Using Martial Arts Training as Exercise Therapy Can Benefit All Ages.

Martial arts training focuses on whole-body movement patterning, philosophy, interpersonal interactions, and functional self-defense. Such training has positive impacts on physical, psychological, and cognitive well-being in older adults and children with and without clinical conditions. We hypothesize that martial arts training can be delivered as a form of exercise therapy for people at all ages to enhance overall health.

A systematic review on the application of Aikido as a psychosomatic tool in therapeutic setting (Part I) / Una revisión sistemática sobre la aplicación del Aikido como una herramienta psicosomática en sectores terapéuticos (Parte I)

It is our contention that Aikido may have sufficient support for its use in complementary therapies in the field of clinicaltreatment. However, as far as we are aware, no extensive scientific studies highlighting the application of Aikido as a psycho-somatic therapy in the field of psychological behavioural disorders has been carried out. Our aim here was to conduct asystematic review of scientific studies associated with the possible psychosomatic benefits of Aikido practice and to examinewhether there is any theoretical basis for this psychosomatic health connection. In terms of methodology, a systematic reviewof published scientific literature on health and Aikido was conducted in adherence with PRISMA guidelines. Three aspectsof the application of Aikido were identified, one corresponding to phases more susceptible to psycho-emotional instabilitysuch as during the period of adolescence; another aspect related to the treatment of overcoming trauma in subjects withpost-traumatic stress disorder and the final aspect related to the improvements as a result of the practical intervention ofmindfulness. It is evident from our review, that the treatment of Aikido as a discipline with psychotherapeutic potential requiresfurther expert analysis from a cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspective, which would involve establishing a suitableintervention model in order to attain a deeper understanding of the discipline of Aikido. Moreover, a mastery of the field ofpsychology and psychiatry is required to understand the internal cognitive processes of the subjects studied.(AU)

Hasta donde tenemos conocimiento no existe un campo de carácter científico extenso de la aplicación terapéutica derelación psicosomática en el Aikido, en el entorno de los trastornos y afecciones psicológicas del comportamiento. Partimosde la hipótesis de que el Aikido podría tener un respaldo suficiente en su uso en terapias complementarias al ámbito de lostratamientos clínicos. Nuestra finalidad fue realizar una revisión sistemática sobre los estudios de carácter científico asociadosa los posibles beneficios psicosomáticos de la práctica del Aikido y comprobar si hay una teoría entre esta conexión de saludpsicosomática. Metodológicamente se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura científica publicada en materia de saludy Aikido. Para su elaboración se han seguido las directrices de la declaración PRISMA. Se observan tres vertientes de aplicacióndel Aikido, una correspondiente a fases más susceptibles de inestabilidad psicoemocional como es la adolescencia. Otravertiente relacionada con el tratamiento de superación de traumas en sujetos con trastorno por estrés postraumático y unaúltima relacionada con la mejora de los aspectos relacionado con la intervención práctica de mindfulness. Se evidencia queel tratamiento del Aikido como una disciplina con potencial psicoterapéutico que requiere de un mayor análisis de expertosdesde una perspectiva transdisciplinar e interdisciplinar, que permita encontrar un modelo de intervención idóneo para tenerun conocimiento más profundo de la disciplina del Aikido. Además, se requiere un dominio del campo de la psicología y dela psiquiatría que permita entender los procesos cognitivos internos de los sujetos estudiados.(AU)

A systematic review on the application of Aikido as a psychosomatic tool in therapeutic setting (Part I) / Una revisión sistemática sobre la aplicación del Aikido como una herramienta psicosomática en sectores terapéuticos (Parte II)

It is our contention that Aikido may have sufficient support for its use in complementary therapies in the field of clinicaltreatment. However, as far as we are aware, no extensive scientific studies highlighting the application of Aikido as a psycho-somatic therapy in the field of psychological behavioural disorders has been carried out. Our aim here was to conduct asystematic review of scientific studies associated with the possible psychosomatic benefits of Aikido practice and to examinewhether there is any theoretical basis for this psychosomatic health connection. In terms of methodology, a systematic reviewof published scientific literature on health and Aikido was conducted in adherence with PRISMA guidelines. Three aspectsof the application of Aikido were identified, one corresponding to phases more susceptible to psycho-emotional instabilitysuch as during the period of adolescence; another aspect related to the treatment of overcoming trauma in subjects withpost-traumatic stress disorder and the final aspect related to the improvements as a result of the practical intervention ofmindfulness. It is evident from our review, that the treatment of Aikido as a discipline with psychotherapeutic potential requiresfurther expert analysis from a cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspective, which would involve establishing a suitableintervention model in order to attain a deeper understanding of the discipline of Aikido. Moreover, a mastery of the field ofpsychology and psychiatry is required to understand the internal cognitive processes of the subjects studied.(AU)

