Elite Judokas Research Articles

Functional dimorphism and relationship between different lower extremity strength tests in young elite judokas

The present study investigated the limb symmetry index (LSI) and the relationship between different functional strength tests in young elite judokas. Seventeen males (age= 16.88±1.40 years, height= 179.00±7.00 cm, weight= 78.76±15.22 kg and BMI 24.40±3.36 kg/m2) participated in the study voluntarily. Participants were tested with single leg (SL), and triple leg (THD) hop for distance, crossover hop for distance (CHD), 6 m Timed Hop Test (6mTHT), and single-leg vertical jump (SLVJ) tests, and countermovement jump (CMJ). All SL hop tests (SLHT) were applied to both right (Rs) and left sides (Ls), while CMJ was applied as without (CMJWAS) and with arm swing (CMJAS). Paired sample t-test and Pearson correlation tests were used in statistical analyses. In all SLHTs, no statistical significance was found between Rs and Ls. However, significance was found between CMJWAS and CMJAS. There was also no significance in LSIs between all SLHTs. Correlations were found between SL, THD, CHD, VJ tests, while negative and significant correlations were found between SL, THD, CHD, VJ tests, and 6 m THT. No significance was found between SLHTs and CMJWAS and CMJAS. As a result, it was found that Rs and Ls of young judokas produced similar strength in SLHTs, while they caused differences in CMJWAS and CMJAS values; when evaluated in terms of LSI, judokas showed similar rates in all SLHTs, and these rates were within reliable ranges; SLHTs had correlations with each other, but they did not show any correlation with CMJ.

Characteristics of Technical and Tactical Preparation of Elite Judokas during the World Championships and Olympic Games.

The basis for achieving success in sport is technical preparation supported by adequate level of physical fitness. During judo competitions, athletes use technique to meet tactical objectives aimed to achieve victory. The modification of the rules of combat in judo that has been carried out in recent years has changed the course of competition. It seems to be interesting if there are relations between technical and tactical preparation expressed by means of indices and modification of the course of the fight caused by changes in the rules. The purpose of the paper was to determine the values of technical and tactical preparation of judokas during competition at the elite level. A hundred and twenty bouts during the Olympic Games in London in 2012 as well as 136 bouts fought during the World Championships in Rio de Janeiro in 2013 were analyzed. Verification was performed by calculating indicators of technical and tactical preparation. The results show a significant correlation between the indicators of technical and tactical preparation and the ranking in the general classification of the analyzed competitions. There were no statistically significant correlations between the change of fighting rules and the level of the examined indices of technical and tactical preparation. The results of the study verified the appropriate method of preparation for the competitions analyzed.

Improving on Half-Lightweight Male Judokas' High Performance by the Application of the Analytic Network Process.

Judo is a multifactorial sport where many variables or key performance indicators (KPIs) such as force-velocity profile, bioenergetic capacity, technical and tactical skills, and cognitive and emotional competence play a role and influence the final result. While there have been many academic studies of these variables, usually in isolation, none have examined KPIs holistically or analyzed their impact on strategic performance. The main objective of the present study, therefore, is to apply a novel and easily replicable methodology to identify and prioritize the main KPIs affecting performance in professional judo. Such a methodology was applied to the High-Performance Judo Centre of Valencia, using a multi-criteria decision aid technique: the analytic network process (ANP). The ANP is used to identify and quantify cause and effect relationships not only between KPIs but also between KPIs and performance objectives. Further, the ANP offers effective results when there is a lack of historical KPI data, because it is based on experts' opinions and judgments. A judo expert group (JEG) comprising elite judo coaches and half-lightweight (under 66 kg) male judokas applied the methodology to discriminate between the characteristics required when aiming to reach high-level strategic objectives (such as participating in the Olympic Games or winning a medal in a Grand Slam/Gran Prix). The JEG, which consisted of five elite judokas, national and international champions, and three Olympic coaches—including a former European champion and silver medalist in a world championship—provided high added value to the study. The main findings were that the KPIs that made the most difference were mostly psychological, specifically motivation, stress, and team cohesion. Of these, motivation was by far the most important KPI for success in our case study, so judokas should make sure that they analyze it properly. Motivation is usually intrinsic to the competitor and should be maintained at a high level, not only during tournaments but also during daily training and lifestyle activities. Physical and other specific forms of training, as well as lifestyle KPIs, are very important for the elite competitor but are not sufficient to reach high-level objectives. The most important of these KPIs were Kumi-Kata (grip work), dual career, focus and concentration level, scouting, nutrition, and basic technique. Power and strength were the most important physical KPIs. In general, these are essential for meeting strategic objectives, but they do not make the crucial difference. This suggests that professional psychological support should be provided in daily training and that international team composition and internships should be fostered.

