Perfil antropométrico de judocas de elite argentinos / Anthropometric profile of Argentine elite Judokas

Introducción: el judo es un deporte de combate cuya clasificación competitiva depende del peso corporal, lo cual está destinado a promover competencias parejas y equitativas en cuanto a capacidades físicas se refiere. El avance de las ciencias del entrenamiento y de la nutrición deportiva generó una mejora de la composición corporal en los deportistas, redundando en un aumento de los valores de masa muscular y en una disminución de la masa adiposa. El objetivo del estudio fue estimar la composición corporal de las personas que practican Judo participantes del campeonato nacional argentino del año 2021. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal descriptivo a los/as participantes del campeonato nacional de judo del año 2021. Fueron evaluados un total de 183 judocas (51 mujeres y 132 varones), según el protocolo de medición de la ISAK. Para la determinación de la composición corporal se utilizó el método de fraccionamiento anatómico de cinco componentes de Kerry Ross. Resultados: el promedio de las judocas fue de 30,5% para la masa adiposa y de 44,5% para la masa muscular; no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los distintos grupos de edad. Los varones obtuvieron un valor promedio de 22,4% para la masa adiposa y 49,1%para la masa muscular; en este caso se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los distintos grupos de edad, tanto para la masa adiposa como para la muscular y la masa ósea. Discusión: se necesitan más estudios con grupos estratificados en función de la división de peso corporal para poder establecer patrones de referencia específicos para el trabajo en ciencias del ejercicio y la nutrición. Conclusión: la optimización de la composición corporal de las personas que practican Judo redunda positivamente en la mejora de las capacidades físicas específicas. Los datos presentados constituyen una referencia específica de utilidad para la evaluación y seguimiento de las personas que practican Judo. La estratificación por grupos etarios y división de peso corporal permitirá delimitar mejor aún los valores de cada categoría de edad. Se considera relevante vincular la composición corporal con las pruebas físicas y los resultados deportivos, a fin de establecer un mejor perfil del judoca argentino. (AU)

Introduction: judo is a combat sport whose competitive classification depends on body weight, intended to promote even and equitable compe-titions in terms of physical abilities. Advances in the sciences of training and sports nutrition have led to an improvement in the body composition of athletes, resulting in an increase in muscle mass and a decrease in adipose mass. This study aimed to estimate the body composition of judo fighters participating in the 2021 Argentine National Championship. Materials and methods: we conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of participants of the 2021 national judo championship. We evaluated 183 judokas (51 women and 132 men) applying the ISAK measurement protocol. We used the Kerry Ross five-component fractional anatomic method to determine body composition. Results: the average for female judo players was 30.5% for adipose mass and 44.5% for muscle mass; we found no statistically significant diffe-rences in the different age groups. The average value for males was 22.4% for adipose mass and 49.1% for muscle mass; in this case, we found significant differences between the different age groups for adipose mass and muscle and bone mass. Discussion: there is a need for more studies with stratified groups according to body weight division to establish specific reference standards for the work in exercise science and nutrition. Conclusion: the optimization of the body composition of female and male judo players has a positive effect on the improvement of specific physical capacities. The data presented constitute a relevant reference for the evaluation and follow-up of judokas. The stratification by age groups and body weight division will allow a better delimitation of the values of each age category. Linking body composition with physical tests and results is considered relevant to obtain a better profile of the Argentinian judo player. (AU)

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.

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.

Rapid Weight Loss Habits before a Competition in Sambo Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Like other combat sports, sambo has competition rules that divide athletes into categories based on gender, age and weight. Athletes in combat sports often resort to rapid weight loss (RWL) methods to be more competitive in lower weight categories and gain an advantage against lighter, smaller and weaker competitors. The aim of this study was to examine the methodology implemented by two different sambo age categories, junior and senior athletes, in order to attain RWL. METHODS: The sample consisted of 103 male sambo elite athletes (seniors/juniors: age 28.5 ± 4.3/18.9 ± 0.8; height (m): 1.7 ± 0.1/1.8 ± 0.1; weight (kg): 76.3 ± 17.8/74.4 ± 16.3; BMI (kg/m2): 25.0 ± 3.8/23.7 ± 3.9) who completed a survey on RWL. RESULTS: Athletes reported losing a mean of 5 kg starting approximately 12 days before a competition. The most common methodology reported by senior and junior sambo athletes was gradually increasing dieting, followed by sauna and plastic suit training. Less common methods adopted were laxatives, diuretics, the use of diet pills and vomiting. There were significant group differences for sauna and diet pill ingestion. Coaches and parents are influential people in the lives of athletes concerning the weight loss strategy to be adopted. CONCLUSIONS: This study's results unequivocally confirm the prevalent practice of RWL in both senior and junior sambo athletes. Although athletes prevalently chose "less harmful" methods, there is a need to inform parents and coaches of the risks and benefits of RWL.

