Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Practices of Judo Athletes and S&C Coaches: A Survey-Based Investigation.

ABSTRACT: Weldon, A, Cloak, R, Kirk, C, Ruddock, A, Langan-Evans, C, Detanico, D, Loturco, I, and Kons, R. Strength and conditioning (S&C) practices of judo athletes and S&C coaches: A survey-based investigation. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): e160-e173, 2024-The benefits of strength and conditioning (S&C) for improving judo performance and reducing injuries have been widely studied. However, the S&C practices used and perspectives held by those delivering S&C have yet to be elucidated. Therefore, this study investigated the S&C practices and perspectives of judokas and S&C coaches working within judo. Forty-two judokas and 9 S&C coaches completed an online survey comprising 6 sections: (a) written informed consent; (b) background information; (c) education, qualifications, and prescription; (d) views on S&C; (e) exercise selection; and (f) issues and improvements. Frequency analysis was used to report responses to fixed-response questions and thematic analysis for open-ended questions. Results indicated that S&C coaches were primarily responsible for delivering S&C programs (60%), and S&C information was predominantly sourced from S&C coaches (43%). Strength and conditioning was deemed very important for randori (78-88%), overall judo performance (67-79%), and judo fitness (62-78%). Similarly, S&C was considered very important for the development of speed and power (76-89%), strength (71-89%), and injury reduction (69-78%). Novel findings were also observed, such as integrating judo-specific training within S&C practice, which may be partly explained by more S&C coaches holding judo belts (67%) than S&C qualifications (11%). This study supports practitioners delivering S&C in judo by offering a base of information to critique or align with their existing S&C practices and perspectives. Furthermore, our results may help identify potential gaps between methods used, proposed guidelines, and actual practice, facilitating the development of research and education resources tailored to the current climate.

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

BACKGROUND: Maturity status is an important parameter to understand physical performance in young judo athletes, especially considering different age categories. OBJECTIVES: The 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. METHODS: Sixty-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%. RESULTS: The 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). CONCLUSION: We 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 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.

Tactile and Auditory Stimuli Can Improve the Specific Physical Performance of Para-Judo Athletes With Varied Origins of Visual Impairment.

Our aim in this study was to compare performance adaptations based on tactile or sonorous stimuli in para-judo athletes with congenital or acquired visual impairment. Twenty judo athletes with a type of visual impairment performed both the adapted Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) with tactile and sonorous stimuli and the standard SJFT. We used two-way ANOVA with repeated measurements in the second factor to compare the SJFT performance of athletes with visual impairment between two groups (acquired or congenital) in the two test situations, with the level of significance set at p < .05. Both groups of participants performed better on the adapted SJFT with tactile and sonorous stimuli compared to the standard condition on number of throws (p = .029 and p < .001) and showed lower final and post 1-minute heart rates (HR) (p < .05). There were no group differences in performance on any SJFT adaptations (p > .05). Thus, both SJFT adaptations (tactile and sonorous stimuli) enhanced the judo-specific performance of athletes with both acquired and congenital visual impairments. However, athletes with either origin of impairment showed a better HR in the adaptive tactile stimuli testing compared to the standard SJFT testing condition.

Injuries in Judo Athletes With Disabilities: Prevalence, Magnitude, and Sport-Related Mechanisms.

CONTEXT: The participation of judo athletes with disabilities in competitions has increased over the years as well as the burden of sports-related injuries and illnesses in this population. However, there is limited knowledge about sports-related injuries in judo athletes with different disabilities. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of injuries in judo athletes with disabilities, considering the different impairment groups, magnitude of injury (ie, mechanism, nature, and severity of injury), and specific body parts. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study (level of evidence, 3). SETTING: Brazilian Judo athletes with disabilities. PATIENTS: Fifty-one judo athletes with disabilities (15 men and 36 women) participated in this study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were obtained from an adapted injury report form. The prevalence of injuries was assessed, considering type of impairment, body parts, mechanisms, and severity as well as differences between male and female athletes, with the significance level set at P < .05. RESULTS: The results demonstrated a high prevalence of injuries in female athletes with visual impairment (n = 11, 73.3%) and male athletes with amputations (n = 14, 38.8%). A high prevalence was found in the national group, especially for male athletes (n = 29, 80.5%). Among athletes who had injuries, 69.4% (n = 12) of male and 80.0% (n = 25) of female athletes' injuries occurred due to direct contact with other athletes, and 72.2% (n = 26) of male and 86.6% (n = 13) of female athletes' injuries were in the training environment. The magnitude of injuries ranged from moderate to severe for male and female athletes. The knee (n = 25, 49.0%) and shoulder (n = 12, 23.5%) were the body parts most affected by injuries in both male and female athletes. CONCLUSION: A large percentage of judo athletes with disabilities reported experiencing an injury during the previous 2 years; percentages were greater in athletes with visual and physical impairment. Moreover, most injuries occurred in the knee or shoulder, during training, and in direct contact with other athletes and were of severe magnitude.