The effect of custom-fitted compression garments worn overnight for recovery from judo training in elite athletes

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of custom-fitted compression garments (CG) worn during recovery over a multi-day training camp in elite judo players (judoka). A single blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out in 11 elite judoka, using a two-way crossover design. Two three-day training camps were completed in CG and placebo conditions in a random order. Changes in performance and physiological markers were compared between conditions. Judoka were assessed before training for (maximal) isometric knee extension and grip strength, countermovement jump performance and bench-press velocity, alongside soreness, limb circumferences, plasma creatine kinase activity (CK) and perceived bruising. Measurements were repeated after 12, 36 and 43 h of training, whereupon judoka rated the effectiveness of each intervention. Knee extension and bench-press performance demonstrated significant familiarization (p < 0.001), and were excluded from subsequent analysis. Jump performance was unaffected by training (p > 0.05). Grip strength declined throughout training (p < 0.001), with peak decrements of −9.7% indicating mild muscle damage. Increases in bruising, CK and soreness demonstrated highly variable, if significant (p < 0.001) responses. Although CG were perceived as significantly more effective than placebo for recovery (p = 0.046), no effects were observed for any other outcome (p > 0.05). Compression conferred no statistically significant impact upon recovery markers in elite judoka throughout training. Muscle damage responses were inconsistent in this population. Individual athletes would be advised to monitor habitually-used performance measures while using CG to ascertain whether perceptual benefits translate into enhanced recovery. Highlights Compression garments were perceived as more effective for recovery than placebo by elite judoka. However, no measures of performance or muscle damage were enhanced by CG. Randori was associated with inconsistent muscle damage responses in elite judoka, while lower-body performance was not impaired. Individual athletes would be advised to monitor habitually-used performance measures while using CG to ascertain whether perceptual benefits translate into enhanced recovery.

Effects of Power-Oriented Resistance Training During an Altitude Camp on Strength and Technical Performance of Elite Judokas.

This study investigated the effect of a 3-week power-oriented resistance training program performed at moderate altitude on leg power output variables in a countermovement jump, a related judo technique (ippon-seoi-nage) and the relationship between them. Twenty-four elite male judokas were randomly assigned to a hypobaric hypoxia or normoxia group. Mechanical outputs from an incremental loaded countermovement jump test and the kinematic variables transferred to a dummy during an ippon-seoi-nage test (time to execution and movement accelerations) were assessed before, after, 1 and 2 weeks after training. Results indicated an increase in explosive leg capacity both at moderate altitude (2320 m.a.s.l.) and sea level. The hypoxia group showed additional benefits when compared to normoxia group for peak velocities with different percentages of the body weight, maximal theoretical velocity and jump height after the training period, and these additional benefits in jump height were maintained 2 weeks after training. The hypoxia group achieved a higher peak performance in peak velocity and jump height than normoxia group (peak velocity: 8.8 vs. 5.6%, jump height: 8.2 vs. 1.4%, respectively) and was achieved earlier in hypoxia (after training) than in normoxia (1 week after training). However, there was a detrimental effect for the hypoxia group on the times of execution and acceleration of the ippon-seoi-nage compared to the normoxia group. These results suggest that altitude training may induce faster and greater improvements in explosive leg extension capacity. Specific technique-oriented training should be included at altitude to prevent technique impairment.

Weight Category-dependent Trunk Muscle Strength and its Relation with LBP in Elite Judokas.

Trunk muscle strength (TMS), especially rotator, is an important factor for both athletic performance and injury risks in judokas. However, the characteristics of TMS that depend on weight categories are still unclear. Although inadequate TMS might cause low back pain (LBP), the relationship between these two variables is not fully understood. In this study, weight category-dependent TMS and its relationship with LBP was investigated in Japanese judokas. The subjects were 66 male collegiate judokas, who were classified into the lightweight (N=14), middleweight (N=29) or heavyweight (N=23) category. The peak torques of extensor, flexor and rotator muscles were measured. The LBP group and non-LBP group were defined by questionnaire. TMS (normalized by body weight) in the heavier weight category showed a lower tendency in comparison with other categories, except for rotator strength. Significant differences were observed in the extensors (90 and 120 °/s; P<0.05) and flexors (60, 90 and 120 °/s; P<0.05). The LBP group (N=9) only showed significantly lower extensor (60 °/s; P<0.05) and right-rotator (60 °/s; P<0.01) strength in the heavyweight category compared with the non-LBP group (N=14). The relative TMS of judokas decreased in the heavyweight category, except for trunk rotator strength. Notably, low trunk extensor and rotator strengths are risk factors for LBP in heavyweight judokas.