Rapid Weight Gain Following Weight Cutting in Male and Female Professional Mixed Martial Artists.

Rapid weight loss or "weight cutting" is a common but potentially harmful practice used in mixed martial arts competition. Following the official weigh-in, competitors refeed and rehydrate themselves in a process known as rapid weight gain (RWG) to realize a potential competitive advantage. While data from surveys and small series have indicated the majority of mixed martial arts athletes engage in rapid weight loss, there is a lack of officially collected data from sanctioning organizations describing its prevalence. The present investigation represents a summary of the data collected between December 2015 and January 2018 by the California State Athletic Commission. In total, 512 professional mixed martial artists (455 males and 57 females) were included. Of these, 503 (98%) athletes gained body mass between weigh-in and their bouts. Total RWG between weigh-in and competition was 5.5 ± 2.5 kg, corresponding to an 8.1% ± 3.6% body mass increase. Total RWG was 5.6 ± 2.5 kg (8.1% ± 3.6%) for males and 4.5 ± 2.3 kg (8.0% ± 3.8%) for females. More than one quarter of men and one third of women gained >10% body mass between weigh-in and competition. Athletes from leading international promotions gained more absolute, but not relative, body mass than those from regional promotions. Our findings indicate RWG is nearly ubiquitous in professional , with a similar prevalence in male and female athletes. Trends based on promotion suggest a larger magnitude of RWG in presumably more experienced and/or successful mixed martial artists from leading international promotions.

Martial arts injuries: a longitudinal study about judo, karate and wushu carried out in the Community of Madrid, Spain.

BACKGROUND: Martial arts are currently being practiced throughout the world by about 100 million people. Considering that sports injuries account for 20% of all emergencies treated in hospitals, this is an issue that should be further studied. Our objective was to determine the prevalence and type of injuries in wushu, judo, and karate practitioners in Community of Madrid, Spain. METHODS: A descriptive epidemiology study was carried out. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 457 men and women practicing karate, judo and/or wushu, including injuries from the past five years, type of injury and occurrence during training or competition. RESULTS: Injuries that disrupted training occurred in 56% of judokas, in 36.7% of karatekas and in 38.9% of wushu practitioners (WP). For judokas, the most common injury site was "shoulder/arm/elbow" (13.43%), for karatekas, it was "lower leg/foot/ankle" (9.95%), and for WP it was "groin/hip/thigh" (9.45%) (P=0.000). The most common injuries in judo and karate were "ankle sprains and joint injuries" (4.98% and 3.98%), while for WP the most common injury were "hamstring strains" (5.47%) (P=0.008). There was no relationship between occurrence of a first injury and sex, age or belt rank. CONCLUSIONS: Judo is the martial art with the highest percentage of injuries, followed by wushu and then karate.

May the best-sighted win? The relationship between visual function and performance in Para judo.

