AIM: The aim of the study was to measure the physiological demands of a group of high-level female judokas through laboratory tests and field tests (Tatami) and to retest the validity of the Santos test on a different population. METHODS: Eight high-level female judokas participated in the study. Heart rate (HR), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), blood lactate, anaerobic threshold, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured using laboratory and field tests that shared common characteristics. RESULTS: The mean (±SD) values obtained in the laboratory tests were HRmax 198.3 (4.1) beats/min, VO2 max: 40.9 (7.7) mL/kg.min, lactate max 9.1 (1.4) mmol/L, HR at the anaerobic threshold 171.5 (4.8) beats/min, lactate threshold 3.8 (0.4) mmol/L, and RPE: 17 (1.1). The mean (±SD) values obtained in the field test were HRmax 199.0 (5.0) beats/min VO2 max: 44.8 (7.3) mL/kg.min, lactate max: 11.8 (1.5) mmol/l, HR at the anaerobic threshold 170.5 (3.2) beats/min, lactate threshold: 3.8 (0.1) mmol/L, and RPE: 18 (1.4) points. There were no significant differences between the data obtained on both tests in any of the parameters, except for the lactate maximum and VO2 max. CONCLUSION: The Santos test is a helpful instrument for judo training in female athletes. Coaches could use it to design specific training protocols that could help to improve their performance in competition.
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