Time–motion analysis and patterns of salivary cortisol during different judo championship phases

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the time–motion of the matches and patterns of salivary biomarkers during different championship judo phases. For this, eight male judo athletes from all weight divisions (16 ± 6 years of practice) were studied during an official championship. Methods The combats were recorded and a time–motion analysis was made, assessing total time by combat and time per block of action (approach time, gripping time, time of attack/defense, groundwork combat time, and pause time). Saliva samples were collected for the measurement of cortisol, total protein, and osmolality levels. Results There were differences between championship phases with post-match 3 (11.4 ± 4 ng/mL) and post-match 2 (10.3 ± 6 ng/mL) presenting higher cortisol values than pre-match 1 (5.5 ± 1.8 ng/mL) ( p