Purpose:
Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) is a phenomenon that can improve short-term performance in combat sports like judo. However, the optimal rest interval between conditioning activities and judo performance has not been determined, especially for young female judokas. This study examined the acute effects of two different rest intervals (3-min vs. 8-min) on judo-specific performance.

Methods:
Fifteen female judokas (age: 14.6 ± 1.8 years) participated in a randomised crossover study involving four conditions: a controlled condition with a judo-specific warm-up and experimental conditions including ballistic jumps combined with the judo-specific warm-ups, each followed by 3-min or 8-min rest intervals before performing the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT). Countermovement jump (CMJ) height, heart rate (HR), handgrip strength, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed post-SJFT.

Results:
No significant differences in SJFT performance were observed across conditions (p > 0.05). However, immediate (p = 0.018; Hedge’s g = 0.77) and maximum HR (p = 0.021; Hedge’s g = 0.60) were significantly higher in the 3-min experimental condition, indicating increased cardiovascular strain. Right-hand grip strength was also significantly higher in the 3-min experimental condition (p = 0.043; Hedge’s g = 0.45). No significant differences were observed in CMJ height, left handgrip strength, or RPE (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:
Neither 3-min nor 8-min rest interval enhanced judo-specific performance following ballistic conditioning activities in young female judokas. Moreover, shorter rest periods may impose greater cardiovascular demands. Future research should explore alternative conditioning activity protocols and individualised recovery strategies to optimise PAPE responses in female judokas.