Hasta donde tenemos conocimiento no existe un campo de carácter científico extenso de la aplicación terapéutica derelación psicosomática en el Aikido, en el entorno de los trastornos y afecciones psicológicas del comportamiento. Partimosde la hipótesis de que el Aikido podría tener un respaldo suficiente en su uso en terapias complementarias al ámbito de lostratamientos clínicos. Nuestra finalidad fue realizar una revisión sistemática sobre los estudios de carácter científico asociadosa los posibles beneficios psicosomáticos de la práctica del Aikido y comprobar si hay una teoría entre esta conexión de saludpsicosomática. Metodológicamente se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura científica publicada en materia de saludy Aikido. Para su elaboración se han seguido las directrices de la declaración PRISMA. Se observan tres vertientes de aplicacióndel Aikido, una correspondiente a fases más susceptibles de inestabilidad psicoemocional como es la adolescencia. Otravertiente relacionada con el tratamiento de superación de traumas en sujetos con trastorno por estrés postraumático y unaúltima relacionada con la mejora de los aspectos relacionado con la intervención práctica de mindfulness. Se evidencia queel tratamiento del Aikido como una disciplina con potencial psicoterapéutico que requiere de un mayor análisis de expertosdesde una perspectiva transdisciplinar e interdisciplinar, que permita encontrar un modelo de intervención idóneo para tenerun conocimiento más profundo de la disciplina del Aikido. Además, se requiere un dominio del campo de la psicología y dela psiquiatría que permita entender los procesos cognitivos internos de los sujetos estudiados.(AU)

Martial arts enhances working memory and attention in school-aged children: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study.

Interventions can improve working memory and attention in school-aged children, but little is known about how regional changes in brain activity promoted by exercise mediate this cognitive improvement. This study focused on the improved neurocognitive functions and intrinsic regional variation within the brain by comparing school-aged children in a martial arts group with those in free-play and rest groups. With a pretest-posttest design, the d2 attention test and N-back tasks were carried out. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was performed during the pre- and post-intervention N-back tasks and rest. Following the intervention, the d2 attention in all groups remarkably increased, and the attention level of the martial arts group was substantially higher than those of the other two groups. Free-play and martial arts shortened the 1- and 2-back task reaction time and increased the 2-back accuracy rate (AR), and the martial arts group exhibited a significantly higher AR than the other two groups. In addition, the martial arts group showed higher activations in the right orbitofrontal cortex and right Broca's area (r-BA) regions post-intervention 1-back tasks, whereas a strong correlation was observed between 1-back performance and the related brain region. However, under the 2-back task, although the cognitive control was improved, the martial arts group decreased activation in the left frontopolar area and free play decreased the activation in the r-BA and right somatosensory cortex. Together, our findings showed that martial arts could be more conducive to cognitive improvement than physical exercise that requires no cognitive skills and that performing interventions in the earlier stages of childhood may improve the regulation of neural networks involved in cognitive control.

Motivos en la práctica de ejercicio y condición física en deportistas marciales adolescentes en nueva normalidad / Motives in the practice of exercise and physical condition in adolescent martial athletes in the new normality / Motivos na prática do exercício e condição física em adolescentes atletas marciais na nova normalidade

