Female Judo Athletes Research Articles

Relationship Between Weight Loss Experience And Subsequent Health Status In Growing Female Judo Athletes

Relationship Between Weight Loss Experience And Subsequent Health Status In Growing Female Judo Athletes

Evidence of weight loss in junior female judo athletes affects their development

Evidence of weight loss in junior female judo athletes affects their development

Comparative Analysis of Functional Movements Screen in Elite Male and Female Judo Athletes

Comparative Analysis of Functional Movements Screen in Elite Male and Female Judo Athletes

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Male and Female Judo Athletes.

Changes in cardiac geometry develop after intense and prolonged training. Left ventricular enlargement, increased relative wall thickness, and growing mass of the left ventricle occur after strenuous exercise. Combat sports such as judo can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy. Previous studies have found that there are differences in left ventricular chamber size and thickness between the sexes, with female athletes having smaller wall diameters and less hypertrophy than male athletes. The research aims to examine heart muscle adaptations and remodeling of cardiac geometry among elite judo athletes and to evaluate differences between males and females. A cross-sectional study included a group of 19 (males n=10, females n=9) professional judokas between 20 and 30 years. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected. Cardiac geometry was determined by two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. In terms of left ventricular mass and the left ventricular mass index significant differences were found between male and female judokas (233.44±68.75 g vs. 164.11±16.59 g, p=0.009), (105.16±24.89 vs. 84.66±15.06, p=0.044), respectively. A greater enlargement of the heart muscle is observed in male athletes compared to the female group. Left ventricle enlargement is likely to occur among elite-level judokas.

Brain structural correlates of psychopathic traits in elite female combat-sports athletes.

Psychopathy is characterized by glibness and superficial charm, as well as a lack of empathy, guilt and remorse, and is often accompanied by antisocial behaviour. The cerebral bases of this syndrome have been mostly studied in violent subjects or those with a criminal history. However, the antisocial component of psychopathy is not central to its conceptualization, and in fact, psychopathic traits are present in well-adjusted, non-criminal individuals within the general population. Interestingly, certain psychopathy characteristics appear to be particularly pronounced in some groups or professions. Importantly, as these so-called adaptive or successful psychopaths do not show antisocial tendencies or have significant psychiatric comorbidities, they may represent an ideal population to study this trait. Here, we investigated such a group, specifically elite female judo athletes, and compared them with matched non-athletes. Participants completed psychopathy, anger, perspective-taking and empathic concern questionnaires and underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Grey matter volume (GMV) was computed using voxel-based morphometry from the T1-weighted images. Athletes scored significantly higher in primary psychopathy and anger and lower in empathy and perspective taking. They also exhibited smaller GMV in the right temporal pole, left occipital cortex and left amygdala/hippocampus. GMV values for the latter cluster significantly correlated with primary psychopathy scores across both groups. These results confirm and extend previous findings to a little-studied population and provide support for the conceptualization of psychopathy as a dimensional personality trait which not only is not necessarily associated with antisocial behaviour but may potentially have adaptive value.

The Effect of Core Training Practices on Some Strength, Lower Limb Functions and Balance Performance in Judo Athletes

This study investigates the effects of core training on some strength, lower extremity functions, and balance performances in judoka. The study was based on a two-group pretest-posttest experimental design with repeated measures. The study included 12 female (F) judo athletes aged 12-18 years and 10 male (M) judo athletes aged 12-17 years. Three measurements for core strength (push-ups, planks, sit-ups), six different single leg hop tests (SLHT) for lower extremity muscle strength and YBT for balance were performed before and after 6-week core training. Shapiro-Wilk, Levene, and Paired sample t-tests were used in statistical analyses. The increases in limb symmetry index (LSI) scores were remarkable. When the push-up and plank times and sit-up scores of F and M participants were compared with the pre-test, a significant increase was observed in favor of the post-test. When we examined the dominant (D) leg hop for distance, we found that M and F judoka's SLD, THD, MSTHD, MRHD, and CHD post-test scores all increased (except F; CHD) and also M and F showed better performance in SL6MD. Similar performance outputs were seen in the non-dominant (ND) leg hop for distance measurements (only not changed F; THND). Finally, it was valuable to note that both right and left leg YBT scores showed a considerable rise in the post-test assessments. As a result, core exercise practices may improve the sit-up score by improving the time in push-ups and planks in judoka. In addition, it may improve balance performance by affecting lower extremity functions.

