The effects of pre-task music on choice visual reaction time in elite taekwondo athletes.

OBJECTIVES: The effects of music on sport performance mainly involved endurance or resistance exercises overlooking possible effects on reaction time, which is deemed essential in martial arts for a proficient performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the exposure to pre-task music on choice visual reaction time in elite taekwondo athletes. DESIGN: Repeated measure study design. METHODS: Reaction time and mean Heart Rate (HRmean) were recorded in twenty young taekwondo athletes (17.5 ±â€¯2.5 years old) while performing a roundhouse kick in response to different visual stimuli after three warmup conditions: listening to self-selected music (SM), research-selected music (RM) or no music (CC). Moreover, Feeling Scale (FS), Felt Arousal Scale (FAS) were recorded before (T0) and after warmup (T1) in each testing session. RESULTS: SM and RM elicited significantly faster reaction times compared to CC (-3.3 % and -5.2 %, respectively). No significant difference in reaction time was observed between SM and RM. The FS and FAS scores were significantly higher at T1 compared to T0 in the SM and RM conditions, whereas no difference between T0 and T1 was observed in the CC condition. No difference was observed for HRmean between SM, RM and CC conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Listening to SM and RM during the warmup improved choice visual reaction times in elite taekwondo athletes. These results suggest the use of music as a performance-enhancing strategy prior to combat competition or training in martial arts.

Relative Age Effect in Judo Competitions: Influence of Age, Weight Category, Sex, and Time Frames.

This study was conducted to determine whether the relative age effect (RAE) is present in different age groups, weight categories, sexes, and across different time frames in international-level judo competition. A total of 9451 judo athletes competing at the Olympic Games and/or World Championships in the Cadet, Junior and/or Senior age groups between 1993 and 2020 were considered. Athletes' birthdate distributions were grouped in four quartiles (Q1: January-March; Q2: April-June; Q3: July-September; Q4: October-December) and compared to a day-corrected theoretical distribution using Chi-squared analysis. Poisson regression was also used to evaluate the ability to explain weekly birth count. RAE was more prevalent in males than females (p < .05), and for Cadets and Juniors compared to Seniors (p < .05). Heavyweight and middleweight categories presented RAEs in Senior and Junior males, while for females it was present in Cadet heavyweights (p < .05). RAE was more prevalent in recent years (2009-2021) for Senior male judo athletes (p < .05). Poisson analysis illustrated some nuanced information, including RAE detection during an earlier time frame, not readily apparent with the traditional analysis.

Dehydration and Rapid Weight Gain Between Weigh-in and Competition in Judo Athletes: The Differences between Women and Men.

This study aimed to investigate the sex differences in short-term weight change and hydration status in judo athletes. Thirty-five men and 15 women judo athletes voluntarily participated in this descriptive and repeated measures design study. Body mass, urine-specific gravity (USG), and body composition of the athletes were measured at the official weigh-in and the competition day's morning. Body mass of the athletes increased during recovery time between official weigh-in and before the competition (time factor; F1-48 = 71.81, p < 0.001), this increase was higher in men athletes compared to women athletes (time-sex interaction; F1-48 = 6.56, p = 0.01). With RWG, USG values of the women and men athletes decreased (time factor; F1-48 = 8.53, p = 0.005). However, most of the athletes were still in significant or serious dehydration state. Unchanged values of total body water rates (TBW) supported dehydration in athletes before the competition (time factor, F1-48 = 2.9, p = 0.091; time-sex interaction; F1-48= 2.4, p = 0.122). The findings of the study indicated that RWG was higher in men athletes compared to women athletes, but hydration status was not affected by sex factor.Notwithstanding 15 hours of recovery between official weigh-in and the start of the competition, judo athletes were still in dehydrated state despite remaining within the limit set for RWG.

The effect of time of day and high intensity exercise on cognitive performances of elite adolescent karate athletes.