This study aimed to establish the optimal cut-off point(s) between classes in a new, evidence-based classification system for VI judo. We collected results from international VI judo competitions held between 2012 and 2018. Data on visual acuity (VA) and visual field (VF) measured during classification were obtained. Performance was determined by calculating a win ratio for each athlete. VA was significantly associated with judo performance (r = -.33, p <.001), VF was not (r =.30, p =.15). Decision tree analysis suggested to split the data into two groups with a VA cut-off of 2.5 logMAR units. Stability assessment using bootstrap sampling suggested a split into two groups, but showed considerable variability in the cut-off point between 2.0 and 3.5 logMAR. We conclude that to minimise the impact of impairment on the outcome of competition, VI judo should be split into two sport classes to separate partially sighted from functionally blind athletes. To establish an exact cut-off point and to decide if other measures of visual function need to be included, we argue for continued research efforts together with careful evaluation of research results from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Prevalence of iron deficiency among university kendo practitioners in Japan: an observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is widely recognized as being the cause of anemia in athletes, although iron status in athletes of Kendo, a traditional Japanese martial art based on swordsmanship and practiced as an educational sport, has not been widely investigated. METHODS: We performed a health assessment on anemia and serum ferritin levels, along with nutrient intake evaluation, for Kendo practitioners in a university in Japan. RESULTS: A total of 56 Kendo practitioners (39 male and 17 female) aged between 18 and 23 years participated in the study. No individuals exhibited WHO-defined anemia (less than 13 or 12 g/dL of hemoglobin levels in male or female), while hypoferritinemia (less than 30 ng/mL) was found in seven (41%) females but not in males. Significantly higher body mass index was found in the female athletes with hypoferritinemia compared to females with normo-ferritinemia in sub-analysis (median [interquartile range]; 25.6 [24.2, 26.9] versus 22.6 [21.7, 24.1], respectively. p < 0.05). No significant differences in the intake of iron were registered between males and females (with and without hypoferritinemia) using data from a food-frequency questionnaire survey. CONCLUSION: No apparent anemia was found in adolescent Kendo practitioners, although this study confirmed the presence of hypoferritinemia in several female athletes. Careful follow-up, involving both clinical and nutritional assessment, will be necessary for them to prevent progression into anemia. A future study with larger cohorts in multiple sites is warranted to assess the prevalence of iron deficiency for validation and, if necessary, to devise a strategy for improving the iron status in Kendo athletes.

Estudo da assimetria corporal em praticantes de artes marciais através da baropodometria eletrônica / Estudio de la asimetría corporal en practicantes de artes marciales por medio de la baropodometria electrónica / Study of body asymmetries in martial arts practitioners through electronic baropodometry

OBJETIVO: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar e comparar os resultados das assimetrias, entre atletas de Jiu-jitsu e Muay-thai por médio da baropodometria. MÉTODO: Participaram deste estudo 15 atletas de Muay-thai, idade 29.4±6.3 anos, experiência no esporte 8.5±4.0 anos, massa corporal 77.8±12.5 Kg, altura 178.2±8.6 cm e percentual de gordura corporal 11.2±4.9 e 16 atletas de Jiu-jitsu, idade 32.2±4.5 anos, experiência no esporte 6.3±3.4 anos, massa corporal 80±9.6 kg, altura 176±5.2 cm e percentual de gordura corporal 10.5±2.1. A presente investigação realizou medidas da pressão dos pés numa plataforma Tekscan® versão 5.1, com os indivíduos na posição ortostática. Foram analisados o percentual de força, pico de força e força de pressão plantar. Para análise estatística foi aplicado o T Students para mostras independentes e para medir o nível de significância foi utilizado o Effect Size. RESULTADOS: Os atletas de ambas modalidades apresentaram valores médios semelhantes na avaliação por baropodometria apresentando diferenças significativas entre lado direito e lado esquerdo, com valores maiores no percentual de força, sendo o maior Effect Size no Muay-thai. CONCLUSÃO: A assimetria bilateral ocorreu entre os dois tipos de lutas, entretanto, com mais ênfase no grupo referente ao grupo Muay-thai, devido possivelmente ao uso constante de golpes com os pés tanto com o pé esquerdo, quanto o direito