High-Intensity Interval Exercise Performance in Judo Athletes: Physiological, Perceptual, and Pacing Responses.

This study aimed to verify the behavior of physiological, perceptual, and performance responses during a high-intensity exercise in judo athletes and to identify if this protocol is able to discriminate athletes from different levels (national vs. state). Forty-five male judo athletes participated and were divided into two groups: state (age 24.2 ± 3.7 years) and national (22.1 ± 3.3 years). Judo athletes performed a judo-specific protocol contained high-intensity intermittent exercise consisted of 12 sets of 20 s in all-out intensity. During the protocol, the repetitions and heart rate were assessed over the sets, and at the end of the protocol, the rate of perceived exertion was measured. The results showed that the national group presented higher repetitions (29 ± 4 repetitions) during the high-intensity intermittent exercise compared with state (22 ± 2 repetitions). However, the national group showed a progressive decrease of repetitions up to the middle of the protocol, which coincided with higher values of heart rate compared with state (first and second sets). There was a decrease of repetitions from the first set (p < .001) and similar values of heart rate from the third set in the state. In conclusion, the performance (in repetitions) during the high-intensity intermittent exercise was able to discriminate athletes from different competitive levels. National athletes presented better performance, but worse pacing strategy compared with state.

Jiu-Jitsu-Specific Performance Test: Reliability Analysis and Construct Validity in Competitive Athletes.

ABSTRACT: da Silva Junior, JN, Kons, RL, de Lucas, RD, and Detanico, D. Jiu-jitsu-specific performance test: Reliability analysis and construct validity in competitive athletes. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 174-179, 2022-The aim of this study was twofold: to analyze the test-retest reliability and sensitivity of Jiu-Jitsu "anaerobic" performance test (JJAPT) variables, and to determine the construct validity of JJAPT by comparing groups of athletes with different levels and technical profiles. Sixty Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) athletes participated in this study. The reliability analysis was performed with all athletes and the construct validity was tested in the group comparisons-novice vs. advanced level and guard versus pass fighters. From the JJAPT, the number of repetitions, rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and average heart rate were assessed over the 5 sets. The test-retest reliability was assessed by absolute and relative analysis for each variable. The construct validity was tested by comparison means and the receiving operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used with the level of significance set at 5%. The main results demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability for all but the RPE in the first sets, with good sensitivity and agreement. The maximal number of repetitions in the JJAPT showed good construct validity, as it showed sensitivity to discriminate the performance between the advanced and novice BJJ athletes (p < 0.001, ROC curve area of 0.95). However, no significant difference was found between the technical profile groups (p > 0.05). We concluded that the JJAPT presents excellent performance reliability as a specific-sport test. In addition, the test presented evidence of construct validity, because it discriminated the performance between the advanced and novice BJJ athletes.

Is Bilateral Deficit in Handgrip Strength Associated With Performance in Specific Judo Tasks?

ABSTRACT: Turnes, T, Silva, BA, Kons, RL, and Detanico, D. Is bilateral deficit in handgrip strength associated with performance in specific judo tasks? J Strength Cond Res 36(2): 455-460, 2022-The aim of this study was to identify the existence of bilateral deficit (BD) on maximal handgrip strength during standing and seated positions in judo athletes and to correlate this with judo-specific tasks. Nineteen male judo athletes (age 22.1 ± 4.6 years) performed unilateral and bilateral handgrip strength tests in seated and standing postures to calculate bilateral index (BI). Athletes then performed the Judogi Grip Strength Test (dynamic and isometric modes) and Special Judo Fitness Test. The comparisons between bilateral and unilateral handgrip strength for each position, weight categories, or training experience (novice <10 years and advanced >10 years) were made by paired and unpaired t-tests. The sum of bilateral forces was significantly lower than unilateral forces at standing (unilateral: 105 ± 20 vs. bilateral: 102 ± 21 kgf, BI: -3.0 ± 5.9%, p = 0.043), but not at seated position (unilateral: 100 ± 19 vs. bilateral: 98 ± 19 kgf, BI: -2.1 ± 7.3%, p = 0.230), indicating BD only at standing position. Pearson coefficient correlations were not significant between judo tests and BI, with similar performance in judo tests between athletes with BD and bilateral facilitation (p > 0.05). Significant BD was observed at standing position in advanced (-4.5 ± 7.1%, p = 0.049) but not in novice athletes (-0.9 ± 3.8%, p = 0.592). We concluded that BI in maximal handgrip strength test was not related with judo-specific tests. However, the BD occurred only at standing position, suggesting that postural stability may contribute for this phenomenon.