To explore the effect of time of day (TOD) on several components of cognitive performance prior and post to a physically exhaustive task in a sample of adolescent elite athletes. In a counterbalanced and randomized order, fourteen highly trained male karate athletes (17 ± 0.96 years; 1.75 ± 0.07 m; 68.0 ± 9.50 kg; BMI 22.15 ± 0.54 kg.m-2) completed two test sessions at 09h00 and 16h00. Cognitive performance was evaluated before and after the karate specific test (KST). During each session, participants completed the profile of mood state (POMS), simple (SRT) and choice (CRT) reaction times, comparison test (COMT), mental rotation test (MRT), egocentric distance estimation (DE), and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE). KST was not TOD dependent (p > .05, d = 0.33). RPE scores were higher in the afternoon compared to the morning (p < .05, d = 0.68). Before the KST, SRT (p < .01, d = 0.69), CRT (p < .01, d = 0.47), COMT (p < .01, d = 0.62) and MRT (p < .001, d = 0.65) were better in the afternoon than in the morning. However, DE was not affected by the TOD (P > .05). KST improved SRT (p < .01, d = 0.078), CRT (p < .001, d = 0.72), COMT (p < .001, d = 1.31) and MRT (p < .001, d = 0.80) performances only in the morning. Cognitive performances are TOD dependent with higher performances realized in the afternoon. Performing a high intensity exercise in the morning, but not in the afternoon, enhanced several aspects of cognitive performances. The current results indicate that an intensive warm-up could be beneficial when a morning competition requires high cognitive readiness.

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.

Da arte de artista no vale-tudo à arte de artesão no MMA: uma análise eliasiana das lutas / From artist art in no holds barred to artisan art in MMA: an elisian analysis of fights / Del arte de artista en vale-tudo al arte de artesano em MMA: un análisis eliasiano de las luchas

Este ensaio analisou os processos de transformação do vale--tudo ao MMA com base no conceito de arte de artesão e arte de artista de Norbert Elias. O vale-tudo e o MMA ocupam o lugar que Elias destinou à música; enquanto a família Gracie é o personagem empírico que, como Elias fez com Mozart, auxilia a entender as duas configurações. A primeira (arte de artista) é uma luta mais livre, menos engessada, com menos controle; a segunda (arte de artesão) é direcionada ao público, à mídia e aos negócios. O processo de esportivização, permeado por transformações configuracionais que modificaram o mercado, a produção e o gosto (AU).

This essay analyzed the transformation processes from no holds barred to MMA based on Norbert Elias' concept of artisan art and artist's art. No holds barred and MMA take the place Elias assigned to music; while the Gracie family is the empirical character that, as Elias did with Mozart, helps to understand the two configurations. The first (artist's art) is a freer fight, less rigid, with less control; the second (artisan art) is aimed to the audience, the media and business. The sportization process, permeated by configurational transformations that modified the market, production and consumer taste, resulted in a decrease in the possibility of fighters acting as "martial artists". The high control of rules and actions limited the artist's art (AU).

Analizamos los procesos de transformación de vale-tudo a MMA a partir del concepto de arte de artesano y arte de artista de Norbert Elias. Vale-tudo y MMA toman el lugar que Elias le asignó a la música; y la familia Gracie es el personaje que, como hizo Elias con Mozart, ayuda a comprender las dos configuraciones. La primera (arte de artista) es una lucha más libre, menos rígida, con menos control; la segunda (arte de artesano) está dirigida al público, los medios de comunicación y las empresas. La deportivización modificó el mercado, la producción y el gusto del consumidor, y resultó en una disminución de la posibilidad de que los luchadores actuaren como "artistas marciales". El alto control de reglas y acciones limitaba el arte del artista (AU).

How wide should you view to fight? Establishing the size of the visual field necessary for grip fighting in judo.

Peripheral vision is often considered vital in (combat) sports, yet most experimental paradigms (e.g., eye tracking) ignore peripheral information or struggle to make inferences about the role of peripheral vision in an in-situ performance environment. This study aimed to determine where visual information is located in the peripheral field during an in-situ combat sports task. Eight advanced judokas competed in grip-fighting exchanges while wearing a mobile eye-tracker to locate gaze direction. Three-dimensional position data of the head and hands were tracked using a VICON motion capture system. Gaze analysis through automatic feature detection showed that participants predominantly fixated on their opponent's chest. Kinematic data were used to calculate the angles between the opponent's hands and the gaze-anchor point on the chest of the opponent. Results revealed a nonlinear relationship between visual field (VF) size and visibility of the hands, with athletes needing a VF of at least 30-40 degrees radius to simultaneously monitor both hands of the opponent most of the time. These findings hold implications for the regulation of Paralympic judo for athletes with vision impairment, suggesting that a less severe degree of impairment should be required to qualify than the current criterion of 20 degrees radius.

