Recovery Capacity, Haemodynamic and Blood Lactate Changes during Training and Competition in Elite Congolese Karate Athletes

Background: Rare are the studies which treated the effect of training and successive fights of karate on haemodynamic and blood lactate concentrations responses. Objectives: To evaluate and analyze the aerobic capacity of elite Congolese karate athletes, as well as their haemodynamic and blood lactate concentrations responses changes during Ruffier test and stimulated competition. Methods: Twelve karate athletes (6 seniors and 6 juniors) took part in the study. These karate athletes were selected within the national karate teams (senior and junior) of Congo-Brazzaville. Anthropometric, bioenergetic and haemodynamic (HR, SBP, DBP) parameters and blood lactate [La] concentrations were measured at rest, immediately after the end of Ruffier test and each fight (n = 3). Results: Peak aerobic power (PAP) and maximum oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) values averaged 437 ± 23 watts and 57.61 ± 2.2 ml/kg/mn, values varying as function as anaerobic and aerobic capacities. The karate training program in Congo should emphasize more gold improvising lower body anaerobic power and endurance.


Introduction
Karate is a martial art of Japanese origin, attack and defense using the arms and legs [1] [2]. Very popular sport, the goal of its practice is to impose itself on the other by carrying out a decisive action (ippon or more advantage) while striking in a vital point or making give up. Karate was a demonstration sport in the Olympics Games before becoming year official sport in the 2020 Olympics Games in Tokyo. The time-motion analysis and heart rate and blood lactate responses to the fights suggested that karate competition places high demands on one short-term anaerobic power and ability to recovery [3]. The research of performance for a practitioner is characterized by complex problems. Thus, the increasing knowledge of the physiological phenomena brought into play in the high level sporting preparation makes it possible to better define its effects and to control its progression. The organized competition of weight category rests on fights of min duration each one; the surface of competition is 64 m 2 (8 m on side). Consequently, the techniques used with the maximum of effectiveness and power ask for training of often high intensity, including running, endurance and muscular resistance exercises, series of kicks techniques, strike blows techniques of fist and edge of hand. For good to involve itself, one thus makes recourse mainly to the anaerobic metabolic way, but also to the aerobic way [2]. It is in this context that several studies have been undertaken in karate black belt athletes for more than 20 years [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]. In Congo, the studies devoted to the haemodynamic responses to exercise at the martial arts practice are rare [9] and the heart rate observed during meetings in the majority of the competitive sports is always very high [10]. In the margin of these observations, the medical follow-up of sportsmen taking share with the tests registered with the official calendar of the competitions of the Congolese Karate Federation is irregular, even specific. It is to fill this gap that we carried out a metabolic and cardiovascular follow-up in the karate athletes, during the preparation of the national championship. Thus, this exploratory work evaluates haemodynamic and blood lactate concentrations responses during the training and the fights in Congolese karate athletes according to the age category. The objectives of this study were: 1) to evaluate and analyze peak aerobic power (PAP) and maximum oxygen consumption (VO 2 max) of Congolese karate athletes; 2) to determine their re-covery capacity, following a submaximal exercise; 3) to evaluate and analyze the variations of heart rate, blood pressure and blood lactate concentrations throughout fights. The interest of this study is to be able to draw the conclusions on level of regulation and control of training of karate in the African environment.

Topics
The study, observational and experimental, was carried out from September 27 2019 to October 9 2019 in Brazzaville, Congo-Brazzaville. The sample of study was made up starting from the karate athletes qualified with the national karate championship. To participate in this study, a clinical examination and an electrocardiogram made it possible to determine the following medical history: neuropathy, unstable angina, history of effort syncope, tight aortic stenosis or obstructive cardiomyopathy; karate athletes not presenting these exclusion criteria and those not carrying associated pathologies or cardiorespiratory complications were selected. Other exclusion criteria were: taking medication that could affect metabolism or change body; participation in a rapid weight loss (2% -10%) program for competing in a designated weight category. Twelve sportsmen, all black belts and no smokers, were included in the study after written informed agrees. They were distributed according to the age in 6 seniors (20 -30 years, 24.7 ± 3.5 years) and 6 juniors (16 -19 years, 17.1 ± 1.2 years). They have 7 years of training experiment. Seven subjects took part in at least an international competition, the others with a national tournament. Among the first subjects, among then two of the subjects had obtained a silver medal to African Games 2015. The study received the approval of the National Committee of Ethics for Research in Health Sciences. Employment status of each subject was assessed by the question, "Are you currently working?". Consumption of alcohol was determined based on the respondent's declaration of drinking alcohol (not drinking or formerly drinking alcohol). Participants were also categorized for smoking status as current smokers, ex-smokers, and non-smokers.
During the period of study, the time volume of training was 15

