The influence of special protective equipment on the effectiveness of competitive activity in kudo athletes at the training stage

In kudo, athletes are required to use special protective equipment, which, due to its design features, affects the effectiveness of competitive activity. The purpose of the study is to determine the influence of special protective equipment on the effectiveness of competitive activity in kudo athletes at the training stage. Research methods and organization. The study was conducted on the basis of the Far Eastern Interregional Public Sports Club "ALTAIR" with the participation of kudo athletes aged 12–13 years, qualification 6 kyu, training experience 4 years, competing in the 190‑unit category. The following methods were used in the course of the study: analysis of literary sources, pedagogical testing, pedagogical observation, and mathematical statistics methods. To assess the functional state of the athletes, oxygen saturation (SpO₂) was recorded using a pulse oximeter, and heart rate (HR) was recorded using a Polar H10 chest heart rate sensor. The data were processed using the Wilcoxon T‑test. Research results and conclusions. In an experimental study on athletes aged 12–13 years, it was shown for the first time that special protective equipment significantly reduces the volume of performed technical actions and causes functional changes indicating the occurrence of hypoxic conditions. It was established that when performing tests in the Neo Head Gear helmet, the number of striking technical actions decreases by 14.7–16.9%, and the number of throws of a partner over the hip – by 14.3%. The decrease in special performance in the tests is accompanied by a drop in SpO₂ to 91–92% and an increase in average HR to 192±8 bpm. The Neo Head Gear protective helmet is a factor limiting the special performance of athletes, which in turn affects the effectiveness of competitive activity.