skill component in both MMA and BJJ respectively [ 6 , 7 ].…”