Author(s)

Jean Georges André Moulongo^1*, Jean Martin Moussoki¹, Elvina Lys Surêche Massamba², Fêtra Nella Massala Kitanga¹, Bernard Packa Tchissambou¹, Jean Robert Mabiala Babela³, Alphonse Massamba¹

¹Laboratory of Sport Biosciences and Combat Sports Research Unit, Higher Institute of Physical Education and Sports, Marien NGOUABI University, Brazzaville, Congo.
²Laboratory “Health and Adapted Physical Activities”, Higher Institute of Physical Education and Sports, Marien NGOUABI University, Brazzaville, Congo.
³Pediatrics Department, Brazzaville University Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, Marien NGOUABI University, Brazzaville, Congo.

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 (VO₂ max) values averaged 437 ± 23 watts and 57.61 ± 2.2 ml/kg/mn, values varying as function as age division (senior vs junior). The recovery index was 5.4 ± 3.4 for juniors and 6.8 ± 3.2 for seniors. SBP, HR and [La] concentrations increased significantly during fights, compared to the resting values. HR_max was 182.3 ± 1.6 bpm (89% theoretical HR_max) for seniors and 182.0 ± 13.5 bpm (86% theoretical HR_max) for juniors. Peak [La] concentrations were 10.3 ± 1.5 mmol/l for seniors and 10.8 ± 1.2 mmol/l for juniors. Conclusion: Congolese karate athletes call upon high levels of the anaerobic and aerobic capacities. The karate training program in Congo should emphasize more gold improvising lower body anaerobic power and endurance.

Karate, Peak Aerobic Power, Maximum Oxygen Uptake, Heart Rate, Blood Lactate

Moulongo, J. , Moussoki, J. , Massamba, E. , Kitanga, F. , Tchissambou, B. , Babela, J. and Massamba, A. (2020) Recovery Capacity, Haemodynamic and Blood Lactate Changes during Training and Competition in Elite Congolese Karate Athletes. World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases, 10, 257-273. doi: 10.4236/wjcd.2020.105024.