Participation in the International Judo Federation World Tour competitions and performance in Tokyo Olympic Games.

Introduction: The International Judo Federation introduced a ranking system in 2009 that determines top athletes for the Olympic Games and seeds them in competitions. Previous research indicated that this ranking list and past performances predicted 19%-27% of performance in the Olympic Games and World Championships. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the relationship between Judo World Tour competitions and Olympic Games performance may have been affected. This study aimed to examine the relationship between athletes' performance in Judo World Tour competitions and their competitive performance at the Olympic Games. Methods: Data from 393 athletes who participated in the Tokyo Olympics were analyzed considering both long and short-term performance measures. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between variables and multiple linear regressions were used to predict performance for each sex and the entire sample. Results: The results revealed a range of magnitudes in the correlation between variables, varying from small to large. In terms of regression analyses, it was observed that, for females, the percentage of matches won during the classification period and competition in the year prior to the Olympic Games predicted 37% of their performance. For males, the percentage of matches won during the classification period and competition in the six months before the Olympic Games predicted 36% of their performance. Discussion: Thus, athletes' quality and reduced exposure to competition near the Olympic Games appear to be important factors in their performance at the event.

Impact of Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms on Sport Routines in Nonelite Athlete Participants of Summer Olympic Sports.

PURPOSE: Most women during their lifetime experience a combination of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms (eg, menstrual cramps) before and often to the end of menstruation. However, the impact of these symptoms on sport routines (eg, performance, training absence) during phases around menstruation is still unclear. Therefore, we investigated the impact of PMS symptoms on sport routines among nonelite athletes over 3 phases related to menstruation. METHODS: An online questionnaire was developed to recruit nonelite female athletes who participate in summer Olympic sports. Participants were allocated into 2 groups: those who experienced mild to moderate PMS symptoms (no-PMS) and those with severe PMS symptoms (p-PMS). Two hundred thirty-four responses from eumenorrheic women (p-PMS = 78%) were considered valid. An unpaired Student t test was conducted to compare demographic characteristics between groups and chi-square test to evaluate the impact of PMS status on sport routines between groups. RESULTS: A significant (P < .05) proportion of women in the p-PMS group changed their training schedule because of menstrual (55%) and premenstrual (61%) symptoms compared with the no-PMS group. Overall, all participants indicated that training (P = .01) and competitive (P < .01) performance are impacted during menstruation, followed by a greater impact (P < .05) in the p-PMS group before menstruation. CONCLUSION: The presence of PMS symptoms reduces training and competitive performance, primarily during and before menstruation, respectively. Severity of PMS symptoms was significantly associated with alterations in training schedule but not with competitive schedule.

Psychophysiological Responses to Self-Selected Exercise Intensity Over the Menstrual Cycle: A Randomized Crossover Phase Trial.

Purpose: This study investigated the psychophysiological responses during self-selected exercise intensity over the course of the menstrual cycle (MC). Methods: Seventeen healthy women with regular MCs completed three randomized treadmill bouts of 30 min of self-selected exercise intensity during menstruation, mid-follicular, and late luteal phases. Anxiety, menstrual distress (i.e., pain, behavior change, autonomic reaction, fluid retention, and negative affect) and profile of mood (i.e., tension, depression, and anger) were measured before exercise. Arousal, heart rate (HR), motivation, rating of perceived exertion and affective valence were measured before, during and after each exercise session. Results: Anger, anxiety, behavior change, pain, and negative affect were significantly greater (p < .05) during menstruation compared to the mid-follicular phase, whereas fluid retention, anger, behavior change, and autonomic reaction were greater (p < .05) during the late luteal phase compared with the mid-follicular phase. Participants felt more negative affective valence and less motivation to start exercise during menstruation compared with other MC phases. Average treadmill speed (5.8 ± 1.1 vs 6.0 ± 0.7 vs 5.9 ± 0.7 km/h-1, p = .36) and %HRmax (74.9 ± 3.2 vs 77.8 ± 5.4 vs 77.4 ± 7.1%, p = .40) did not differ between menstruation, mid-follicular, and late luteal phases. Also, noteworthy is that participants self-selected an intensity that exceeded the minimum levels recommended for health and cardiorespiratory fitness promotion (64-70% HRmax). Conclusions: Results of this study indicate that psychophysiological responses are negatively impacted mainly during menstruation and the late luteal phase of the MC. These findings may be helpful for professionals who work to promote the initiation and maintenance of exercise in women.

Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Reproducibility of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+): The Brazilian Portuguese Version.

Background: The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+) is the international standard for pre-participation risk stratification and screening. In order to provide a practical and valid screening tool to facilitate safe engagement in physical activity and fitness assessments for the Brazilian population, this study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and verify the reproducibility of the evidence-based PAR-Q+ to the Brazilian Portuguese language. Method: Initially, the document was translated by two independent translators, before Brazilian experts in health and physical activity evaluated the translations and produced a common initial version. Next, two English native speakers, fluent in Brazilian Portuguese and accustomed to the local culture, back-translated the questionnaire. These back translations were assessed by the organization in charge of the PAR-Q+, then a final Brazilian version was approved. A total of 493 Brazilians between 5 and 93 yr (39.9 ± 25.4 yr), 59% female, with varying levels of health and physical activity, completed the questionnaire twice, in person or online, 1-2 weeks apart. Cronbach's alpha was used to calculate the internal consistency of all items of the questionnaire, and the Kappa statistic was used to assess the individual reproducibility of each item of the document. Additionally, the intraclass correlation coefficient and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to verify the general reproducibility (reliability) of the translated version. Results: The Brazilian version had an excellent internal consistency (0.993), with an almost perfect agreement in 93.8% of the questions, and a substantial agreement in the other 6.2%. The translated version also had a good to excellent total reproducibility (0.901, 95% CI: 0.887-0.914). Conclusion: The results show this translation is a valid and reliable screening tool, which may facilitate a larger number of Brazilians to start or increase physical activity participation in a safe manner.

Anthropometrical and Physical Fitness Predictors of Operational Military Test Performance in Air Force Personnel.

The objective of this study was to verify the relationships between the anthropometrical and physical fitness parameters (measured by the Physical Conditioning Assessment (PCA) of the Aeronautics Command), with the operational performance in the simulated military task performance (SMTP) performed by the infantry military of a Brazilian Air Force (BAF) unit. These evaluations were performed on two distinct days, interspersed by 48h, with PCA on the first day and the SMTP in the second. The distribution of the dependent variable was not normal (Shapiro-Wilk test, p = 0.001). Data are presented as mean and standard deviation, median and interquartile, for variables normally and non-normally distributed, respectively. The correlation between variables was determined using the Spearman's correlation coefficient. A regression model to predict performance in the SMTP, based on the anthropometrical, physiological and performance variables, was performed. The significance level was set at 5%. Based on the results, there was an association between all the PCA and SMTP variables: weight, lean body mass, trunk flexion, and estimated VO2max based on the distance covered in the 12-minute test. The following equation was generated: SMTP (s) = 350.611 - 1.556 (fat-free mass, in kg) - 0.34 (12-min running distance, in m) - 0.632 (sit-up, in repetitions). The explained variance of the SMTP was 72.3% with an estimated standard error of 3.6s. It was observed that, although the association was diagnosed in some variables, there is a need to analyze possibilities for improvement in the selection of physical fitness tests that are closer to operationality in BAF Infantry military personnel.

Reliability and Usefulness of Time-Motion and Physiological Responses in Simulated Judo Matches.

Franchini, E, Dunn, E, and Takito, MY. Reliability and usefulness of time-motion and physiological responses in simulated judo matches. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2557-2564, 2020-Match simulations have been used to investigate different interventions in judo. However, no study has assessed the reliability of actions performed and the physiological responses to the match and its usefulness. Thus, 2 studies were conducted to verify the reliability of time-motion and physiological responses to judo matches. In the first study, 25 judo athletes performed one 5-minute judo match simulation twice, 1 week apart, and had their heart rate and blood lactate measured. In the second, 12 judo athletes performed one 5-minute judo simulation 4 times, 72 hours apart, and had their primary actions and match temporal structure analyzed. Comparisons between conditions, reliability (using intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC), typical error (TE), smallest worthwhile change (SWC), and minimal detectable change were determined. The main findings indicated that: (a) there were no differences between matches for any variable; (b) ICCs were significant (except for blood lactate before matches in both studies) with 6 variables presenting large (number of attacks plus defensive actions, number of scoring actions, efficiency, number of sutemi-waza, time per combat sequence, and time per interval phase time), and the remaining 15 variables presenting very large reliability; (c) TE was higher than SWC for all variables when small differences were considered. Moderate changes in peak blood lactate and the change in blood lactate (in both studies), and time in tachi-waza could be properly detected; however, only large changes could be detected for all other variables, suggesting that investigations using match simulation as an outcome variable may only detect large changes.