Sport Injuries in Elite Paralympic Judokas: Findings From the 2018 World Championship

To provide information regarding injury incidence, injury pattern, and associated injury risk factors in elite Paralympic judokas. Participants in this observational research were elite judokas taking part in the IBSA 2018 World Judo Championship. The entire championship was videotaped, and all injuries were prospectively documented using an all-complaints definition. The tournament featured 267 judokas, (B1 = 58; B2 = 105; B3 = 104). The injury proportion was estimated at 18.9 injuries/100 fighters (B1 = 13.8; B2 = 22.3; B3 = 18.5). A total of 745 athletic exposures were registered. The overall injury rate was 68.5 (95% CI, 52.5-89.2); 62.5 (95% CI, 32-122.3); 79.6 (95% CI, 53.8-17.8); and 61.2 (95% CI, 40-93.5) for the total sample, B1, B2, and B3 judokas, respectively. When only injuries resulting in medical attention were analyzed, the overall injury rate was calculated to be 22.8 (95% CI, 14.3-36.5), and the injury proportion was estimated at 6.3 injuries/100 fighters. No significant differences were found for sex, weight, and visual class regarding injury proportion and injury rates. Paralympic judokas show a high injury rate. However, when only injuries that needed medical attention were taken into account, the proportion of athletes injured was low. The degree of visual impairment was not considered as an injury risk factor.

Rapid Weight Loss Adversely Affects Muscle Damage Markers In Elite Judo Athletes

Rapid weight loss (RWL) is a phenomenon that is commonly detected amongst elite judo athletes. It is used to gain the advantage over their lighter opponents. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of 7-day RWL intervention on muscle damage markers in seven elite judokas during a pre-competition period. METHODS: The participants voluntarily participated in this study. RWL was induced in accordance to personal preference previously practiced by judo athletes. Most frequently reported methods of RWL were increased exercise volume, fluid and caloric restriction and heated environment exposure. RESULTS: RWL induced a significant drop in weight within all seven participants (93.07 ± 10.69 kg at baseline vs. 88.12 ± 10.30 kg at follow-up; P < 0.001). Regarding biochemical changes, myoglobin levels significantly increased on the last day of intervention (P < 0.01) (day 7). In addition, creatine kinase levels were also elevated on the 6th day of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the obtained results, RWL methods caused alterations in myoglobin and creatine kinase levels in elite judokas. This indicates that although RWL is perceived as helpful in achieving success in competition, it can produce muscle tissue damage that can further impact fitness profile of elite judokas. This project was partly supported by the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development (175037 and 179011), the Provincial Secretariat for Higher Education and Scientific Research (142-451-2473 and 114-451-710) and the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad (2019 Annual Award).

The Effect of One Bout of Intensive Judo Exercise on Select Hematological and Immunological Parameters in Adolescent Elite Judo Athletes

Background: Exercise-related studies do not agree on changes in blood parameters regarding anemia and serum immunoglobulin concentration as adaptive immunity. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate exercise-induced variations in hematological and immunological parameters in response to one bout of intensive judo exercise in adolescent elite judoka. Methods: Venipuncture was performed on ten adolescent male Iranian elite judoka (age: 15.60 ± 0.69 years; body mass index: 24.15 ± 2.80 kg/m2) before and immediately after one bout of intensive judo protocol. Erythrocyte variables [red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red distribution width (RDW), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)], platelets variables [platelet count (PLT), platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT)], cellular immune variables [white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (NEU), lymphocyte (LYM)], and humoral immune variables (IgM, IgA, IgG, IgE) were measured. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon and paired-samples t-test, and P &lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Results: After the plasma volume was corrected using the Dill and Costill equation, the results showed that RBC, HGB, HCT, MCHC, IgA, and IgM decreased significantly immediately after exercise. However, MCH, RDW, PLT, PDW, MPV, PCT, WBC, LYM, NEU, IgG, and IgE did not change significantly. Conclusions: According to the findings, it can be concluded that intensive judo exercise results in transient anemia and suppression of humoral immune response among adolescent elite judoka.

