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.

The Impact of Preconditioning Strategies Designed to Improve 2000-m Rowing Ergometer Performance in Trained Rowers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: The 2000-m rowing-ergometer test is the most common measure of rowing performance. Because athletes use different intervention strategies for enhancing performance, investigating the effect of preconditioning strategies on the 2000-m test is of great relevance. This study evaluated the effects of different preconditioning strategies on 2000-m rowing-ergometer performance in trained rowers. METHODS: A search of electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) identified 27 effects of different preconditioning strategies from 17 studies. Outcomes were calculated as percentage differences between control and experimental interventions, and data were presented as mean ± 90% confidence interval. Performance data were converted to the same metrics, that is, mean power. Meta-regression analyses were conducted to assess whether performance level or caffeine dose could affect the percentage change. RESULTS: The overall beneficial effect on 2000-m mean power was 2.1% (90% confidence limit [CL] ±0.6%). Training status affected the percentage change with interventions, with a -1.1% (90% CL ±1.2%) possible small decrease for 1.0-W·kg-1 increment in performance baseline. Caffeine consumption most likely improves performance, with superior effect in higher doses (≥6 mg·kg-1). Sodium bicarbonate and beta-alanine consumption resulted in likely (2.6% [90% CL ±1.5%]) and very likely (1.4% [90% CL ±1.2%]) performance improvements, respectively. However, some preconditioning strategies such as heat acclimation, rehydration, and creatine resulted in small to moderate enhancements in 2000-m performance. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation of caffeine and beta-alanine is a popular and effective strategy to improve 2000-m ergometer performance in trained rowers. Additional research is warranted to confirm the benefit of other strategies to 2000-m rowing-ergometer performance.