OBJETIVO: investigar las diferencias de los resultados entre practicantes de Jiu-jitsu y Muay-thai utilizando la baropodometria como herramienta de evaluación. MÉTODO: participaron de este estudio 15 practicantes de Muay-thai, edad de 29.4±6.3años, experiencia en el deporte 8.5±4.0 años, peso corporal de 77.8±12,5, estatura de 178.2±8.6 cm y porcentaje de grasa de 11.2±4.9 y 16 atletas de Jiu-jitsu, edad 32.2±4.5 años, experiencia en el deporte 6.3±3.4 años, Peso corporal 80±9.6 kg, estatura 176±5.2 cm y porcentaje de grasa 10.5±2.1. Para el análisis de la presión plantar fue utilizado una plataforma de baropodometria Tekscan® versión 5.1, donde los participantes se posicionaban encima del equipo en una posición bípeda para los correspondientes análisis. Fueron analizados % fuerza, pico de fuerza, fuerza de presión. Para el análisis estadístico fue utilizado el test T de Students para muestras independientes y para medir elnivel de significancia fue utilizado Effect Size (ES). RESULTADOS: Los atletas de ambas modalidades presentaron valores parecidos en la evaluación por baropodometria, presentando diferencias significativas entre lado derecho y el lado izquierdo, con valores mayores en el % de fuerza, siendo el mayor Effect Size en el Muay-thai. CONCLUSIÓN: La asimetría bilateral sucedió entre los dos tipos de deportes, por lo tanto, con más énfasis en el grupo Muay-thai, debido posiblemente al uso constante de los pies para patear tanto con el pie izquierdo como el derecho

OBJECTIVE: the objective of this research was to analyze and compare the results of the asymmetries, by baropodometry between practitioners of Jiu-jitsu and Muay-thai. METHOD: 15 practitioners of Muay-thai age 29.4 ± 6.3years, sport experience 8.5±4.0 years, body weight of 77.8 ± 12.5kg, height 178.2 ± 8.6 cm and fat percentage of 11.2 participated in this study. ± 4.9 and 16 Jiu-Jitsu athletes, age 32.2 ± 4.5years, sport experience 6.3±3.4 years. body weight 80 ± 9.6 kg, height 176 ± 5.2cm and fat percentage 10.5 ± 2.1. The present investigation carried out measurements of the pressure of the feet in a platform of baropodometry Tekscan® versão 5.1, with the participants in an orthostatic position. They were analyzed% force, force peak, pressure force. For the statistical analyzes the T Students was used for independent samples and to measure or level of significance the Effect Size was used. RESULTS: The athletes of both modalities presented similar average values in the evaluation by baropodometry, presenting significant differences between right side and left side, with higher values in% strength, being the highest Effect Size in the Muay-thai. CONCLUSION: The bilateral asymmetry happened between the two types of sports, therefore, with more emphasis on the Muay-thai group, possibly due to the constant use of the feet when kicking with both the left foot and the right foot

Relative age effect on competitive performance in judo athletes / Efeito da idade relativa no desempenho competitivo em atletas de judô

ABSTRACT Differences in chronological age within an age group are known as Relative Age (RA), and their consequences to athletic performance are referred to as Relative Age Effect (RAE). The RAE among athletes is believed to affect their competitive success in several ways, even in adulthood. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the RAE on all judo fighters competing nationally in 2013, by age category and competitive performance. A total of 862 male and 637 female athletes participated in this research. The chi-squared test was used for comparing observed and expected values among quartiles, adopting p < 0.05 as significance. A Bonferroni post hoc analysis was employed to identify where significant differences were (adjusted p < 0.00417). Results showed significant differences in the male under-15 category (Q2 in G1: OV = 17; EV = 9.7; p = 0.001) and male under-23 category (Q1 in G3: OV = 37; VE = 10.1; p < 0.0001). In conclusion, RAE was identified only in male athletes. However, there were major discrepancies between athletes born in the first semester and those born in the second semester.

RESUMO A diferença da idade cronológica em uma faixa etária é chamada de Idade Relativa (IR) e suas consequências no desempenho de atletas é chamada de Efeito da Idade Relativa (EIR). Acredita-se que o EIR entre atletas pode afetar o sucesso competitivo de diversas maneiras, até mesmo na idade adulta. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o EIR em todos os competidores de judô das competições nacionais do ano de 2013, fazendo-se a diferenciação por categorias etárias e o desempenho competitivo. Fizeram parte da presente investigação 862 atletas do sexo masculino e 637 do sexo feminino. O qui-quadrado foi empregado para comparar os valores observados e esperados entre quartis, adotando-se significância como p < 0,05. Uma análise post hoc de Bonferroni foi utilizada para identificar onde estavam as diferenças significativas (p ajustado < 0,00417). Os resultados mostraram diferença significativa nas categorias sub-15 masculino (Q2 em G1: VO = 17; VE = 9,7; p = 0,001) e sub-23 masculino (Q1 em G3: VO = 37; VE = 10,1; p < 0,0001). Em conclusão, o EIR foi identificado apenas em atletas do sexo masculino. Contudo, houve grande discrepância entre atletas nascidos no primeiro semestre e atletas nascidos no segundo semestre.