Anthropometric Measurements
Anthropometric measurements consisted of the determination of weight using electronic balance to nearest 100 g (Seca Instruments Ltd., Hamburg, Germany), height and percentage of fatty mass (% FM) evaluated from the 4 cutaneous skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular, iliac-crest) using Harpenden caliper (Lange, Cambridge, MA, USA), according to formula of Durnin and Rahaman [11]. The arm length was measured the wrist circumference. Leg length was measured from the midpoint of line joining the uppermost circumference to the iliac crest, down the minimum circumference above the ankle. values were recorded at rest, after Ruffier test and after each fight using a Spengler tensiometer by the procedure Riva-Rocci.

Aerobic Capacity
A continuous exercise with increasing load on ergocycle allowed the determination by direct measurement of PAP and VO 2 max, using an automated system of measurement of gaseous exchanges (CPX, Medical Graphics, Munich, Germany). The test started with a heating of 3 min to 30 watts. For the determination of PAP, cycling frequency was fixed at 75 rpm, the power at the first stage was 75 w, and the increments at 30 w. Duration at the first stage was 4 min and that of the 2 minute old following. The test was stopped when the subject did not manage anymore to maintain imposed cycling frequency, in spite of the lavished encouragements. PAP value corresponds to the power supported at the last stage of this test. However, when this one was stopped before its term. Value of selected power was calculated according to following procedure: where P complete is the power at the last stage carried out completely, t the time of cycling put at the last incomplete stage, t stage the time of a complete stage and ∆P the increment of power for each stage.
With regard to determination of VO 2 max, the load increased by 30 w/min except at the end of the test where the increase was reduced to 20 w/min in order to approach in a precise way measurement of the maximal parameters. A valid VO 2 max was obtained when at least 2 of these 3 criteria were met: 1) plateau in VO 2 lower than 200 ml/min in spite of increasing work rate, 2) maximal HR > 90% of predicted theoretical maximum HR according to formula [14]: HR max = 220 -age ± 10, and 3) respiratory exchange ratio of ≥1.10.

Lactate Measurements
Blood lactate concentrations were measured using the instructions of the KDK Corporation (Lactate Pro-LT 1710, Tokyo, Japan). The taking away were carried out on the level of the index, at rest and at the end of each fight. All measurements were carried out in an identical way with the same material, according to the same protocol and in the same room of fight.

Research Design
During the experimentation, each subject was regarded as its own witness. A meeting of familiarization with the experimental protocol and the material was carried out for each subject. At this meeting of familiarization, the unfolding of fights was carried out with a cardiofrequencemeter similar to that used in the experimentation. If VO 2 max were measured at a subject at rest before the series of fights, HR max , SBP and DBP were measured at rest and during the phases of fight. Each subject carried out a fight with the same partner of the same weight category. Each karate meeting included/understood a cardiovascular activation, an articular and muscular heating, and a specific heating of karate. Lastly, the 2 min 30 of fight took place. The time of fight being an effective time, it was proceeded to a chronometric statement of the durations of the various phases of work and recovery to facilitate the analysis of results. The combat organized in return ticket were spaced one day. To work out the situations of karate fight, we took into account two constraints: on the one hand the brittleness of portable cardiofrequencemeter and on the other hand, the concern of preserving the uncertainty (characteristic of the combat sports which gives the possibility for the two protagonists of gaining).

Statistical Analysis
Data are expressed on mean ± standard deviation. The comparison of two means was carried out using Student t test for paired series. The variations of HR, SBP and DBP values, [La] concentrations between the rest and the end of each fight were examined by an ANOVA with one way and 4 factors. Thereafter, the post hoc Scheffe test made it possible to specify between which levels these differences were exactly. Differences were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS/PC Statistical Social Package for Science (version 23.0).

Anthropometric Data
Examination of morphological data (Table 1) shows a significant difference (p < 0.05) for height and weight, in favour of the seniors. Difference was not significant for body fat percent, BMI, leg length and arm length.