El objetivo de la presente investigación consiste en determinar los motivos en la práctica de ejercicio físico y relación con la condición física -agilidad, flexibilidad, fuerza explosiva- en deportistas marciales adolescentes en la nueva normalidad. La muestra está constituida por 56 deportistas de taekwondo y 18 de kárate. Se utilizó el Autoinforme de Motivos para la Práctica de Ejercicio Físico (AMPEF) y los test de: Illinois, sit and reach y salto vertical cuantificaron la agilidad, flexibilidad de musculatura isquiotibial y fuerza explosiva de tren inferior. Se cumplió análisis estadístico -coeficiente de correlación de Pearson- entre motivaciones y condición física. Los principales factores motivacionales de los adolescentes marciales fueron: Prevención y salud positiva (M=8,9; DE=1,69), desafío (M=8,9; DE=1,8), diversión y bienestar (M=8,6; DE=1,9). Los test físicos evidencian excelentes resultados en agilidad y flexibilidad, la fuerza explosiva está por debajo de la media. Existen correlaciones positivas entre las capacidades de agilidad (0.86 en hombres y 0.80 en mujeres), fuerza (0.90 en hombres y 0.84 en mujeres) y sus correspondientes factores motivacionales, y una correlación negativa entre la flexibilidad (-0.88 en hombres y -0.90 en mujeres) y su motivación respectiva. Se concluye que los resultados del cuestionario AMPEF y niveles de agilidad, flexibilidad y fuerza explosiva se correlacionan ya sea positiva o negativamente, con valores altos en el coeficiente de Pearson, significa que los adolescentes marciales están conscientes de sus capacidades físicas y mostraron motivación para mejorar sus habilidades.

The objective of this research is to determine the reasons in the practice of physical exercise, and its relationship with the physical condition -agility, flexibility, explosive strength- of adolescent martial art athletes in the new normal. The sample is made up of 56 taekwondo athletes and 18 karate athletes. The Reasons to Practice Physical Exercise Self-report (AMPEF, for its name in Spanish) was used, as well as the tests of Illinois, sit and reach and vertical jump quantified agility, flexibility of the hamstring muscles and explosive strength of the lower body. Statistical analysis-Pearson's correlation coefficient-was performed between motivations and physical condition. The main motivational factors of the adolescent athletes were prevention and positive health (M=8.9; SD=1.69), challenge (M=8.9; SD=1.8), and fun and well-being (M=8.6; SD=1,9). Physical tests showed excellent results in agility and flexibility but explosive strength was below average. There were positive correlations between the abilities of agility (0.86 in men and 0.80 in women), strength (0.90 in men and 0.84 in women), and their corresponding motivational factors, as well as a negative correlation between flexibility (-0.88 in men and -0.90 in women) and their respective motivation. It is concluded that the results of the AMPEF questionnaire and levels of agility, flexibility, and explosive strength are correlated either positively or negatively, with high values in Pearson's coefficient. This means that teenage martial athletes are aware of their physical abilities and show motivation to improve their skills.

O objetivo desta pesquisa é determinar os motivos da prática de exercício físico e sua relação com a condição física - agilidade, flexibilidade, força explosiva - em atletas marciais adolescentes na nova normalidade. A amostra é composta por 56 atletas de taekwondo e 18 de caratê. Foi utilizado o Autorrelato dos Motivos para a Prática de Exercício Físico (AMPEF) e os testes de: Illinois, sentar e alcançar e salto vertical quantificaram agilidade, flexibilidade dos músculos isquiotibiais e força explosiva da parte inferior do corpo. A análise estatística -coeficiente de correlação de Pearson- entre motivações e condição física foi concluída. Os principais fatores motivacionais dos adolescentes marciais foram: Prevenção e saúde positiva (M=8,9; DE=1,69), desafio (M=8,9; DE=1,8), diversão e bem-estar (M=8,6, DP=1,9). Os testes físicos apresentam excelentes resultados em agilidade e flexibilidade, a força explosiva está abaixo da média. Existem correlações positivas entre habilidades de agilidade (0,86 em homens e 0,80 em mulheres), força (0,90 em homens e 0,84 em mulheres) e seus correspondentes fatores motivacionais, e uma correlação negativa entre flexibilidade (-0,88 em homens e -0,90 em mulheres); mulheres) e suas respectivas motivações. Conclui-se que os resultados do questionário AMPEF e os níveis de agilidade, flexibilidade e força explosiva estão correlacionados positiva ou negativamente, com altos valores no coeficiente de Pearson, significa que os adolescentes marciais estão cientes de suas habilidades físicas e demonstraram motivação para melhorar suas habilidades.

The "teacher" and martial arts: A psychobiographical analysis of Jack Ma as a business change agent.