Tactical and technical performance analysis of the male 65 kg category at the brazilian shotokan karate championship / Análise do desempenho técnico-tático durante o campeonato brasileiro de karatê shotokan

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to identify the most used techniques by medalists and defeated athletes during the Brazilian Shotokan Karate Championship of 2017. Eleven fights involving thirteen athletes (28.5±3.7yrs.) who competed in the category "up to 65 Kg 1st KYU" were investigated. Analysis were conducted by six specialists through the observation and register technique using the tactical and technical spreadsheet Scout Karate. The Anova test was used to compare actions and techniques mostly used. The Chi-square test for independent samples was used to verify the existence of significant differences among the techniques used by the winning and defeated athletes (p<0.05). Results show that the most frequent attack during fights was the "Mawashi geri", 26.3±1.5 times, followed by "Gyaku zuki" with 19.5±2.0 times (p<0.01). The most visualized tactical action during combats was the attack with 47.5±5.5 times (p<0.01). "Mawashi geri" was the mostly used attack (p=0.01) performed by winners (71.4%) when compared with the defeated athletes (28.6%). The results indicate that the "Mawashi geri" attack was the most assertive decision used in the category "up to 65 Kg 1st KYU".

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar as técnicas mais utilizadas por medalhistas e atletas derrotados durante o Campeonato Brasileiro de Karatê Shotokan de 2017. Onze lutas envolvendo treze atletas com 28.5 ± 3.7 anos que disputaram a categoria 1º. KYU até 65 kg foram investigados. A análise foi realizada por seis especialistas por meio da observação e registro de técnicas utilizando planilha tática e técnica de Scout de Karatê. O teste Anova foi utilizado para comparar as ações e técnicas mais utilizadas. O teste do qui-quadrado para amostras independentes foi utilizado para verificar a existência de diferenças significativas entre as técnicas utilizadas pelos atletas vencedores e derrotados (p<0.05). Os resultados mostram que o ataque mais frequente durante as lutas foi "Mawashi geri", 26.3 ± 1.5 vezes, seguido de "Gyaku zuki" com 19.5 ± 2.0 vezes (p<0.01). A ação tática mais visualizada durante os combates foi o ataque com 47.5 ± 5.5 vezes (p<0.01). "Mawashi geri" foi o ataque mais usado (p=0.01) pelos vencedores 71.4% quando comparado com os atletas derrotados 28.6%. Em conclusão o ataque "Mawashi geri" foi a decisão mais assertiva usada na categoria até 65 Kg.

Martial arts increase oxytocin production.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that oxytocin (OT), a peptide hormone, plays an important role in regulating mammalian social behaviors, linking it to social affiliation in parent-infant attachment, romantic and filial relationships, and other prosocial behaviors, such as trust and cooperation. Not surprisingly, research efforts have been made to increase endogenous levels of OT. In the present study, we investigated whether traditional martial arts training, which integrates the natural benefits of physical exercise with dyadic prosocial interaction, would result in OT response. To this end, 68 beginner and advanced participants were recruited from several schools practicing Jujitsu ("soft art"), a form of traditional martial arts originating in Japan. Salivary OT levels were assessed at baseline, immediately following high-intensity training, and following a cool-down period. Analyses revealed a significant increase in OT immediately after a high-intensity training, returning to baseline levels following a cool-down period. Additionally, although no significant difference between beginner and advanced martial artists was found, a significantly higher increase in salivary OT followed ground grappling, as compared to "punch-kick" sparring, indicating an added benefit of close contact tactile interaction. These results suggest that the reportedly socially beneficial effects of traditional martial arts may be in part mediated by OT release and underscore the potentially therapeutic applications of these methods for disorders involving social dysfunction, such as autism, conduct problems, or schizophrenia.