O conteúdo "lutas" nas aulas de educação física em escolas do Oeste do Paraná / The thematic unit "martial arts" in physical education classes in schools in Western Paraná / Las lucha de contenidos en las clases de educación física en las escuelas del Oeste de Paraná

O objetivo deste artigo foi verificar se os professores de Educação Física desenvolvem o tema "lutas" em suas aulas. Participaram do estudo oito professores de Educação Física de escolas públicas da microrregião oeste do estado do Paraná - Brasil. Foi utilizada uma entrevista semiestruturada e os dados foram tratados segundo a análise do conteúdo. Como resultados, verificamos que os professores desenvolvem o conteúdo "lutas" insuficientemente, utilizam apenas as atividades que dominam, são dependentes de materiais de apoio e, geralmente, ministram aulas teóricas ou realizam visitas com seus alunos às academias e trazem professores convidados. Concluímos que o tema "lutas" é pouco trabalhado em razão da formação inicial insuficiente, bem como necessita-se de uma formação continuada para essa abordagem (AU).

The objective was to verify if physical education teachers develop the theme "fights" in physical education classes. Eight Physical Education teachers from public schools in the western micro-region of the state of Paraná - Brazil participated in the study. A semi-structured interview was used, and the data were treated according to the content analysis. As a result, teachers develop the content " fights " insufficiently, developing only the activities they know, are dependent on support materials and teach theoretical classes or make visits with their students to the academies or bring in invited teachers. We conclude that the theme "fights" is little discussed, due to its insufficient initial training, as well as needing continued training for this thematization (AU).

El objetivo fue verificar si los profesores de educación física desarrollan el tema "luchas" en las clases de educación física. En el estudio participaron ocho profesores de Educación Física de escuelas públicas de la microrregión occidental del estado de Paraná - Brasil. Se utilizó una entrevista semiestructurada y los datos se trataron según el análisis de contenido. Como resultado, los docentes desarrollan los contenidos "luchas" de manera insuficiente, desarrollando solo las actividades que conocen, dependen de materiales de apoyo y generalmente imparten clases teóricas o realizan visitas con sus alumnos a las academias o traen profesores invitados. Concluimos que el tema "luchas" es poco discutido, por su insuficiente formación inicial, además de necesitar formación continua para esta tematización (AU).

Principles of Rapid Weight Loss in Female Sambo Athletes.

In combat sports, competitors are separated into weight divisions, to create equality between the athletes. Consequently, rapid weight loss (RWL) is a common practice in combat sports. Although the methods used to induce RWL are similar among athletes, currently, there are limited data concerning the RWL methodologies used by sambo athletes. Therefore, this study aimed at determining RWL procedures among female sambo athletes. Participants in the study were top-level athletes competing at the World Sambo Championship held in Novi Sad. A total sample of 47 female sambo athletes, of whom 24 were seniors (27.3 ± 4 year/age, 1.61 ± 0.09 m/height, 61.8 ± 8.87 kg/weight) and 23 juniors (18.7 ± 0.8 year/age, 1.66 ± 0.07 m/height, 63.7 ± 12.1 kg/weight), were examined in the study. To determine RWL methods, data were collected through a standardized questionnaire. As a result, 88.7% of the female sambo athletes declared that they intentionally cut their weight before the competition. The most commonly used methods were gradual dieting, followed by sauna, fluid restriction, and skipping meals. The most considerable influence on the RWL strategies of athletes came from coaches and personal trainers, while physicians and dietitians were far less influential. The results obtained from this representative sample highlight the most common practices concerning weight cutting prior to competition among females. Therefore, there is a need to inform and educate both athletes and coaches about the potentially harmful effects of RWL in combat sports.

Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Aerobic and Anaerobic Performances of Trained Male Taekwondo Athletes: A Pilot Study.

Studies have shown that nitrate (NO3-)-rich beetroot juice (BJ) supplementation improves endurance and high-intensity intermittent exercise. The dose-response effects on taekwondo following BJ supplementation are yet to be determined. This study aimed to investigate two acute doses of 400 mg of NO3- (BJ-400) and 800 mg of NO3- (BJ-800) on taekwondo-specific performance and cognitive function tests compared with a placebo (PL) and control (CON) conditions. Eight trained male taekwondo athletes (age: 20 ± 4 years, height: 180 ± 2 cm, body mass: 64.8 ± 4.0 kg) completed four experimental trials using a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled design: BJ-400, BJ-800, PL, and CON. Participants consumed two doses of BJ-400 and BJ-800 or nitrate-depleted PL at 2.5 h prior to performing the Multiple Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKT). Countermovement jump (CMJ) was performed before the (FSKT) and PSTT, whereas cognitive function was assessed (via the Stroop test) before and after supplementation and 10 min following PSTT. Blood lactate was collected before the CMJ tests immediately and 3 min after the FSKT and PSST; rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded during and after both specific taekwondo tests. No significant differences (p > 0.05), with moderate and large effect sizes, between conditions were observed for PSTT and FSKT performances. In addition, blood lactate, RPE, heart rate, and CMJ height were not significantly different among conditions (p > 0.05). However, after the PSTT test, cognitive function was higher in BJ-400 compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). It was concluded that acute intake of 400 and 800 mg of NO3- rich BJ reported a moderate to large effect size in anaerobic and aerobic; however, no statistical differences were found in taekwondo-specific performance.