Effectiveness of mindfulness sport performance enhancement (MSPE) on attention, planning and sport performance of elite Judoka

Effectiveness of mindfulness sport performance enhancement (MSPE) on attention, planning and sport performance of elite Judoka

Differences in the Bodyweight, Hydration Levels, Lean Mass, and Fat Mass in Spanish Junior Elite Judokas.

Combat sports have a great interest in society and among professional sports. They are an important group of sports in the Olympic Games, but the strategies carried out by athletes to reduce body weight for weighing day, is famously known, suffering the adverse physical and psychological effects of rapid weight loss. This could compromise not only the performance, but the health and development of young athletes. A total of 22 elite male judokas (18.05 ± 1.05 years old) were evaluated during four different competitions in one season; the variables of body weight, water levels, and lean and fat mass were measured by bioimpedance (BIA), (Tanita BC545N) during one season. Using the linear mixed model test, we found significant differences in bodyweight variable during the competitions 3–4. The water level variable showed significant differences in all competitions, except for 2–4. Body mass index was significantly different in all competitions, being higher in the later competitions, except between competitions 1–2 and 2–3. Judokas participate in weight loss methods for their weigh-in days. Furthermore, the age at which the athletes reduced their water levels are worrisome. These results could be used to create healthy programs, especially in elite judokas, in order to carry out strategies before, during, and after competitions with weight loss and controlled water levels increasing future performance and health.

CORRELATION OF UPPER AND LOWER EXTREMITIES ISOKINETIC STRENGTH IN ELITE MALE

Background and purposeMuscle strength is one of the most physically important parameters during the competition for judokas. Studies have shown that for judokas, strength in especially the knee and shoulder muscles and the strength balance between right and left sides is very important in terms of both staying in balance and doing spe-cific techniques correctly. Our study aims to find out the correlations between isokinetic lower and upper extremity strength in elite judokas and to examine bilateral and contralateral strength ratios. MethodsThis study is designed according to cross-experimental design with randomized repeated measurements. Fifteen male (mean values: age 19.40 ± 1.24 years, height 170.55 ± 9.44 cm, weight 78.47 ± 18.55 kg, and BMI 27.02 ± 5.82 kg/m2) elite judokas between the ages of 18 and 21 participated voluntarily in the study. Knee extension (EX) and flexion (FLX), shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) isoki-netic strength measurements of the subjects were measured with concentric/concentric (Con/Con) con-tractions at 60o s-1 and 180o s-1 angular velocities. Ipsilateral hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q), internal rotation/external rotation (IR/ER), contralateral Q/Q, H/H, IR/IR, ER/ER ratios were calculated through lower and upper extremity isokinetic strength. Shapiro–Wilk, Levene, paired sample t-test, and Pearson correlation test were used in statistical analyses. ResultsIn terms of the ipsilateral strength ratios on dominant (DS) and nondominant (NDS) in lower and upper extremities, a significant difference was found only at 60° s-1 angular velocity in only the lower extremity on DS (P 0.05). High correlations were found between all other parameters (P > 0.05). ConclusionsIn conclusion, it was found that lateral asymmetric ratios may differ in elite judokas especially at low angu-lar velocities; however, this difference was not at a level to cause the risk of injury, DS and NDS showed similar strength in both lower and upper extremity, and there were high positive correlations between lower and upper extremity strength.

Profile of coordination motor abilities in elite judokas and badminton players compared to non-athletes

Summary Study aim: To determine the level and internal structure of profiles of coordination motor abilities in elite judokas and badminton players compared to a group of non-athletes. Material and methods: The material for the study was the results collected from 12 competitors of the Polish national badminton team (age: 22.7 ± 4.5), 10 members of the national judo team who represented mean weight categories (age: 23.0 ± 3.3) and 25 non-athletes, who were male university students of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport (age: 23.0 ± 0.8). The scope of the study included basic somatic features and selected coordination motor abilities measured by means of computer tests. Results: Statistically significant differences between badminton players and judokas were obtained for reaction times (visual, auditory and selective) as well as spatial orientation. In all cases, a higher level was found for badminton players. Furthermore, analysis of differences between badminton players and non-athletes revealed statistically significant differences only for the selective reaction time. A substantial differentiation of the internal structure of the models of coordination motor abilities was obtained. This pattern was particularly noticeable in the group of judokas and badminton players, where the difference between characteristics was ca. 0.76 SD. Substantially smaller differences (0.21 SD) between particular variables included in the coordination profile were found for non-athlete university students. Conclusion: The lower results of the elite judokas show the need for developing the coordination motor abilities during training. The largest reserves are to be found in raising the level of reaction times and spatial orientation.