Cardiovascular Data
HR, SBP and DBP values at rest (Table 2) were no significant, no statistical difference was found between seniors and juniors. Differences of mean values of RI were also no significant (Table 2).
HR, SBP and DBP values at rest and at the end of Ruffier test are presented in Table 3. The increasing rate of HR during Ruffier test was +48.7% at the seniors and +50% among juniors in comparison to HR at rest. It was also raised of the significant differences (p < 0.001) on the level of SBP at the end of the test. SBP values reached 132.8 ± 1.4 mmHg in seniors and 134.3 ± 3.2 mmHg among juniors, as deviation respectively of 20.8% and 15.0% compared to the value at rest.

Aerobic Capacity
PAP and VO 2 max values are shown in Table 4. These values were similar in two age divisions. However, the high values were found in senior athletes, except for VO 2 max reported to weight (3.59 ± 0.24 l/min for juniors vs 3.41 ± 0.27 l/min for seniors).

Evolution of Heart Rate during Fights
The evolution of the HR during 3 fights is described in Figure 1. The post-hoc

Evolution of Blood Pressure during Fights
In the whole of the subjects, SBP values increased significantly compared to the values at rest (Figure 2). It was observed exercise effect (F = 7.81; p < 0.006) and age effect (F = 5.17; p < 0.003). However, ANOVA revealed a non-significant increase in DBP values during fights in comparison to values at rest (Figure 3). The exercise effect and the age effect were not found.

Evolution of Concentrations of Blood Lactates
Blood lactate concentrations ( Figure 4)