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Olympic Combat Sports Athletes' Performance and Physiological Adaptation: A Systematic Review.

Franchini, E, Cormack, S, and Takito, MY. Effects of high-intensity interval training on Olympic combat sports athletes' performance and physiological adaptation: A systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 33(1): 242-252, 2019-Combat sports represent around 25% of all Olympic medals disputed, and the success in these sports are determined by technical-tactical excellence and supported by physiological and psychological development. Although the training in combat sports is intermittent training by nature, some researchers have started to focus their attention on the effects of complementary high-intensity interval training (HIIT)-coupled standard combat sports-specific training on morphological, physiological, and performance adaptations. Thus, in this systematic review, we aimed to verify the effects of this type of training on these variables. A total of 117 articles in the electronic databases Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science were retrieved, and 9 studies remained in the present systematic review. A total of 228 athletes (138 judo athletes, 40 taekwondo athletes, 18 boxers, 17 karate athletes, and 15 wrestlers) were investigated in these 9 studies (5 with judo athletes, 1 with boxers, 1 with karate athletes, 1 with wrestlers, and 1 with taekwondo athletes). The HIIT protocols investigated did not generate any change in body fat percentage or body mass but generally resulted in increases in (Equation is included in full-text article.)max or (Equation is included in full-text article.)peak, varying from 4.4 to 23.0%. However, the most observed benefit of HIIT protocols was an increase in anaerobic fitness, represented by improvements in anaerobic power and capacity.

Optimal Interval for Success in Judo World-Ranking Competitions.

PURPOSE: To determine the optimal interval between competitions for success in the different events of the judo world tour. METHODS: A total of 20,916 female and 29,900 male competition participations in the judo world-tour competitions held between January 2009 and December 2015 were analyzed, considering the dependent variable, winning a medal, and the independent variables, levels of competition. RESULTS: There was an increased probability of winning a medal when the interval was in the 10- to 13-wk range for both male and female athletes competing at Grand Prix, Continental-Championship, and World-Championship events, whereas for Grand Slam, only men had an increased probability of winning a medal in this interval range. Furthermore, men had increased probability of podium positions in Continental Championship, World Master, and Olympic Games when the interval was longer than 14 wk. CONCLUSION: Optimal interval period between successive competitions varies according to competition level and sex; shorter intervals (6-9 wk) were better for female athletes competing at the lowest competition level (Continental Open), but for most of the competitions, the 10- to 13-wk interval was detected as optimal for both male and female athletes (Grand Prix, Continental Championship, and World Championship), whereas for the ranking-based qualified male competitions (ie, Masters and Olympic Games), a longer period (>14 wk) is needed.

Sex-Related Differences in Self-Paced All Out High-Intensity Intermittent Cycling: Mechanical and Physiological Responses.

The purpose of this study was to compare sex-related responses to a self-paced all out high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE). 9 women and 10 men were submitted to a maximal incremental test (to determine maximum aerobic power - MAP and VO2peak), and an HIIE cycling (60x8s:12s, effort:pause). During the protocol the mean value of V̇O2 and heart rate for the entire exercise (VO2total and HRtotal) as well as the values only in the effort or pause (V̇O2effort, VO2pause and HReffort and HRpause) relative to VO2peak were measured. Anaerobic power reserve (APR), blood lactate [La] and the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were also measured. These variables were compared between men and women using the unpaired t test. Men used greater APR (109 ± 12%MAP vs 92 ± 6%MAP) with similar V̇O2total (74 ± 7 vs 78 ± 8% VO2peak), however, when effort and pause were analysed separately, V̇O2effort (80 ± 9 vs 80 ± 5%VO2peak) was similar between sexes, while V̇O2pause was lower in men (69 ± 6% vs 77 ± 11% VO2peak, respectively). Women presented lower power decrement (30 ± 11 vs 11 ± 3%), RER (1.04 ± 0.03 vs 1.00 ± 0.02) and [La]peak (8.6 ± 0.9 vs 5.9 ± 2.3 mmol.L(-1)). Thus, we can conclude that men self-paced HIIE at higher APR but with the same cardiovascular/aerobic solicitation as women. Key pointsMen self-paced high-intensity intermittent exercise at higher intensities than women.Men utilized greater anaerobic power reserve than women.Men and women had same cardiovascular solicitation.