Effects of acute ingestion of caffeinated chewing gum on performance in elite judo athletes.

PURPOSE: Previous investigations have found positive effects of acute ingestion of capsules containing 4-to-9 mg of caffeine per kg of body mass on several aspects of judo performance. However, no previous investigation has tested the effectiveness of caffeinated chewing gum as the form of caffeine administration for judoists. The main goal of this study was to assess the effect of acute ingestion of a caffeinated chewing gum on the results of the special judo fitness test (SJFT). METHODS: Nine male elite judo athletes of the Polish national team (23.7 ± 4.4 years, body mass: 73.5 ± 7.4 kg) participated in a randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled and double-blind experiment. Participants were moderate caffeine consumers (3.1 mg/kg/day). Each athlete performed three identical experimental sessions after: (a) ingestion of two non-caffeinated chewing gums (P + P); (b) a caffeinated chewing gum and a placebo chewing gum (C + P; ~2.7 mg/kg); (c) two caffeinated chewing gums (C + C; ~5.4 mg/kg). Each gum was ingested 15 min before performing two Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) which were separated by 4 min of combat activity. RESULTS: The total number of throws was not different between P + P, C + P, and C + C (59.66 ± 4.15, 62.22 ± 4.32, 60.22 ± 4.08 throws, respectively; p = 0.41). A two-way repeated measures ANOVA indicated no significant substance × time interaction effect as well as no main effect of caffeine for SJFT performance, SJFT index, blood lactate concentration, heart rate or rating of perceived exertion. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study indicate that the use of caffeinated chewing gum in a dose up to 5.4 mg/kg of caffeine did not increase performance during repeated SJFTs.

Craniofacial and traumatic brain injuries in mixed martial arts.

Objective: Mixed-Martial-Arts (MMA) has witnessed a rapid growth over the recent years. This study aims to explore the patterns and trends of head injuries in MMA.Design: Descriptive epidemiological study.Setting: Ringside physician reports of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fights between 2016 and 2019 (inclusive) were screened. Data were extracted from the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) database. Play-by-play video analysis was also conducted.Participants: UFC fighters involved in fights sanctioned by the NSAC, between 2016 and the end of 2019 (N = 816).Independent variables: Sex, location of head injury, type of head injury, injury mechanism, number of significant head strikes, type of finish, and weight division.Main outcome measures: Head injury rates were calculated. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to explore any statistically significant differences between injury rates of different locations, types, and types of finishes. An independent t-test was used to determine whether any significant differences existed between the two sexes, and a Joinpoint regression analysis was used to determine the statistical significance of the trends of head injury rates across different weight divisions. P-values <0.05 were considered significant (95% CI).Results: A total of 288 head injuries in 408 fights were recorded during our study period. Head injury rate constituted 35 injuries per 100 athletic-exposures (AE) in sanctioned fights. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) were the most common type of injury, with a rate of 16 per 100AE, significantly greater than that of fractures (p = 0.003). Males had a head injury rate of 37 per 100AE, higher than that of females which was 23 per 100AE. Technical Knockout (TKO)/ Knockout(KO) was the type of finish with the highest rate of head injuries, significantly greater than that of decision or submission (p < 0.001). In general, head injury rates were higher as weight divisions increased.Conclusion: Head injuries are prevalent in MMA. Preventive measures need to be implemented to ensure fighter safety and limit injury risk.

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

BACKGROUND: To provide information regarding injury incidence, injury pattern, and associated injury risk factors in elite Paralympic judokas. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.

Design, validation, and testing of an observational tool for technical and tactical analysis in the taekwondo competition at the 2016 Olympic games.