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.

Psychometric Suitability of Adaptations to the Special Judo Fitness Test for Athletes With Visual Impairment.

This study aimed to test the reliability, sensitivity, construct and logical validity of an adapted Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) for judo athletes with visual impairment . Twenty judo athletes with visual impairments performed both the adapted SJFT with tactile and sonorous stimuli (experimental conditions) and the typically administered SJFT (standard condition). We used analyses of variance (ANOVAs) with repeated-measures to compare the groups' SJFT performances, and one-way ANOVAs to compare different visual ability classes of athletes (B1, B2 and B3). We used t-tests to compare SJFT variables between elite and sub-elite groups. We set statistical significance for all tests at p < 0.05. The standard SJFT showed excellent test-retest reliability for number of throws and overall index (ICC = 0.91-0.95), and both sonorous and tactile sensitivity adaptations of the SJFT showed medium sensitivity for detecting performance changes. The number of throws and SJFT index were higher with the sonorous adaptation of the test, compared to the tactile and standard versions (p < 0.001). Athletes who were blind (B1) presented similar performances to athletes who were partially sighted (B2 and B3) only on the SJFT with the sonorous stimulus. Moreover, only the sonorous SJFT adaptation discriminated between the performances of elite and sub-elite athletes (p < 0.001). In conclusion, both SJFT adaptations showed excellent reliability and medium sensitivity on test-retest, but, only the SJFT with the sonorous stimulus seemed valid for assessing judo athletes with varying degrees of visual impairment, and only the sonorous stimulus SJFT discriminated elite from sub-elite athletes.

Effect of vision impairment on match-related performance and technical variation in attacking moves in Paralympic judo.

In Paralympic judo for athletes with vision impairment (VI judo) all eligible athletes (i.e. B1, B2 and B3 classes) compete against each other in the same competition. Evidence suggests that athletes with more impairment may be disadvantaged, but that more sensitive measures of performance are necessary to understand the impact of impairment on performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Para sport class and technical variation, time-motion variables, and performance in Paralympic judo. All 175 judo matches from the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games were analysed across 129 competitors (82 male and 47 female). The main results indicated that athletes who demonstrated less technical variation also experienced less competitive success, with the functionally blind athletes (class B1) demonstrating less technical variation than partially sighted (class B2 and B3) athletes (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the time-motion variables between sport classes (p > 0.05). We conclude that measures of technical variation are sensitive to differences in impairment and are suitable for studies that investigate the impairment-performance relationship in VI judo. Results further confirm that some athletes with impairment are disadvantaged under the current rules of VI judo.

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.

Effects of successive judo matches on interlimb asymmetry and bilateral deficit.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of successive judo matches on interlimb asymmetry and bilateral deficit in judo athletes. DESIGN: Repeated measures; SETTING: University Judo center. PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen male judo athletes. OUTCOME MEASURES: Four simulated matches consisting of 4-min. Before the first match and after each match athletes were submitted to single leg tests - Countermovement Jump (SLCMJ) and Standing Long Jump (SLSLJ), and handgrip strength (HGS) in the dominant and non-dominant limbs. Interlimb asymmetry was calculated in both jumps and handgrip strength tests. RESULTS: Most jump-derived variables did not change the magnitude of asymmetry throughout the matches (p > 0.05), with the exception of jump height asymmetry in SLCMJ, that increased after the second match (p = 0.001). The HGS decreased in both hands from the first match (p < 0.001), without asymmetry. The highest bilateral strength deficit was observed in post-match 1 and post-match 2 (close to 10%). CONCLUSION: Four-successive judo matches did not change the magnitude of interlimb asymmetry, with exception of SLCMJ height, which increased after the second match. The handgrip strength decreased throughout the matches, but similarly in both hands. Finally, the direction of asymmetry showed consistency throughout the matches only for SLCMJ height.

Physical Performance in Young Judo Athletes: Influence of Somatic Maturation, Growth, and Training Experience.