Behavior of female judo weight divisions on approach and grip phases in different judo rules: The top 20 athletes from the 2016 and 2020 Olympic cycles

In judo combat, the approach and gripping phases play a crucial role in determining victory, and it is believed that they can be influenced by the current rules. The objective of this study was to compare the technical-tactical actions executed by female judokas in the approach and gripping subphases during international competitions held in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic cycles, which featured different rules. We analyzed 1332 combat videos from the top 20 female judo athletes in the world rankings. These videos were equally distributed across weight divisions in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic cycles (48 kg = 132; 52 kg = 72; 57 kg = 109; 63 kg = 96; 70 kg = 69; 78 kg = 106; >78 kg = 82; total = 666 combats per cycle). The athletes in the 2020 cycle spent more time executing approach actions without contact with the judogi (formless: 2020 = 26.9; 2016 = 21.3 s; p < 0.001) and less time attempting grips (2020 = 24.6; 2016 = 31.2 s; p < 0.001) than the 2016 athletes. Additionally, the 2020 athletes spent less time on one-handed grips (left collar: 2020 = 7.1; 2016 = 7.9 s; p = 0.017; right sleeve: 2020 = 4.6; 2016 = 5.6 s; p = 0.018; left sleeve: 2020 = 4.7; 2016 = 5.2 s; p = 0.031) compared to the 2016 athletes. In both Olympic cycles, athletes devoted the most time to traditional grips (left collar right sleeve: 2016 = 12.3 ± 19.9; 2020 = 12.2 ± 17.5; right collar left sleeve: 2016 = 11.5 ± 20.6; 2020 = 12.3 ± 19.9 s). Differences in the approach subphases between Olympic cycles had varying impacts on different weight divisions (formless = 52 kg, 57 kg, 78 kg; right anteroposterior = 52 kg, 57 kg, 70 kg; grip attempts = 57 kg, 63 kg, 70 kg, 78 kg, >78 kg; p < 0.05), as did changes in grip types (right collar; left collar; left sleeve = 70 kg; right sleeve = >78 kg; right dorsal = 63 kg; left dorsal = 63 kg, 78 kg; right collar left sleeve = 48 kg, 52 kg; right dorsal left sleeve = 78 kg; right dorsal left collar = 48 kg, 70 kg; right dorsal left dorsal = 48 kg, 63 kg; p < 0.05). There were notable technical-tactical shifts in the behavior of female athletes between the Olympic cycles with different rules, and these findings should be taken into account for specialized training in female judo.

Physical performance and somatic maturity in male and female judo athletes: An analysis in different age categories

BackgroundMaturity status is an important parameter to understand physical performance in young judo athletes, especially considering different age categories. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the role of each age category (U13, U15, and U18) on physical performance between and within the age groups. MethodsSixty-five male athletes from the U13 (n = 17), U15 (n = 30), and U18 categories (n = 18), and 28 female from the U13 (n = 9), U15 (n = 15), and U18 categories (n = 4) participated in this study. The assessments were performed at two moments separated by 48 h and included anthropometric measurements and physical tests (standing long jump, medicine ball throw, handgrip strength, Special Judo Fitness Test, and Judogi Grip Strength Test). The athletes also provided their date of birth and judo experience. One-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation were used with significant level set at 5%. ResultsThe main results showed higher values of somatic variables (maturity status and body size) and physical performance in the U18 compared to U15 and U13 in male and female (p < 0.05), but no differences between U15 and U13 (p > 0.05). In general, training experience, chronological age, and somatic variables were correlated (moderate to very large magnitude) with physical performance in all age categories for male (r = 0.40–0.66, p < 0.05) and female groups (r = 0.49–0.73, p < 0.05). ConclusionWe concluded that U18 athletes showed higher values of somatic maturity, training experience, and physical performance compared to U13 and U15 categories, with no differences between U13 and U15. In general, training experience, chronological age, and somatic variables were correlated with physical performance in all age categories.

Effects of lower-extremity explosive strength on youth judo athletes adopting different types of power-based resistance training.

