Physical preparation for any sport requires a thorough understanding of the specific physical demands and dominant energy systems. BJJ is a sport consisting of repeated, intermittent, high-energy bursts of activity, and as such, requires contribution from all energy systems.
This study sought to investigate the relative energy systems contribution using a sample of 10 male international-level (Purple-black belt) BJJ athletes. Preliminary assessment involved an incremental treadmill VO2 Max test, and a time-to-exhaustion treadmill test at 110% of VMAx.
They then underwent 3 sessions of BJJ assessment with a partner of similar body mass, each consisting of one set each of armbar, takedown and guard pass, at a randomly selected duration of 30, 60 or 90 seconds, with 30 minutes rest in between. VO2 and HR were measured throughout, and the following values were recorded:
- Peak VO2
- Mean VO2 throughout the sets
- Mean VO2 in the 10min following
- Total VO2 through the sets and the recovery period
Aerobic contribution (V̇O2AER) was calculated from the incremental area under the curve of the V̇O2 during the BJJ sets(subtracting V̇O2 rest from V̇O2 effort), using the trapezoidal method. Alactic contribution was calculated by measuring the fast component of V̇O2EPOC.
Peak VO2 was elevated between 30s and 60s efforts, but not between 60 and 90s. Peak VO2 was lower during the armbar sets compared to takedown and guard pass. However, the decrease in performance between 30 and 60s was significant in the armbar sets but not in the others.
The results of this study suggest that aerobic contribution increases with BJJ activity from 30 to 60 seconds, and that oxygen consumption is greater in standing activities compared to ground-based ones. These findings may provide insight into potential methods for improving VO2 Max in BJJ athletes.