Effects of stretch-shortening cycle fatigue protocol on lower limb asymmetry and muscle soreness in judo athletes.

This study aimed to analyse unilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ) performance and muscle soreness in lower limbs, as well as to compare lower limb asymmetry over 48h after a stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) fatigue protocol. Fourteen judo athletes performed unilateral CMJ on each leg before, and after the 5th and 10th sets over 24h and 48h of an SSC-fatigue protocol. The SSC protocol reduced CMJ performance after the 5th set and 10th sets, especially in the weaker limb (p < 0.05), but returned to the baseline values after 24h. Asymmetry increased for peak force, peak power, and mean power after the 5th set compared to the baseline (p < 0.05) and remained higher for peak force after the 10th set (p = 0.019), returning to the baseline values after 24h (p < 0.05). Soreness increased for the lower body at post, 24h, and 48h compared to the baseline (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a fatiguing SSC protocol can result in increased bilateral asymmetries in judo athletes, but after 24h and 48h of the protocol the bilateral asymmetry returned to the baseline values, with only muscle soreness still elevated.

Validity of judo-specific tests to assess neuromuscular performance of judo athletes.

Uchi-komi Fitness Test (UFT) is a specific judo test that evaluates physiological fitness of judo athletes in similar conditions to judo matches. Neuromuscular parameters obtained by generic and judo-specific tests would aid to get more information about its criterion validity. This study aimed to analyse the relationship between UFT and shoulder external (PTEX) and internal (PTINT) rotation torque, handgrip strength (HGS) and vertical jumps (VJs) performance. The relationship between UFT and Judogi grip strength test (JGST) was also investigated. Eighteen male judo athletes participated in this study. Athletes performed neuromuscular tests (VJ, PTEX, PTINT and HGS) and judo-specific tests (JGST and UFT). Pearson's correlation was used with the level set at p < 0.05. Significant correlation was found between UFT and all VJ variables (r = 0.50-0.72, p < 0.004), UFT a + b (two first series of UFT) and PTEX (r = 0.49, p = 0.033), UFT and PTINT (r = 0.47, p = 0.044). Also, UFT was correlated to JGST (r = 0.50-0.72, p < 0.044, respectively). We conclude that muscle power of lower limbs, PTEX and PTINT was related to UFT. Strength-endurance in the upper limbs (JGST) was also related to the UFT performance.

PREDICTORS OF JUDO-SPECIFIC TASKS FROM NEUROMUSCULAR PERFORMANCE IN YOUNG ATHLETES AGED 11-16 YEARS.

BACKGROUND: Physiological capacities are continuously developed throughout childhood and adolescence enhancing physical performance, but the years of formal training also contribute to performance improvements seen in young athletes. Thus, identifying the variables that may predict performance in young athletes is important for monitoring and planning the season. PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the predictors of judo-specific performance tasks from neuromuscular tests in young judo athletes. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Ninety-four young judo athletes: 28 girls and 66 boys (aged 11-16 years) participated in the study. Athletes performed the following neuromuscular assessments: the standing long jump (SLJ), the seated medicine ball throw (MBT) and the measurement of handgrip strength (HGS). They also performed judo-specific tests including the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) and Judogi Grip Strength Test (JGST). Pearson's linear correlation and a multiple linear regression were used with the level of significance at p<0.05. RESULTS: The main results showed correlations between all neuromuscular tests and the number of throws and index obtained in the SJFT for boys (r = 0.35-0.54, p<0.05) and girls (r = 0.41-0.47, p<0.05). Additionally, the JGST performance was correlated with HGS (r = 0.48, p<0.01) and the MBT (r = 0.38, p = 0.013), but only in boys. The SLJ and HGS predicted close to 30% of the variance in the SJFT performance (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Strength and power in upper and lower limbs are related to judo-specific tasks in young judo athletes and can moderately predict the performance in SJFT performance. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: 2b.