Discussion
This study shows mainly that the specific karate exercises and the simulated competition significantly affect the evolution of HR, SBP and [La] concentrations in the athlete. Data obtained reveal that age, weight and height of our subjects (Table 1)  It is about a dynamic and submaximal test a minima. Its total energy cost in 45 s estimated at 27.8 ± 1.95 ml STPD/kg, cardiac cost at 101 beats (60 to 144) and oxygen debt at 22.2 ± 5 ml STPD/kg [12]. Ruffier test allows, in current medical practice, to detect in sensitive populations blood pressure anomalies (SBP value higher than 280 mmHg), disorders of rhythm (passage in auricular fibrillation, or tachysystolic auricular) and anginous pains or an honest know-shift of the ST segment. However, duration of test (45 s) and its intensity are major factors which influence recovery, but they are not only. The physical form, food ingestion (post-prandial thermogenesis), familiarity of subjects with the procedures of evaluation, variations of body temperature, catecholamines concentrations, metabolic cost of the use of lactates and substrates, are as many factors which can modify not only HR, but also oxygen uptake. It is cavity that at the time of a muscular exercise, it is very difficult to control the whole of parameters; but we could assure us that each subject consumed neither alcohol, nor cafeine or other substances before Ruffier test and that its sleep was good the night preceding the test. Moreover, we adopted a rhythm of inflections-extensions of legs, compatible with an activity with lactic anaerobic dominant. This protocol made it possible to raise the HR at the end of the test between 110 -140 bpm and authorized raised capacities for work, likely not to modify the lactate rate. That undoubtedly explains the good tolerance of exercise observed at our subjects, thanks to a spreading out of the cardiorespiratory constraints over one limited duration. The use of cardiofrequencemeter for the monitoring of HR in our study which can be discussed, achieves the unanimity nowadays because it is a reliable tool for assessment of physical activity intensity in trained athletes and older people who are trying to reduce risk factors for coronary heart disease through exercise [19].
Thus, the adaptation slower to the recovery of our karate athletes testifies to an increase in peripheral resistances, accused in the opposition to the modifications induced by physical exercise. Moreover, it is known that values of the relaxation time differ according to capacities from adaptation in hot medium surrounding [20], one characteristic of our environment during study where the temperatures of ambient air bordered 33˚C. Thus, at these temperatures the time of retardation is lengthened at the less adapted subjects, and the speed with which the restoration of the cardiac function is carried out towards values at rest is lengthened. The exposure of the body to heat then modifies the dynamics of mechanisms of cardiovascular adjustment during post-exercise recovery. However, evaluation of recovery capacity in the sportsman is not sufficient to predict the good physical condition, as specified by the studies of Packa-Tchissambou et al. [21], Vandewalle et al. [22].
Our work also highlighted the superiority of our HR values in comparison to those noted by MassambaMiabaou et al. [23] during African Games 2015 in karate athletes, 62.7 bpm and taekwondo athletes, 61.3 bpm, Moulongo et al. [9] in Congolese judo athletes, 64.5 bpm, and Artioli et al. [24] in Kung Fu athletes, 59.2 bpm. HR values at rest of our subjects (  [27] in the professional football players, HR at rest decreases by a beat per minute, by week of training. The more one is involved, the more HR at rest drops. According to Chatard [28], HR at rest in the individuals who involve themselves regularly is often lower than 50 bpm (effects on sympathetic nerve tonicity), whereas the usual values at the sedentary subjects are higher than 60 bpm. Indeed, sinusal bradycardia meets with higher frequency in sporting population than in sedentary population. Its origin is allotted partly to vagal hypertonicity as can develop it the endurance sport, but a genetic factor predisposing seems necessary. Bradycardia is indeed far from being systematic as show it the following statistics. For Camus [29], out of 1000 Moreover, HR values were increasing throughout the 3 fights, ranged between 72% -89% of the theoretical HR max (Figure 1). If the fight is the meeting which increases more the rate of heart rhythm, HR increasing is significant as of the 1stfight. This increase is concomitant with those of SBP values ( Figure 2) and lactatemia ( Figure 4) which are also statistically significant and progressive.  [37] suggested that the overall energy requirement (VO eq ) given by the sum of VO 2 and VO 2 -lactate is very high for the karate style. The zone of aerobic-anaerobic transition determined by a lactatemia from 4 mmol/l is thus rather close to the maximum effort.
All things considered, validation of two criteria out of the three brought back by literature [38], namely: relatively high VO 2 max, low lactatemia and HR max , suggest that our karate athletes developed a significant aerobic endurance by their training.
Finally, a fight of karate can be regarded as an intermittent anaerobic exercise, which is close to the concept of alternatively aerobic and anaerobic activity proposed byDel Monte and Menchinelli [39]. Using kihon and ju-kumite exercise which belong to "the culture'' karate athletes, the latter request enormously aerobic way to carry out the gestural economy. However, the competitive preparation requires the development of the anaerobic metabolism because techniques used at the time of fights, ju-kumite and kihon solicit by brief, explosive, intense and fast actions of upper and lower limbs. Analysis of our results leads us to draw conclusions for training. In terms of training for karate in the pre-competitive period, we have noted that the heart rate and the lactatemia vary with the intensity of the fights during the competition. Thus, the coach can relate to a graph HR values-[La] concentrations. We then establish the profile of the homogeneity or the discrepancy of aerobic training. The intermittent test of 2 min 30 -60 s -2 min 30 and successive fights have a good performance. This profile highlights the sectors that must be improved as a priority and the procedures to be used.
For example, the trainer can insert in his training cycle one or two microcycles where he would use in priority the intermittent forms of work of the type 2 min -2 min, 3 min -3 min, 4 min -4 min to reach relatively quickly 2 min -30 s, 3 min -45 s, 4 min -1 min. It is therefore a question of efficiency that is to say of the adaptation of systems to a type of effort specific to karate. In addition, we also believe that it is possible to offer high performance senior athletes, particularly to the classic training sessions, sessions favoring short duration and high intensity exercises. In terms of junior training, the content of the sessions must be adapted to meet the physiological demands expressed for this age category. World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases Indeed, the use of anaerobic metabolism in adolescents at the end of puberty is strongly recommended. Since the energy expenditure in karate in competitive form requires brief and intense exercises requesting the anaerobic metabolism, it is necessary to be vigilant as for the situations to be set up in the sessions of competitive preparation.

Conclusion
Our study showed that the karate Congolese experts have a moderate recovery capacity and a required aerobic capacity. The evolution of HR, SBP and [La] concentrations during fights shows the importance of anaerobic and aerobic metabolisms to karate practice. This work thus makes it possible to validate the reliability of variables: HR, SBP, DBP, blood lactate concentrations to discriminate a certain number of karate experts during a selection starting from the cardiovascular and metabolic criteria relevant. Thus, the karate trainer, in the sub-Saharan African environment, can start from these criteria simple and easy to implement to build a system of control of training.