Intensity of Health Behaviors in People Who Practice Combat Sports and Martial Arts.

Background: Health behaviors are associated with a healthy lifestyle, in which relative possibilities of choice play an important part. Athletes are a group of people who should particularly endeavor to have a health-oriented lifestyle. It is believed that combat sports (CS) and martial arts (MA) have an especially significant educational potential, connected with several desirable values which provide positive patterns of health behaviors. The aim of the work was to assess the intensity of health behaviors in athletes who practiced CS and MA in relation to the length of their training history, their age, sex, place of residence, education level, and financial situation. Methods: The research involved 441 men and women who practiced boxing (B), Brazilian ju-jitsu (BJJ), karate (K), mixed martial arts (MMA) and Muay Thai (MT). The average age of the subjects was 24.68 ± 8.24 years. The standardized Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) questionnaire and another questionnaire for a lifestyle survey were applied. Individual behaviors covered four areas: Correct eating habits (CEH), preventive behaviors (PB), positive mental attitude (PMA), and health practices (HP). The one-way analysis of variance (F-test) for independent groups was used (ANOVA). The effect size was calculated with Hedge's g for Student's t-test, and with Cramér's V for the χ2 test. The value of p ≤ 0.05 was assumed to be statistically significant. Results: CS and MA athletes presented a moderate level of health behaviors. The greater intensity of health behaviors (HBI and its categories) was found among B, K and MMA athletes, and the smaller among those who practiced MT. Correct eating habits (CEH) were characteristic of subjects who practiced every day and whose length of training history was 4-8 years. Greater intensity of preventive behaviors (PB) was observed among individuals aged under-19 years, who still studied. Greater intensity of health practices (HP) was found among those who exercised every day. Influence of financial situation was observed in relations to PMA. Conclusions: It seems that the existing educational potential of CS and MA was not fully realized in the studied population. Determining the place of health in the system of values of CS and MA athletes may be the basis for predicting health behaviors and developing health education programs.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training for US Service Members and Veterans with Symptoms of PTSD.

INTRODUCTION: The United States has been actively involved in major armed conflicts over the last 15 years. As a result, a significant proportion of active duty service personnel and returning veterans have endured combat, putting them at risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a disabling disorder that may occur after exposure to a traumatic event. Current therapies often require long-term, time-intensive and costly commitment from the patient and have variable degrees of success. There remains an ongoing need for better therapies, including complementary medicine approaches that can effectively reduce PTSD symptoms. While anecdotal evidence suggests that routine practice of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) can reduce symptoms of PTSD, there have been no formal studies to address this. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was approved by the University of South Florida Institutional Review Board (#PRO00019430). Male US active duty service members and veterans from the Tampa area participated in a 5-month (40 sessions) BJJ training program. Before beginning and again midway through and upon completion of training the participants completed several validated self-report measures that addressed symptoms of PTSD and other co-morbid conditions. Effect size and 95% confidence intervals were determined using a within-person single-group pretest-posttest design. RESULTS: Study participants demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in their PTSD symptoms as well as decreased symptoms of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety and decreased alcohol use; effect sizes varied from 0.80 to 1.85. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this first-of-kind pilot study suggest that including BJJ as a complementary treatment to standard therapy for PTSD may be of value. It will be necessary to validate these promising results with a larger subject cohort and a more rigorous experimental design before routinely recommending this complementary therapy.

Selected Healthy Behaviors and Quality of Life in People Who Practice Combat Sports and Martial Arts.