Objective: The present study compared the effects of two different resistance types (pneumatic resistance and free weight) of 6-week squat training on the performance for young female judo athletes in linear speed and vertical jump by utilizing the maximum power of each set of squats in each training session as the monitoring vehicle. Monitoring data were used to assess the effects and trends of the two resistance types on 70% 1RM weight-bearing during the 6-week intervention training. Methods: In a 6weeks squat training (2 reps/week with a constant load), 23 adolescent female judo athletes (Age span: 13-16years, 14.58 ± 0.96) were randomly selected and then divided into the traditional barbell (FW) group (n = 12) and the pneumatic resistance (PN) (n = 11) group according to different resistance types (free weight and pneumatic resistance), with 10 in FW group and 9 in PN group actually completed the study. Before and after training, the 30-m Sprint time (T-30M), vertical jump height and relative power (countermovement jump, static-squat jump, and drop jump), reactive strength index (DJ-RSI), and maximal strength were assessed. One-Way ANOVA was used to examine the pre-test differences of groups (FW and PN). A 2-factor mixed-model analysis of variance was used to examine the independent effects of group (FW and PN) and time (pre and post) on each dependent measure. Scheffe post hoc comparisons were used to examine the differences. Pre- and post-experimental differences between the two groups were analyzed using independent samples t-tests and magnitude-based inferences (MBI) derived from their p values, and effect statistics were applied to compare the pre- and post-changes exhibited by each group to identify the potential beneficiary groups. Results: The PN group outperformed the FW group in terms of maximal power output per training session (822.5 ± 55.22 vs. 927.42 ± 48.15, conventional vs. pneumatic, p < 0.001, effect size = -2.02). After 6weeks of training, the FW group showed significant increases in vertical jump height and relative strength (CMJ, SJ, DJ), with no significant gains observed in T-30 and maximal strength. The PN group showed significant improvements in maximal strength; however, no significant improvements were observed in the other tests. In addition, there was no significant difference in DJ-RSI between the two groups before and after training. Discussion: At 70% weight bearing, free weight resistance appears to be more conducive to vertical jump growth, while pneumatic resistance appears to be more conducive to maximal strength gains; however, the maximal strength gains from pneumatic resistance may not be well applied to athletic performance. In addition, the body adapts more quickly to pneumatic resistance than to free weight resistance.

A burst of fenoterol excretion during the recovery of a weight loss protocol

Fenoterol is a sympathomimetic β2 receptor agonist primarily used as a bronchodilator. Due to its sympathomimetic actions, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has banned it. Multiple acute weight loss protocols (WLP) are used by Olympic athletes for sports that segregate athletes by weight; these generally involve caloric and water deprivation combined with heat exposure. Athletes use WLP before weigh-in, then transition to different body acute weight regain protocols (WRP) before competitions. Here, we studied the pharmacokinetics of fenoterol under WLP conditions: energetic dietary restriction, decreased water intake, and exposure to a dry sauna (80 ± 2 °C), followed by a WRP. Five elite-level female judo athletes participated in the study. Four received fenoterol (200 μg; n = 2 or 400 μg; n = 2), while one was a control receiving placebo under identical conditions. We measured excretion of the fenoterol parent molecule and presented qualitative data of its sulfated metabolite using QqQ tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry for 118 h. The fenoterol parent appeared earlier in urine than did its conjugated metabolite; excretion profiles were similar among all subjects. The centers of mass for fenoterol parent curves were (time, fenoterol): athlete A (10.9, 7.3); athlete B (9.2, 27.3); athlete C (8.5, 6.9); athlete D (9.7, 5.0). After initiating WRP, we observed a burst in urinary fenoterol excretion once in complete decay. This trend was observed for all four athletes who received fenoterol. Our results suggest that during hypohydration, some of the unmetabolized fenoterol accumulates in tissues, then is released during rehydration. These findings can be important for detecting fenoterol use in athletes.

Women's Sports Foundation grants for female judo athletes

Corporate Philanthropy ReportVolume 37, Issue 9 p. 13-14 Grant Alerts Women's Sports Foundation grants for female judo athletes First published: 08 August 2022 https://doi.org/10.1002/cprt.31374Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. Volume37, Issue9September 2022Pages 13-14 RelatedInformation