Blue judogi may bias competitive performance when seeding system is not used: sex, age, and level of competition effects.

This study evaluated whether the judogi colour (blue or white) could influence a combat outcome (victory or defeat) in 1,233 judo official combats. Sex, age group, and level of competition were also considered in the analysis. Binomial probability tests showed a higher probability of an athlete's winning a combat wearing blue judogi for both sexes, levels of competition (regional and state), and for the athletes of the junior and senior categories. Thus, blue judogi may bias competitive outcome for both sexes in regional and state level competitions and for athletes above junior age.

Influence of acute high-intensity aerobic interval exercise bout on selective attention and short-term memory tasks.

Acute moderate intensity continuous aerobic exercise can improve specific cognitive functions, such as short-term memory and selective attention. Moreover, high-intensity interval training (HIT) has been recently proposed as a time-efficient alternative to traditional cardiorespiratory exercise. However, considering previous speculations that the exercise intensity affects cognition in a U-shaped fashion, it was hypothesized that a HIT session may impair cognitive performance. Therefore, this study assessed the effects of an acute HIT session on selective attention and short-term memory tasks. 22 healthy middle-aged individuals (M age = 53.7 yr.) engaged in both (1) a HIT session, 10 1 min. cycling bouts at the intensity corresponding to 80% of the reserve heart rate interspersed by 1 min. active pauses cycling at 60% of the reserve heart rate and (2) a control session, consisting of an active condition with low-intensity active stretching exercise. Before and after each experimental session, cognitive performance was assessed by the Victoria Version of the Stroop test (a selective attention test) and the Digit Span test (a short-term memory test). Following the HIT session, the time to complete the Stroop "Color word" test was significantly lower when compared with that of the control session. The performances in the other subtasks of the Stroop test as well as in the Digit Span test were not significantly different. A HIT session can improve cognitive function.

Olympic preparation in Brazilian judo athletes: description and perceived relevance of training practices.

The aim of this study was to describe the training routines used by judo athletes and their perception concerning the relevance, effort made, concentration needed, and pleasure obtained during the training sessions conducted 6 months before their Olympic participation and to compare with medal winners and other competitors in these aspects. Sixty-one Olympic Brazilian judo athletes (men = 39; women = 22), representing 66.3% of all Brazilian participants in this Olympic sport (from 1964 to 2008), including 10 medal winners (9 men and 1 woman) answered a questionnaire concerning their training routines. Mann-Whitney and Student's t-test for independent samples were used. Judo medalists and nonmedalists in the Olympic Games did not differ in: (a) the age when they started to practice and to compete in judo, (b) the age when they competed in the Olympic Games, (c) hours of training per week and per training session and the number of training sessions per day in their preparation for this event, (d) frequency and time spent for performing judo-specific and general exercises and their perceived relevance, effort, pleasure, and concentration for these activities performed during the preparation for the Olympic Games. The only differences found were the groundwork (ne-waza) randori practice, which was less frequently performed by medal winners, and perceived relevance attributed to this activity, which was considered less relevant by the medal winners compared with nonmedal winners. Thus, judo Olympic medal winners and nonmedalists did not differ in many training aspects in the final phase of their preparation to the Olympic Games.

Tracking 10-year competitive winning performance of judo athletes across age groups.

Little information is available concerning early specialization and competitive success in judo across the early training years. Thus, the present objective was to verify the stability of individual competitive performance of a state-level championship for judo athletes who had been previously successful. For this, 406 athletes from six age groups (9 to 20+ years old) of each sex were followed for 10 years. Using recorded data from the São Paulo State Judo Federation beginning in 1999, the scores and standings for these judo players were analyzed. The proportion of medal winners during this period was not constant, differing from the grand mean in all groups of both 204 males and 202 females. At the end of this period, only 7% of the male and 5% of the female athletes had maintained their competitive levels. Successful competitive performance in early judo competition was not associated with success later in adulthood.