Background: The quality of life of a society is conditioned by many factors, and depends, among other things, on preferred behavior patterns. Combat sports (CS) and martial arts (MA) have a special educational potential in the area of shaping positive behavior patterns and transmitting moral values which could help reduce aggression in society. The aim of the work was to determine the relationship between health behaviors and the quality of life of people who practice combat sports and martial arts (CS and MA) recreationally, in addition to practicing other sports, and as competitors at the master level. Methods: The research embraced 543 people who practice combat sports and martial arts. Three groups were selected: recreational (n = 362), people who reconciled practicing various sports (n = 115), and competitors who practiced combat sports or martial arts at the master level (n = 66). The average age of the respondents was 24.49 ± 7.82. The standardized WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire and another questionnaire for a lifestyle survey were applied. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare several independent samples. In the case of determining statistical significance of differences the Mann-Whitney test was employed, and for the qualitative data analyses the trait frequency and the independence chi-square test were used. The effect size was calculated for each test ( E R 2 , rg, Cramér's V). The value of p ≤ 0.05 was assumed to be statistically significant. Results: The highest quality of life (in the physical, psychological and environmental domains) was characteristic of the competitors, who practiced only combat sports and martial arts. They also displayed the most health-oriented behaviors. The surprising results were: lower quality of life in the assessment of nondrinkers and nonsmokers, and higher among people who were overweight. Conclusions: We have found positive correlations between practicing CS and MA, health behaviours and higher scores in quality of life self-evaluation, particularly where practitioners are exclusively focused on CS and MA and practice these at a competitive level. Our findings thus support the growing evidence that competitive level CS and MA are an effective means of improving people's quality of life. Future research needs to clarify whether CS and MA can also be recommended to recreational and non-competitive practitioners as a means to improve their subjective quality of life.

Athlete's heart in a Brazilian paralympic judo team. Case series study.

BACKGROUND: Athlete's heart is a term describing the cardiovascular effects of long-term conditioning among highly trained athletes. It is a variation of normal standards. DESIGN AND SETTING: Case series study at the cardiology division of a public university hospital. METHODS: We studied 14 visually handicapped paralympic athletes (8 men) in the national judo team. They were 26.3 ± 6.4 years old, with body mass index 25 ± 14, and had been practicing judo for 9.2 ± 7.9 years. Clinical evaluations, electrocardiograms, exercise testing and echocardiograms were performed by independent observers. RESULTS: Signs of athlete's heart were found in all athletes, comprising left ventricular hypertrophy (5 cases), sinus bradycardia (5), T-wave juvenile pattern (3), T wave juvenile pattern (3), left atrial hypertrophy (2) and increased left ventricular volume (9 cases; 62.22 ± 6.46 ml/m2). There were very strong correlations between left ventricular mass/body surface and endurance time (r: 0.91) and estimated peak oxygen uptake (r: 0.8). The correlations between left ventricular internal diastolic dimension and endurance time (r: 0.91) and estimated peak oxygen uptake (r: 0.8) were strong. Despite increased left ventricular dimensions (4 cases), atrial dimensions (1) and relative wall thickness (4), all athletes had normal left ventricular mass/body surface (89.98 ± 21.93 g/m²). The exercise testing was normal: exercise duration 706 ± 45 seconds and estimated peak oxygen uptake 62.70 ± 9.99 mlO2/min. CONCLUSIONS: Signs of athlete's heart were seen frequently in the paralympic judo team. These demonstrated the presence of mild cardiac adaptations to training.

Athlete's heart in a Brazilian paralympic judo team. Case series study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Athlete's heart is a term describing the cardiovascular effects of long-term conditioning among highly trained athletes. It is a variation of normal standards. DESIGN AND SETTING: Case series study at the cardiology division of a public university hospital. METHODS: We studied 14 visually handicapped paralympic athletes (8 men) in the national judo team. They were 26.3 ± 6.4 years old, with body mass index 25 ± 14, and had been practicing judo for 9.2 ± 7.9 years. Clinical evaluations, electrocardiograms, exercise testing and echocardiograms were performed by independent observers. RESULTS: Signs of athlete's heart were found in all athletes, comprising left ventricular hypertrophy (5 cases), sinus bradycardia (5), T-wave juvenile pattern (3), T wave juvenile pattern (3), left atrial hypertrophy (2) and increased left ventricular volume (9 cases; 62.22 ± 6.46 ml/m2). There were very strong correlations between left ventricular mass/body surface and endurance time (r: 0.91) and estimated peak oxygen uptake (r: 0.8). The correlations between left ventricular internal diastolic dimension and endurance time (r: 0.91) and estimated peak oxygen uptake (r: 0.8) were strong. Despite increased left ventricular dimensions (4 cases), atrial dimensions (1) and relative wall thickness (4), all athletes had normal left ventricular mass/body surface (89.98 ± 21.93 g/m²). The exercise testing was normal: exercise duration 706 ± 45 seconds and estimated peak oxygen uptake 62.70 ± 9.99 mlO2/min. CONCLUSIONS: Signs of athlete's heart were seen frequently in the paralympic judo team. These demonstrated the presence of mild cardiac adaptations to training.