Purpose: To determine the individual contributions of chronological age, somatic maturation, body size and composition, and training experience as indicators of performance in neuromuscular and judo-specific assessments in young athletes. Methods: Sixty-six youth judo athletes performed anthropometric measurements, neuromuscular tests-standing long jump test (SLJ), medicine ball throw test (MBT), handgrip strength test (HGS), and judo-specific tests-Special Judo Fitness test (SJFT) and Judogi Grip Isometric Strength Test (JGSTISO). A multiple linear regression was used with the level of significance set at 5%. Results: The main results showed age-peak height velocity (PHV), body fat and training experience explained close to 20% of SJFT performance. Chronological age, age-PHV, height, body mass and body fat accounted for 42% of variance in JGSTISO. Chronological age, body fat and training experience explained 35% of the variance in SLJ, while chronological age, body mass and body fat explained 53% of the variance in MBT. Finally, age-PHV, body mass and height explained 54% of the variance in HGS. Conclusion: Estimated age-PHV and growth variables explained moderate to large proportions of the variance in neuromuscular tests (with exception of SLJ), while both estimated age-PHV, training and growth variables were predictors of judo-specific performance.

Acute performance responses during repeated matches in combat sports: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the acute effects of repeated combat sports matches on vertical jump and handgrip strength performance in grappling and striking modalities. DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched. The following eligibility criteria for selecting studies were adopted: Population: Combat sports athletes; Intervention: Official or simulated matches; Comparator: Baseline versus after-matches performance; Outcome: Vertical jump and/or handgrip strength performance. PROSPERO: CRD42019129264 RESULTS: The systematic search resulted in 13 studies, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Greco-Roman, judo, taekwondo, and wrestling (freestyle and Greco-Roman) modalities, and a diverse number of repeated matches (i.e. 1-5). None of the studies adopted a randomized and controlled design and, consequently, none of them was classified as high quality. Brazilian jiu-jitsu and freestyle wrestling athletes presented an earlier onset of fatigue in upper and lower limbs, while judo and Greco Roman wrestling presented a later onset, from the third match. In taekwondo athletes, no fatigue was observed in the lower limbs, while handgrip strength decreased. However, studies have reported unclear data regarding the time-course of lower and upper limbs' fatigue following repeated matches in taekwondo. CONCLUSION: Both upper and lower limbs performance were affected after repeated matches in grappling combat sports when assessed by handgrip strength and vertical jump performance. In taekwondo, the studies have shown unclear results concerning the effects of repeated matches on upper and lower limb performance. There is a lack of studies classified as high-quality and investigations into the neuromuscular mechanisms underpinning fatigue after the repeated matches.

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.

An Exploratory Double-Blind Study of Caffeine Effects on Performance and Perceived Exertion in Judo.

This study analyzed the effects of caffeine ingestion during judo matches on judo athletes' match-derived performance and perceived exertion responses. We applied a double-blind randomized crossover (caffeine vs. placebo conditions) research design. Twelve male athletes performed three 5-minute matches separated by 15 minutes of passive rest. Immediately after each match, the athletes completed ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs), and one minute before beginning the second and third matches, they provided ratings of perceived recovery (RPRs). We filmed all matches for subsequent analysis of the athletes' technical skills. We found no interaction between condition and time of RPE, RPR, and match-derived technical variables, but number of attacks and RPR decreased over the matches, and RPE increased in both conditions. Three participants showed individual positive responses to caffeine ingestion for number of attacks. Attacks, efficiency, and effectiveness presented low sensitivity in both conditions, as only large changes could be identified. We conclude that caffeine ingestion did not provoke changes in either perceived exertion or match-derived performance. Match-derived technical variables were not sensitive for detecting small or medium effects of caffeine, but perceived exertion may detect at least medium effect after caffeine ingestion.

Female Judo Athletes' Physical Test Performances Are Unrelated to Technical-Tactical Competition Skills.

This study analyzed the relationship between generic and judo-specific physical test performances and technical-tactical competition performances among 19 female judo athletes. Participant data were gathered in two stages: (a) physical tests-countermovement jump (CMJ), handgrip strength, Special Judo Fitness Test and Judogi Grip Strength Test; and (b) match performances recorded for technical-tactical analysis. Pearson's linear correlation and multiple linear regression analysis showed no significant correlations between any technical-tactical parameter and judo-specific physical tests. However, the number of attacks during matches was significantly positively correlated with countermovement jump height (CMJJH; r = 0.69, p = .002), peak power output (CMJPPO; r = 0.53, p = .002), and peak velocity (CMJPV; r = 0.62, p = .001). Effective time during matches was significantly correlated with all CMJ parameters (except maximum force; r = 0.65-0.76, p ≤ .01) and with right hand grip strength ( r = 0.48, p = .037). Match effectiveness was correlated with CMJPPO ( r = -0.67, p = .001), mean power output (CMJMPO; r = -0.54, p = .017), and CMJPV ( r = -0.54, p = .004). The explained power of variance was low for all variables at 45-54%. We conclude that judo-specific performance tests do not seem to be related to female judo athletes' technical-tactical skills in official competition, though athletes with higher lower limb muscle power and higher handgrip strength showed higher time effectiveness during matches.