MAJOR TRENDS IN THE WORLD JUDO SPORT DEVELOPMENT

Judo's sporting success, as a fight between attack and defense, is largely driven by the mastery of the sporting technical means. The classic Kyu/Dan system which includes all the initial technical characteristics remained. At the same time, only a limited number of gripes are used in competitive conditions. The main aim of this study is to define the general pattern in the technical development of this sport and at the same time assessing the place of the best Judoka in the total number of judo practitioners. Therefore, it is of particular interest to discover the trends in the development of sporting technical mastery. On the basis of a large-scale statistical analysis, trends in the development, usability and effectiveness of competition techniques have been evaluated. The individual characteristics of the best competitors by weight category are also analyzed. Along with the general patterns and trends, the features of the main leading schools in world judo are also distinguished. The results obtained and their analysis can contribute to adequate development and planning initial training programs and to applying a science based approach to sports technical intelligence in elite judoka mastery.

The benefits of Functional Movement Screen in judo

With the development of screening methods, simple screening tools could commonly be used to assess movement quality in real-world conditions. One of those methods is the functional movement screen (FMS), that was developed to helps determine the fundamental movement patterns of an individual. FMS test was administered to 9 elite judokas aged 22 ± 4.24 years, height 176.44 ± 7.44 and weight 79.44 ± 15.92 kg. The overall FMS score was 17.56 ± 1.59. No significant asymmetries were noted in the bilateral test. The lowest score was achieved in shoulder mobility 1.89 ± 0.6 which represent and issue that needs to be addressed to prevent the occurrence of injuries. Overall the FMS testing could be a beneficial tool to strength and conditioning coaches in judo, especially in the preseason to assess the functional movement status of judo athletes and to address any issues that could be identified. It represents a fast and affordable screening tool, but it needs to be administered by a qualified assessor. The data of this study could serve as a reference score to other FMS research in judo or other combat sports or martial arts.

Body weight and subcutaneous fat patterning in elite judokas.

Body weight and fat are major performance variables in many sports. Extreme weight reduction can lead to severe medical problems. Accurate body composition measurements are fundamental for both medical and performance optimization. Relative body weight in terms of mass index (MI1 = 0.53 M/(hs)), and in terms of body mass index (BMI = M/h 2) were determined (h:stature, s:sitting height, M:body mass). Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) was measured using a recently standardized ultrasound (US) method. US thickness sums from eight body sites were measured in 26 female and 35 male judokas of various weight classes. Comparisons of US and skinfold results indicate that the latter can be severely misleading in competitive judokas. Mean MI1 of females was 22.8 kg m−2 (BMI:22.9 kg m−2), males: 26.7 kg m−2 (BMI:26.5 kg m−2), but individual differences MI1‐BMI were larger than 0.5 kg m−2 in 13 and larger than 1.0 kg m−2 in three cases. Medians of SAT thickness sums D I were three‐times higher in females (66.1 mm) than in males (21.8 mm), and the fat patterning differed significantly. Females had 8.6% (median) fibrous structures embedded in SAT, and males 20.2%. Both MI and BMI were not correlated with SAT. Mean pre‐competition weight loss was 4.3% (ie, 3.0 kg), and maximum was 9.2% (7.4 kg), indicating that modifications of weigh‐in procedures are urgently needed. DI‐values mirror the athletes' potential to reduce ballast fat instead of short‐term weight reduction by dehydration; however, weight loss and SAT measured some weeks before the competitions were not correlated. Further, US measurements and medical longitudinal observations are required for discussing the large individual variations and possible fat minimum demands.

Effect of weight-control practices of high-level female judokas over competition period on body composition and factors of performance

Summary Purpose This study was conducted to estimate the impact of the food practices of high-level judokas on body composition, muscle performance and food habits. Methods Thirteen elite judokas were distributed in two groups: a group with weight-control practice (group D, n = 6) and a group without it (group ND, n = 7). Eating habits, sport performance and body composition were evaluated three times during the experiment: out (ES), pre (PRE C) and post-competitive (POST C) periods. Results For the D group, we observed a decrease of body mass index, of the sum of skin folds thickness and of circumference of thigh between ES and PRE C periods, and an increase between PRE C and POST C periods. For the ND group, no difference was observed whatever the considered period. For strength tests, there is no difference between groups and between the different periods. Total energy intake and macronutrient intake of the D group decreased between ES and PRE C periods. This decrease concerned mainly fat intake. These parameters increased between PRE and POST C periods. Conclusion In this study carried out on elite female judoka, changes in body composition and total energy intake had no effect on muscle performance and did not cause eating disorders.