Injuries Sustained During Modern Army Combatives Tournaments.

INTRODUCTION: Injuries sustained during Modern Army Combatives (MAC) tournaments can result in variable recovery time for involved competitors and unpredictable loss of readiness for military units. A paucity of MAC data is available to guide military medical providers and unit commanders on expected injuries or loss of readiness. Literature reviewing mixed martial arts competitions offers some insight but demonstrates variation in fight outcomes resulting in injuries ranging from 8.5% to 70% and it is difficult to effectively extrapolate such data to predict MAC tournament injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study retrospectively reviews pre- and post-competition medical records from two MAC tournaments held at Fort Hood in 2014 and 2015 to provide descriptive clinical information on injury patterns to practitioners and military commanders. RESULTS: Records from a total of 195 competitors with a mean age of 24.4 yr were analyzed with a total of 67 injuries, 29 of which resulted in duty limitations (14.8% of participants). Competitors participating in less-restrictive mixed martial arts style fighting (Advanced MAC) were 4.3 times more likely to sustain an injury than those limited to upper body grappling events (95% confidence interval 2.30-8.16). Military Acute Concussion Evaluations were reliably recorded both pre- and post-competition in 44% of total participants with no significant statistical difference between pre- and post-tournament evaluations. Duty profile limitations of injured competitors averaged 1 mo in duration. CONCLUSIONS: MAC tournaments result in injury rates comparable with other combative sports and military training courses.

Identifying the performance characteristics of a winning outcome in elite mixed martial arts competition.

OBJECTIVES: To determine those performance indicators that have the greatest influence on classifying outcome at the elite level of mixed martial arts (MMA). A secondary objective was to establish the efficacy of decision tree analysis in explaining the characteristics of victory when compared to alternate statistical methods. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational. METHODS: Eleven raw performance indicators from male Ultimate Fighting Championship bouts (n=234) from July 2014 to December 2014 were screened for analysis. Each raw performance indicator was also converted to a rate-dependent measure to be scaled to fight duration. Further, three additional performance indicators were calculated from the dataset and included in the analysis. Cohen's d effect sizes were employed to determine the magnitude of the differences between Wins and Losses, while decision tree (chi-square automatic interaction detector (CHAID)) and discriminant function analyses (DFA) were used to classify outcome (Win and Loss). RESULTS: Effect size comparisons revealed differences between Wins and Losses across a number of performance indicators. Decision tree (raw: 71.8%; rate-scaled: 76.3%) and DFA (raw: 71.4%; rate-scaled 71.2%) achieved similar classification accuracies. Grappling and accuracy performance indicators were the most influential in explaining outcome. The decision tree models also revealed multiple combinations of performance indicators leading to victory. CONCLUSIONS: The decision tree analyses suggest that grappling activity and technique accuracy are of particular importance in achieving victory in elite-level MMA competition. The DFA results supported the importance of these performance indicators. Decision tree induction represents an intuitive and slightly more accurate approach to explaining bout outcome in this sport when compared to DFA.

Effects of Karate Training Versus Mindfulness Training on Emotional Well-Being and Cognitive Performance in Later Life.

In a randomized controlled trial, we investigated the effects of karate versus a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention on well-being and cognitive functioning in older adults. Fifty-five adults (52-81 years old) participated in twice-weekly karate versus MBSR sessions or no training for 8 weeks. In pre- and postassessments, subjective well-being, health, cognitive functioning, and chronic stress were measured. Preassessment hair cortisol served as physiological stress marker. The results showed an improvement for the karate group, but not the MBSR and control group, in subjective mental health and anxiety as well as cognitive processing speed. The MBSR group showed by trend as a decrease in stress. No significant correlation between preassessment hair cortisol and postassessment outcomes could be established. But the higher the level of baseline self-reported perceived stress, the higher the increase in depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. Generally, it can be assumed that karate and MBSR showed only small training effects concerning the assessed emotional and cognitive parameters.