Observational methodology uses validated observational tools to collect information in sports with multiple variables that interact in the sporting context. Given the importance of data quality for observational tools, the purpose of this study was to design, validate, and test the reliability of a mixed observational instrument combining field formats and category systems for analyzing technical and tactical actions in an Olympic taekwondo (TKD) tournament. The instrument collects information of six criteria and 25 categories of the tactical and technical actions, kicking zone, laterality, kicking leg, guard, and score. A total of 2 374 actions were analyzed from 10 bouts involving 12 competitors in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. The coefficients derived from the generalizability analysis (G coefficients) were used to check the accuracy, validity, and reliability of the tool created, while lag-sequential and polar-coordinate analysis were used to determine technical and tactical patterns of TKD athletes. The results showed optimal G coefficients and provide us with objective, valid, and reliable information on the bout situation analyzed, allowing us to extrapolate the data from our results to the sample population. The lag-sequential and polar-coordinate analyses showed that the competitors scored one point through direct attacks with linear techniques to the chest and performed circular actions with the back leg before and after scoring one point. Three points are scored by indirect attacks and subsequent counterattacks with spinning kicks to the trunk and head (using linear and circular techniques). These results reveal technical and tactical implications derived from the latest modifications of the regulations of this sport, as well as the need to adapt athletes' training for the next Olympic Games.

Hematological parameters in champion of Brazilian jiu-jitsu paradesport: Case study.

The behavior of biochemical and immunological parameters investigated in the field conditions in athletes is important to influence in the management of recovery and disease prevention as well as, to support the training program, as well as to improve the physical conditioning associated with health and performance. However, for amputee athletes, Brazilian jiu-jitsu paradesport practitioners, there are no published data to date. Thus, the objective of this case study was to quantify the magnitude of biochemical, hematological, and urinary alterations after a simulated fight session in elite athlete with world titles. Outcomes were obtained through blood analysis of samples collected at four different moments (M1-fasting; M2-1.5 hr after caloric intake; M3-Immediately after the simulated fight; M4-24 hr after the simulated fight). Responses triggered by the simulated fight between baseline and after 24 hr were found to increase in monocyte (100%), neutrophil (20%), and insulin (57%) concentrations, while reductions were observed in eosinophils (-50%), lymphocytes (-26.6%), platelets (-22%), cortisol (-50%), and creatine phosphokinase (-45.2%). After 24 hr lactate values returned to baseline levels. The different changes in biochemical and hematological parameters observed constitute responses to acute physical exercise and were according to the level of the high performance athlete. From these data it will be possible to evaluate the periodization, training load, and recovery techniques according to the individual response verified. In addition, these data may be used for comparison purposes within this specific sport, whose literature is still limited.

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.

Body composition of elite Olympic combat sport athletes.

Physique traits of a range of elite athletes have been identified; however, few detailed investigations of Olympic combat sports (judo, wrestling, taekwondo and boxing) exist. This is surprising given the importance of body composition in weight category sports. We sought to develop a descriptive database of Olympic combat sport athletes, compare variables relative to weight division and examine differences within and between sports. Additionally, we investigated the appropriateness of athletes' self-selected weight classes compared to an internationally recognised classification system (the NCAA minimum wrestling weight scheme used to identify minimum 'safe' weight). Olympic combat sport athletes (56♂, 38♀) had body mass (BM), stretch stature and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry derived body composition assessed within 7-21 days of competition. Most athletes were heavier than their weight division. Sport had an effect (p < .05) on several physique traits, including; lean mass, lean mass distribution, stretch stature and BMI. BM was strongly positively correlated (r > 0.6) with; fat free mass, fat mass and body fat percentage, however, was not predictive of total mass/weight division. The Olympic combat sports differ in competitive format and physiological requirements, which is partly reflected in athletes' physique traits. We provide reference ranges for lean and fat mass across a range of BM. Lighter athletes likely must utilise acute weight loss in order to make weight, whereas heavier athletes can potentially reduce fat mass.

[The efficiency of branched chain aminoacids (BCAA) in the nutrition of combat sport athletes].