Rapid Weight Loss Negatively Affects Body Composition and Serum Creatinine in Elite Judokas

The most frequently used rapid weight loss (RWL) methods in weight-sensitive sports were dehydration and decreased energy intake, with RWL accompanied by many adverse health effects. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of 7-day RWL intervention on body composition and biomarkers of creatine metabolism in eight elite judokas during a pre-competition period. METHODS: The participants voluntarily participated in this study. Strategy of weight loss included restriction of fluid and food intake, and started 7 days before competition. During the first six days, dietary changes included restricted intake of fluids and macronutrients (35% reduction in total caloric intake), followed by a total food restriction on the last day (a weigh-in day). RESULTS: RWL induced a significant drop in weight (81.7 ± 10.7 kg at baseline vs. 76.8 ± 10.3 kg at follow-up; P < 0.001), fat mass (12.6 ± 5.6 kg vs. 9.2 ± 4.0 kg; P = 0.003) and fat-free mass (69.1 ± 7.3 kg vs. 67.6 ± 7.7 kg; P = 0.05), accompanied by an increase in serum creatinine levels at follow up (104.0 ± 10.5 μmol/L vs. 114.9 ± 10.2 μmol/L; P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: An acute restriction of food and fluid intake appears to negatively affects fat-free mass and indices of kidney function in judokas. Decreased tubular secretion of creatinine due to poor fluid intake (and excretion) might be a possible cause of elevated serum creatinine and a potential kidney stress after RWL, which requires further investigation. This project was partly supported by the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development (175037 and 179011), the Provincial Secretariat for Higher Education and Scientific Research (142-451-2473 and 114-451-710) and the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad (2018 Annual Award).

Evidence-Based Training Recommendations for the Elite Judoka

ABSTRACT THERE IS A PAUCITY OF SPORT-SPECIFIC EVIDENCE REGARDING STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE ELITE JUDO ATHLETES' (EJA) PERFORMANCE. THEREFORE, THE AIM OF THIS ARTICLE IS TO EVALUATE THE CURRENT LITERATURE AND PRESENT EVIDENCE-BASED TRAINING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EJA. BASED ON THE SPORT-SPECIFIC DEMANDS, APPROPRIATELY SEQUENCED PERIODIZED STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAMS THAT INCLUDE (a) HEAVY STRENGTH TRAINING, (b) POWER TRAINING (i.e., CONTRAST LOADING, CLUSTER SETS, WEIGHTLIFTING, AND PLYOMETRIC EXERCISES), AND (c) HIGH-INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING MAY PROVIDE SUFFICIENT STIMULI TO IMPROVE UPPER- AND LOWER-BODY STRENGTH, AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC POWER FOR EJA.

Physical Performance, Body Composition and Somatotype in Colombian Judo Athletes

Background: Judo is a grappling sport that requires a combination of powerful actions (e.g., throwing techniques) and aerobic capacity. Physical performance, body composition and somatotype influences athletes' performance. Problem and aim. Analyze the physical performance, body composition and somatotype of elite Colombian judokas and compare them with athletes from other countries. In addition, to investigate the correlation between body composition and physical performance. Methods: Fifteen judoists, eight women (21±4.7 years) and seven men (20.5±3.9 years), participated in the present study. The athletes were black belt and had international and national competition experience, winning medals in the Pan-American Games, Central and South American Championships. Squat jumps (SJ) and countermovement jumps (CMJ) on a contact platform were performed to evaluate lower limbs power. The maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) was estimated using the multistage 20-m shuttle run test. The Anthropometric measurements were taken for body fat and skeletal muscle mass estimation. Pearson correlation was performed between body composition and physical performance variables. Results: In summary, lower physical performance, and higher body fat percentages were observed in Colombian judoists compared to elite judoists. In other countries Moderate negative correlation was observed between aerobic power and body fat percentage (r=-0.67), and the endomorph characteristic (r=-0.69). In addition, the skeletal muscle mass presented a very large correlation with power from both SJ (r=0.88) and CMJ (r=0.89) (p Conclusion: Elite Colombian judokas presented lower physical performance, and higher body fat percentage than other elite judokas. The somatotype was adequate and in accordance with that reported at the elite level.