Injury prevalence in Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes: comparison between different competitive levels / Prevalência de lesões em atletas de Brazilian jiu-jitsu: comparação entre diferentes níveis competitivos

Abstract This study aimed to identify types and sites of body injury, location of injury occurrence, and the mechanism and severity of injuries in novice and advanced Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) athletes. One hundred and eight BJJ athletes took part in this study separated in two groups: advanced (n = 53) and novice (n = 55). Athletes answered a questionnaire concerning regions of injury, locality of occurrence, injury severity and mechanism. Chi square test and a logistic regression analysis were used with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. The main results showed that shoulders and knees were the most injury location reported by novice and advanced athletes. Novice athletes demonstrated higher prevalence of injuries during training sessions (54.5%), whereas advanced athletes reported more injuries during competitions (66.1%). Significant associations between novice and advanced athletes were observed for major joints (p < 0.05). The odds ratio of having injury was 70-87% less for novice versus advanced athletes for the major joints cited. We concluded that BJJ athletes demonstrate high prevalence of injury mainly at knee and shoulder. While risk of injury appeared less in novice, the advanced demonstrated higher number of injuries during competitions as a consequence of injured joint keys. By contrast, novice athletes reported higher number of injuries associated with training sessions as a consequence of overuse.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar as regiões do corpo afetadas por lesões, o local de maior ocorrência de lesão, o mecanismo e a gravidade das lesões em atletas iniciantes e avançados de Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). Cento e oito atletas participaram deste estudo, separados em dois grupos: avançados (n = 53) e iniciantes (n = 55). Os atletas responderam um questionário sobre as regiões acometidas por lesões, local de ocorrência, grau de gravidade e mecanismos. O teste do Qui-Quadrado e análise de regressão logística foram utilizados com o nível de significância de p < 0,05. Os principais resultados mostraram que o ombro e o joelho foram os locais de lesão mais citados pelos atletas iniciantes e avançados; os atletas iniciantes apresentaram maior prevalência de lesões durante a sessão de treino (54,5%), enquanto os atletas avançados apresentaram mais lesões durante as competições (66,1%). Foram observadas associações significativas entre atletas iniciantes e avançados para as principais articulações (p < 0,05). A chance de ter lesão foi de 70-87% menor para iniciantes do que avançados nas principais articulações citadas. Concluímos que os atletas do BJJ apresentaram alta prevalência de lesões principalmente no joelho e no ombro. A razão de chance de ter lesão foi menor para atletas iniciantes do que avançados. Atletas avançados apresentaram maior número de lesões durante as competições e o mecanismo principal foram chaves articulares. Os atletas iniciantes apresentaram maior número de lesões durante as sessões de treino e o mecanismo principal foi o uso excessivo.

Can Caffeine Intake Improve Neuromuscular and Technical-Tactical Performance During Judo Matches?

Athayde, MSdS, Lima Kons, R, and Detanico, D. Can caffeine intake improve neuromuscular and technical-tactical performance during judo matches? J Strength Cond Res 32(11): 3095-3102, 2018-This study aimed to verify the effect of caffeine intake on blood lactate concentrations and neuromuscular and technical-tactical performance during simulated judo matches. Fourteen male judo athletes received capsules containing caffeine or placebo and were evaluated in both conditions. Before the baseline and 1 hour after the caffeine/placebo intake, athletes performed the countermovement jump (CMJ) test, handgrip strength, judogi grip strength test (JGST), and blood samples were collected. Subsequently, the athletes were submitted to three 5-minute matches with 15-minute intervals. All neuromuscular tests were performed and blood samples were taken during the matches' intervals. Significant interaction between condition and time (p = 0.01) was found for blood lactate concentrations. No interaction between condition and time was verified for CMJ performance (p > 0.05), handgrip strength (p > 0.05), JGST performance (p = 0.32), and number of attacks (p = 0.97). However, for all variables, a significant decrease was observed throughout time (p ≤ 0.05). According to clinical results (magnitude-based inference), we identified that post-match 2 and post-match 3 showed higher effect (most likely positive effect) regarding delta caffeine-placebo than other moments (pre-match and post-match 1) for blood lactate. Caffeine increased the estimated glycolytic contribution over the matches; however, it did not induce improvements in neuromuscular performance or number of attacks.