Balanced nutrition of athletes involves the usage of both ordinary products and complexes of functional food ingredients that contribute to improving the performance of athletes, strengthening the immune system. One of the main components of specialized foods that are widely used in sports' nutrition and food supplements are branched chain aminoacids (BCAA): valine, leucine, isoleucine. The aim of the work was to study the effect of the BCAA intake on the parameters of body composition and the immune status of combat sport athletes during the training period. Material and methods. The object of the study was 20 athletes (masters of sports and candidates for masters of sports in combat sports: sambo, judo) at the age of 17-18 years. Athletes were distributed into 2 groups. Athletes of the main group (n=10) for 4 weeks in addition to the main diet were supplemented with BCAA at a dosage of 5 g per day. The athletes of the control group (n=10) received the main diet without BCAA inclusion. Examination of athletes of both groups was carried out at the beginning of the research and after 4 weeks of the observation period. The actual nutrition of athletes and daily energy consumption have been studied, body composition, the quantitative composition of subpopulations of peripheral blood lymphocytes, cytokine profile and hematological parameters have been determined. Results and discussion. As a result of a comprehensive survey of athletes, the positive effect of BCAA intake on the phase angle value (7.35±0.28 vs 6.41±0.32 at the beginning of the study, p<0.05) and muscle mass (25.1±0.8 vs 23.4±0.6 kg, p<0.10) has been demonstrated. In the control group these parameters did not change statistically significantly (7.05±0.25 vs 6.78±0.42 and 24.1±1.7 vs 23.8±1.5 kg). The athletes of the main group showed an increase in erythrocyte hemoglobin content (30.0±0.3 vs 29.0±0.2 pg, p<0.05). The relative content of basophilic leukocytes in athletes of the main group decreased by the end of the observation period - from 0.69±0.05 to 0.54±0.05% (p<0.05), that indicated an increase of immune resistance. The biomarker of the immunotropic effect of BCAA was the suppression of IL-4 production (1.6±0.1 to 1.3±0.1 pg/ml, p<0.05) synthesized by Th2 lymphocytes, with switching response to cellular immunity. Conclusion. The results of this study provide evidence of the effectiveness of BCAA usage in sports' nutrition for maintaining sport performance, immunity, and the adaptive potential of combat sport athletes.

The Effect of Vision Impairment on Competitive and Technical-Tactical Performance in Judo: Is the Present System Legitimate?

In judo competition for visual impairment, athletes of different classes compete against each other in the same category; B1 athletes are totally blind, whereas B2 and B3 athletes are partially sighted. To test for potential competition disparities due a single category of athletes, this study aimed to compare competitive and technical-tactical performance in visually impaired judo athletes with different degrees of visual impairment. The authors analyzed 340 judo matches from the 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games. The scores, penalties, efficiency index, and types of medals were examined, as well as the technical variation and temporal structure. The main finding was that blind judo athletes presented lower scores (p < .05; effect size [ES] = 0.43-0.73), medals (p < .05), and efficiency (p < .05; ES = 0.40-0.73); different patterns of play; and a shorter time to lose than partially sighted athletes (p = .027; ES = 0.10-0.14). However, the penalties were similar between classes (p > .05; ES = 0.07-0.14). The odds ratio of a winning medal was 3.5-8 times less in blind athletes than in partially sighted athletes (p < .01). In conclusion, blind judo athletes presented lower competitive and technical-tactical performance than athletes with some residual functional vision. These findings provide support for the development of new evidence-based criteria for judo classification based on vision impairment.

High Prevalence and Magnitude of Rapid Weight Loss in Mixed Martial Arts Athletes.

The practice of rapid weight loss (RWL) in mixed martial arts (MMA) is an increasing concern but data remain scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, magnitude, methods, and influencers of RWL in professional and amateur MMA athletes. MMA athletes (N = 314; 287 men and 27 women) across nine weight categories (strawweight to heavyweight), completed a validated questionnaire adapted for this sport. Sex-specific data were analyzed, and subgroup comparisons were made between athletes competing at professional and amateur levels. Most athletes purposefully reduced body weight for competition (men: 97.2%; women: 100%). The magnitude of RWL in 1 week prior to weigh-in was significantly greater for professional athletes compared with those competing at amateur level (men: 5.9% vs. 4.2%; women: 5.0% vs. 2.1% of body weight; p < .05). In the 24 hr preceding weigh-in, the magnitude of RWL was greater at professional than amateur level in men (3.7% vs. 2.5% of body weight; p < .05). Most athletes "always" or "sometimes" used water loading (72.9%), restricting fluid intake (71.3%), and sweat suits (55.4%) for RWL. Coaches were cited as the primary source of influence on RWL practices (men: 29.3%; women: 48.1%). There is a high reported prevalence of RWL in MMA, at professional and amateur levels. Our findings, constituting the largest inquiry to date, call for urgent action from MMA organizations to safeguard the health and well-being of athletes competing in this sport.