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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07586007

Recovery Strategies and Diurnal Variation in Adolescent Judokas

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of three different recovery strategies-sports massage (SM), static stretching (SS), and passive rest (PR)-on physiological and neuromuscular recovery in adolescent male judokas. Additionally, the study investigates the role of diurnal variation (morning vs. evening sessions) on recovery performance.

Thirteen competitive adolescent judokas participated in a randomized crossover design. Recovery was assessed using physiological markers such as heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (La-) levels, as well as neuromuscular performance through countermovement jump (CMJ) and medicine ball throw tests. The findings aim to identify the most effective recovery modality for young athletes to optimize performance and prevent overtraining during intensive training or competition schedules.

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Key information

Conditions

Judo Adolescent Athletic Performance Muscle Fatigue Recovery of Function (G11.427.698.620)

Age range

10 year–13 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Inonu University, Faculty of Sport Sciences

Malatya, 44280, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

This study employed a randomized, crossover experimental design to evaluate the efficacy of different recovery modalities in adolescent judokas. Participants underwent three distinct recovery protocols-Sports Massage (SM), Static Stretching (SS), and Passive Rest (PR)-following a standardized high-intensity exercise bout designed to induce fatigue.

Each recovery session lasted 15 minutes. To account for the influence of circadian rhythms, the protocols were conducted during both morning (08:00-10:00) and evening (17:00-19:00) sessions, with a minimum of 48 hours between sessions to ensure full recovery.

Physiological recovery was monitored through blood lactate concentration (La-) and heart rate (HR) measurements taken at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and at specific intervals during the recovery period. Neuromuscular performance was assessed through the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test to measure lower-body power and the Medicine Ball Throw test for upper-body explosive strength. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the recovery rates and performance maintenance across the three modalities and two diurnal time points.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Active male judo athletes with at least orange belt
  • Aged between 10-13 years
  • Having at least 2 years of experience in judo training
  • Active participation in national or international competitions
  • Voluntary participation and signing the informed consent form

Exclusion criteria

  • Any chronic disease or cardiovascular problems
  • Upper or lower limb injuries within last 6 months that might affect performance
  • Use of performance-enhancing supplements or medications during the study period
  • Smoking or regular alcohol consumption

Treatment and study plan

Sports Massage

Other

A 10-minute sports massage protocol was applied to the major muscle groups of the lower and upper body, specifically those involved in judo movements, to facilitate recovery.

Other names: SM

Static Stretching

Other

A 10-minute static stretching session involving major muscle groups. Each stretch was held for a duration consistent with clinical standards to the point of mild discomfort

Other names: SS

Passive Rest

Other

Participants rested quietly in a seated position for 10 minutes in a neutral environment, with no physical activity or external stimulation.

Other names: PS

Primary outcomes

  1. blood lactate concentration

    Time frame: Measured at 4 time points: Baseline (before exercise), immediately after exercise, 5 minutes after recovery protocol, and 10 minutes after recovery protocol.

    Lactate levels were measured to assess the physiological recovery of the participants after judo-specific tasks.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Countermovement jump height

    Time frame: Baselibe (pre-post) and after 10-minute recovery period

    Measured in centimeters to assess lower-body explosive power and neuromuscular fatigue

  2. Handgrip strength

    Time frame: Baseline (pre-test) and after the 10-minute recovery period

    measured in kilograms using a hand dynamometer for both dominant and non-dominant hands to assess upper-body strength

  3. Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion

    Time frame: Immediately after the judo match

    Subjective assessment of effort using the 6-20 Borg scale

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Inonu University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Effects of Sports Massage, Passive Rest, and Static Stretching on Physiological and Neuromuscular Recovery in Adolescent Judokas: The Role of Diurnal Variation

Acronym: RECOV-JUDO

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
May 14, 2026
Registry last updated
May 14, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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