Weight Class and Menstrual Symptoms in Female Judo Athletes

Background: Menstrual cycle and menstrual symptoms can affect the physical, mental and exercise performance of female athletes. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the associated symptoms of premenstrual, menstrual, and postmenstrual periods in female judo athletes by weight class. Methods: The participants were 169 female judo athletes aged between 18 and 21 years (age 19.5 ± 1.1 years, height 1.6 ± 0.1 m, body mass 64.8 ± 12.1 kg). Weight class and physical characteristics were measured using a questionnaire. Associated menstrual symptoms were measured using the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ). For the purposes of this study, athletes of &lt; 48 kg, &lt; 52 kg, and &lt; 57 kg weight were defined as “lightweight,” athletes of &lt; 63 kg and &lt; 70 kg as “medium weight,” and athletes of &lt; 78 kg and &gt; 78 kg as “heavyweight.” Results: In the postmenstrual MDQ score, the scores for “lack of autonomic nervous system coordination” (P = 0.037), “poor concentration” (P = 0.046) and “water conservation” (P = 0.030) were higher in the lightweight ranks than in the medium and heavyweight ranks (P &lt; 0.05). Scores for negative postmenstrual effects tended to be higher in the lightweight ranks than in the medium and heavy weight ranks (P = 0.053). For other items, there were no significant differences between the medium and heavy weight ranks and the lightweight ranks before, during, or after menstruation. Conclusions: This study shows that the degree of postmenstrual symptoms in female judo athletes varies with weight class. These results will contribute to support the condition of female judo athletes based on their menstrual cycle by weight class.

The Role of Competition Area and Training Type on Physiological Responses and Perceived Exertion in Female Judo Athletes.

This study investigated the combined effects of competition area (4 × 4, 6 × 6, and 8 × 8 m) and judo-specific training type (tachi-waza, ne-waza, and free randori) on physiological responses and perceived exertion in female judo athletes. In a within-subject design, 12 female subelite and elite athletes who competed at regional or national levels with a mean training background of 8.4 ± 0.5 years performed the experimental conditions (i.e., combats (viz., matches) featuring different area/training type combinations) in random order. The following measurements at different time points were chosen: blood lactate before and after each match; heart rate before, mean, and peak for each match; and rating of perceived exertion immediately after each match. Two-factor analysis of variance was used to compare between conditions, while Bonferroni post hoc test and magnitude of difference were used to measure significance. There was no main effect of training type or area size on lactate before each match, heart rate (HR) before each match, HR mean during each match, and rating of perceived exertion. Main effects of training type and area size were found for lactate after each event, with the values being greater in free randori compared to tachi-waza and ne-waza and in 4 × 4 m compared to 6 × 6 and 8 × 8 m area. Main effects of training type and area size were also found in peak heart rate, with lower values in ne-waza compared to free randori and tachi-waza and in 8 × 8 m compared to 4 × 4 m area. The results demonstrate that varying training modality and area size may alter physiological responses during female judo combats by putting stress on the cardiovascular system and increasing anaerobic glycolysis solicitation.

Effects of intensified training and tapering periods using different exercise modalities on judo-specific physical test performances.

This study investigated the effects of intensified training and tapering periods using different exercise modalities on judo athletes’ physical fitness. Fifty-nine adolescent male and female judo athletes (age 15 ± 1 years) were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups or one control group (CG). Experimental groups (kumi-kata [KG], uchi-komi [UG] and running [RG]) trained four times per week over four weeks of intensified training (in addition to their usual technical-tactical judo training; CG underwent only the usual training) followed by 12 days of tapering. The countermovement jump test (CMJ), isometric and dynamic judogi chin-up tests (JCT), uchi-komi speed test (UST), Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) and Judo Physical Fitness Test (JPFT) were administered before and after the intensified period and after tapering. The CMJ performance was superior in KG compared with UG, RG and CG. Isometric JCT performance was superior in KG compared with RG and CG. Regarding UST, performance was superior in UG compared with RG and CG. The same performance was superior with respect to the same groups considering pre-training to tapering change. The SJFT index did not differ between groups or time-points. The JPFT index increased after intensified and tapering periods compared with before training, with KG eliciting higher values compared with CG. Coaches and conditioning coaches could administer kumi-kata high-intensity interval training to enhance athletes’ judo-specific physical fitness.

MDQスコアからみた女性柔道選手における月経随伴症状と生活習慣の関連

MDQスコアからみた女性柔道選手における月経随伴症状と生活習慣の関連

Body Size Measurements and Physical Performance of Youth Female Judo Athletes with Differing Menarcheal Status.

