Physiological Demands of Standardized Tabata Battle Rope Conditioning in Trained Freestyle Wrestlers: Implications for Sports Training

Parasuraman Thavasu; Shasiraj

Authors

Parasuraman Thavasu Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (Deemed to be University), No. 1, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Padur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 603103, India Corresponding Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9306-8407
Shasiraj Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (Deemed to be University), No. 1, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Padur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 603103, India Author https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3383-4976

Keywords:

sports training, battle rope training, Tabata protocol, freestyle wrestling, high-intensity interval training, athlete monitoring

Abstract

Objective. The aim was to assess the physiological demands of a standardised Battle Rope programme based on the Tabata exercise protocol in trained Freestyle wrestlers to guide sports training, prescription of exercise, and athlete monitoring.

Materials and methods. A total of 13 experienced male freestyle wrestlers (21.77 ± 2.95 years) went through four consecutive Tabata series consisting of 8 x 20 s work bouts with 10 s recovery and one minute of passive recovery between each series. The exercise performance, blood lactate concentration, and heart rate were measured pre-, during, and after exercise. Repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni-modified pairwise comparisons were used to analyse data.

Results. There were progressive decrements in exercise performance over rounds (F(3,36) =90.29, p<0.001). The HR significantly increased during exercise (F(7,84) =1695.77, p<0.001), and decreased during recovery. Immediately after exercise, blood lactate concentration rose significantly and so did during the 15-minute recovery period (F(3,36) =663.33, p<0.001). The results suggest that the conditioning programme imposed a high cardiovascular and metabolic load and provide objective measurement tools to assess IRL, fatigue, recovery, and the intensity of conditioning in freestyle wrestling. The protocol provides a practical, time-efficient conditioning technique that can be used in systematic training planning and session sequencing, as well as in evidence-based decision-making for wrestling coaches.

Conclusions. The standardized Tabata Battle Rope conditioning programme resulted in a high physiological stimulus, which was appropriate for evidence-based sports training. HR, blood lactate, and exercise performance are important indicators that can be used individually in the coach's conditioning session to support the development of athletes in combat sports, as well as track the recovery process and optimize training programme implementation.