gms | German Medical Science

Objective: The aim was to assess aerobic efficiency and state of nutrition in athletes practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Material/Methods: The study was conducted with the participation of 47 athletes, aged 25±5 years, practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The minimum training period for athletes was 4 years. A criterion for the participation in the study was the requirement of at least 4 trainings of Brazilian jiu-jitsu a week, apart from general development trainings and strength trainings. Body composition was analyzed by the bioelectrical impedance method with a BIA 101S analyzer by AKERN-RJL, using the Bodygram computer software. Measurements of body composition were performed in accordance with the recommended measurement conditions, i.e. on an empty stomach in the morning. Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2_max) by athletes was recorded using a Cosmed K4b2 respirometer during the progressive test at an increasing load on a Kettler X1 cycle ergometer.

Results: Analysis of body composition in athletes practicing BJJ showed a mean content of the adipose tissue of 15.5% body weight. In over 50% examined athletes the adipose tissue was found to be less than 14.9%, with 6.5% athletes having body fat content below 10%. In turn, the level of the adipose tissue over 18% was observed in 27% athletes (in 6.5% athletes FM>23%). Analysis of the fat-free body mass, the muscle tissue mass and total water content showed their values to be on average 83.7%, 54.9% and 62.1%. Maximum oxygen uptake determined during the progressive test was 58.4±8.2 ml/min/kg b.w. We need to stress the fact that the highest oxygen uptake (62.6±8.5 ml/min/kg b.w.) was found for athletes, in whom the level of the adipose tissue was found to be consistent with the physiological norm at 15–18%. In case of individuals with a very low adipose tissue content (FM<10%) VO2_max was 54.5±3.3 ml/min/kg b.w., while the lowest values of VO2_max (51.6±5.9 ml/min/kg b.w.) were observed in athletes with fatness levels at over 23% body weight. In this study correlations were also observed e.g. between oxygen uptake and total water content in the organism (r=0.51, p<0.001), the level of extracellular water (r=0.40, p<0.01), the adipose tissue (r=0.44, p<0.01) and the muscle tissue (r=0.38, p<0.01).

Conclusion: Assessment of body composition showed an appropriate state of nutrition in the analyzed group of athletes. However, a high percentage of athletes was characterized by an excessive level of the adipose tissue. Determined values of maximum oxygen uptake show an average aerobic efficiency of athletes practicing BJJ in comparison to e.g. wrestlers and judokas, which indicates the need to increase its level by appropriate modifications in the character of fitness preparation of athletes. We also need to stress the fact that in athletes exhibiting a moderate level (within physiological norm) of the adipose tissue, a better adaptation is found to aerobic effort. This seems to prove an advantageous relationship between the optimal state of nutrition and physical fitness, with no need to excessively reduce the level of the adipose tissue, which may lead to e.g. weakness and a reduction of effort fitness.