Purpose: To compare body size measurements and physical performance among female youth judo athletes with differing menarcheal status and to identify indicators of physical performance in post-menarcheal girls. Methods: Nineteen young female judo athletes (age 13.9 ± 2.3 years) were divided into a pre-menarche (n = 7) and a post-menarche (n = 12) group. The athletes were evaluated through neuromuscular tests, including standing long jump (SLJ), medicine ball throw (MBT), and handgrip strength (HGS), and judo-specific assessments, including the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) and the Judogi Grip Strength Test (JGSTISO). Furthermore, years of experience in judo and the age at menarche were determined. Results: The main results showed higher performance for the post-menarche group for most variables (p < 0.05) compared to the pre-menarche group. A multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that age at menarche, chronological age, and body mass explained close to 70% of JGSTISO, while training experience, chronological age, and age at menarche explained close to 59% of SLJ. Additionally, chronological age and age at menarche explained 40% of MBT, and chronological age and height explained 52% of HGS. Conclusions: Age at menarche and somatic growth variables explained moderate proportions of the variance of physical performance, thereby providing evidence that these parameters are the primary indicators of physical performance in young female judo athletes.

Isokinetic Profile of Elite Serbian Female Judoists.

Elite judo athletes undergo vigorous training to achieve outstanding results. In pursuit of achieving competitive success, the occurrence of injuries amongst judo athletes is not rare. The study aimed to perform a knee flexors and extensors isokinetic torque analysis in elite female judo athletes. Fifty-eight elite female judo athletes of the Serbian national team (21.02 ± 3.11 years; 62.36 ± 11.91 kg, 165.04 ± 10.24 cm, training experience 12.72 ± 2.98 years) volunteered to participate in this study. The range of motion (ROM) was set at 90°. Testing was performed in a concentric-concentric mode for the testing speed of 60 °/s. Five maximal voluntary contractions of knee extensors and knee flexors muscle groups were measured for both legs. The obtained data showed a statistically significant difference in absolute torque values among different categories as heavier athletes demonstrated higher values. Post hoc analysis showed a significant difference between weight categories, as heavier athletes demonstrated higher values, while no significant differences in normalized torque values for different weight categories were observed. The implementation of new elements and training modalities may improve performance and prevent lateral asymmetry, thus reducing the risk of injury.

Observational analysis of the variability of actions in judo: the key for success?

The main objective of the present study was to determine whether variation in gripping action, actions before attacking, throwing techniques, direction of attack, transition from standing to groundwork combat, and groundwork techniques varied between male and female judo athletes and between gold, silver and bronze medalists in judo World Championships for cadet, junior and senior athletes. Therefore, 296 athletes who won medals in these competitions between 2018 and 2019, who executed a total of 1202 scoring actions in standing position and 300 scoring actions in the groundwork combat were analyzed. Higher variation was observed for gold medal winners for grip, actions before attack compared to bronze medalists, whereas transition variation was greater for gold medal winners compared to the other medalists. However, no differences were found between age groups, except when interacting with sex, as a lower technique variation was observed in female cadets compared to all other male age groups. Additionally, less variation was observed in females compared to males for grip, actions before attacking, number of techniques and direction of attacks. Therefore, variation in some elements can properly discriminate the podium position, females present less variation than males, but no relevant differences were found between age groups.

Comparisons of Motor Actions and Biomechanical Assessments of Judo Techniques Between Female Weight Categories

This study aimed to perform motor action and biomechanical analysis of techniques in female judo athletes separated by weight categories of 638 female bouts (103 extra lightweight <48 kg, 140 half lightweight 48>52 kg, 65 lightweight 52>57 kg, 73 half middleweight 57>63 kg, 77 middleweight 63>70 kg, 80 half heavyweight 70>78 kg and 60 heavyweight >78 kg). All bouts were analyzed following the phases of approach, gripping, defensive action, attack, also biomechanical analysis of techniques and groundwork was performed (p ≤ .05). Results indicated that lightweight athletes presented lower attempts to grip, right collar grip and left collar grip frequencies than other categories. Extra lightweight judokas presented lower right back grip and left back and sleeve grip frequencies as well as lower occurrence of techniques with arm and leg lever scored than half lightweight athletes, while half lightweight athletes demonstrated higher frequency of techniques with waist lever variable scored than lightweight ones. These findings should be considered for training prescription.

Sports convergence Analysis of Sports injuries and Heart Rate Variability in National Female Judo Athletes

Sports convergence Analysis of Sports injuries and Heart Rate Variability in National Female Judo Athletes