Comparison of Some Physical Characteristics of Young Judoka and Wrestlers

Abstract

Purpose: This research sought to assess and contrast the physical attributes of adolescent wrestlers and judo practitioners aged 13 to 16, aiming to identify key physical and motor skills that contribute to performance excellence in these sports. Method: A total of 30 athletes were randomly assigned to the wrestling (n=15) and judo (n=15) groups. These athletes train 4 to 6 days a week. In this study, body composition, horizontal jump test, hand grip strength, flamingo balance test, sit and reach test and shuttle run of combat athletes were evaluated. Statistical analysis was conducted utilizing the SPSS 20.0 program. Findings: Based on the results, the average age of the participants was calculated to be (13.7±1.2) for judo and (14.8±1.7) for wrestling, with their respective sports ages being (5.3±1.3) for judo and (5.6±1.2) for wrestling, and their heights being (161.1±10.7) for judo and (169.4±9.4) for wrestling. Although a significant difference was noted in the lean body mass percentage, the results of the horizontal jump, hand grip strength tests, sit and reach test, flamingo balance test and shuttle run showed no significant variance. Conclusion: The lack of a significant difference in the outcomes observed between judo participants and wrestlers in this age category can be attributed to the similarity of these sports disciplines. The follow-up of the process will provide detailed information about the physical characteristics and performances of combative athletes and will provide scientific contribution to the training and development processes of athletes in this age group.