The Effect of Circuit Training on Cardiovascular Endurance in Long-Term Regional Judo Training Athletes

Abstract

Cardiovascular endurance is one of the physical condition components that is essential for judo athletes, since this sport demands repeated explosive movements with only brief rest intervals. This study aims to determine and analyze the effect of circuit training on the improvement of cardiovascular endurance (VO2max) among long-term Pelatda judo athletes. This research employed a quantitative approach with an experimental method and a one-group pretest-posttest design. The research subjects consisted of 20 long-term Pelatda judo athletes, comprising both male and female athletes, selected using a total sampling technique. Cardiovascular endurance was measured using the Multistage Fitness Test (MFT)/Bleep Test to obtain VO2max values. The circuit training program was conducted for 8 weeks with a frequency of 3–4 sessions per week. Data were analyzed using normality tests, homogeneity tests, and the paired sample t-test. The results showed that the athletes’ mean VO2max before the training was 40.53 ml/kg/min and increased to 44.98 ml/kg/min after 8 weeks of circuit training, an average increase of 4.45 ml/kg/min. The t-test results showed a tcount value of 9.87, greater than the ttable value of 1.729 at a 5% significance level, so that Ha was accepted and Ho was rejected. It can therefore be concluded that circuit training has a significant effect on improving the cardiovascular endurance (VO2max) of long-term Pelatda judo athletes.