Assessment of health-related behaviours in women practising judo and ju-jitsu

Abstract

Background. The aim of this study was to assess the health-related behaviour of women practising judo and ju-jitsu in comparison with others (active and physically inactive). Material and methods. The study involved 414 women aged 18 to 30. For comparison purposes, they were divided into three groups. Group 1 (n=56) were women practising judo or ju-jitsu. Group 2 (n=166) were persons practising other types of regular physical activity and Group 3 (n=192) included those who did not engage in organized physical activity of any kind. The study used the Juczynski Health-Related Behaviours Inventory and the authors’ own survey. Results. The studied judo and ju-jitsu athletes were characterized by a high or average level of health behaviours (on average 85.87). The total score of the intensity of health behaviours achieved by amateur athletes practising combat sports and martial arts was higher than the results of the other groups (p<0.01). Conclusion. Women practising martial arts were characterized by a high overall index of health behaviours – they more often paid attention to correct eating habits and preventive health behaviours, among others. This may testify to the intellectualization of athletic and health-related training and the transfer of desired behaviours to everyday life.