OBJECTIVE: Scholars have conducted in-depth research on social change agents, but there are few collaborative studies in this realm between sociology and psychology. From the perspective of psychobiography, this before study uses Jung's Analytical Psychology as a theoretical framework to explore Jack Ma's influence on business change, thereby revealing the deep motivation behind Jack Ma's sudden retirement and choice to be a teacher. METHOD: This study has collected primary and secondary data about Jack Ma. QSR Nvivo 11.0 was used to encode the text based on video transcription, and then the data were analyzed. This study refers to the key factors of growth and follows the primary indicators of psychological saliency to sort out the data and find out what has special psychological significance, and then conducts three coding processes. RESULTS: This study found that the teacher complex and the martial arts complex are the breakthrough points to understand the business innovator Jack Ma. CONCLUSION: Jack Ma shapes the image of ordinary teachers through his image management strategy, conceals his deep internal martial arts complex, and balances the displayed martial arts personality mask. He has achieved great success in business innovator, while drawing on his internal personality conflicts to his advantage.

The Role of Psychological Factors in Judo: A Systematic Review.

(1) Background: Psychological parameters are relevant in the practice of judo. Previous studies have shown that parameters such as anxiety or motivation can have a negative or positive impact on the athlete's performance and general well-being, depending on the athlete's perception. This systematic review aimed to summarize the studies examining the influence of various psychological parameters on well-being and performance in judo athletes; (2) Methods: We followed preferred reporting elements for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We searched the Web of Science database for studies that explained the role of these parameters in elite athletes. Of the 286 articles initially identified, 17 met our eligibility criteria and were included in the review. In total, we analyzed data from 721 judo athletes; (3) Results: The studies found have demonstrated the impact of various psychological parameters during high-level performance and how these parameters can influence and lead an athlete to win or lose a competition. The feelings of tension, anger, anxiety, and nervousness were significantly increased in athletes who were facing defeat, while a decrease in the same segments and an increase in motivation among athletes who were experiencing better performance was observed. Further research under standardized conditions is needed to better understand the effects of these parameters on judo athletes; (4) Conclusions: Considering the athlete's psychological state can affect performance, and it is therefore important to monitor and train these factors.

Association Analysis of Polymorphic Variants of the BDNF Gene in Athletes.

As BDNF is one of the group of neurotrophins highly influencing the processes happening in the brain, such as the processes of learning and personality creation, we decided to look closer at its genetic variations in association with the personality of a group of athletes and their controls. The study group consisted of 305 volunteers: martial arts athletes (n = 153; mean age = 24.06) and healthy non-athletes as controls (n = 152; mean age = 22.23). Thirty-eight percent of the martial arts group achieved the championship level. Both the martial arts and control subjects were examined using the NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory (NEO-FFI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scales. The results of the NEO-FFI and STAI inventories were given as sten scores. The conversion of the raw score to the sten scale was performed according to Polish norms for adults. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood leukocytes and then genotyped using a PCR method for the following polymorphisms: BDNF rs10767664 and BDNF rs2030323. We observed statistical significance for both polymorphisms when comparing martial arts athletes with the control group in relation to the conscientiousness and extraversion scales. However, since few extant articles consider this association, our results still require further analysis, probably by considering a larger group.

Efeitos da prática de artes marciais na aptidão física e características comportamentais de pessoas com deficiência intelectual: uma revisão sistemática / Efectos de la práctica de artes marciales en la aptitud física y las características de comportamiento de personas con discapacidad intelectual: una revisión sistemática / Effects of martial arts practice on physical fitness and behavioral characteristics of people with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review

Introdução: Pessoas com deficiência intelectual (DI) normalmente apresentam limitações no campo da interação social, e também podem ser acometidos por doenças crônicas. A atividade física e o esporte exercem importantes reduções nos riscos de desenvolver doenças, contudo, algumas modalidades ainda carecem de informação sobre sua efetividade, tais quais as artes marciais.Objetivo: Apresentar os efeitos relacionados a prática de artes marciais para pessoas com deficiência intelectual.Método: Uma busca sistemática em seis bases de dados foi realizada por dois avaliadores independentes. Os estudos deveriam trazer informações claras sobre o público com deficiência intelectual estudado além das características que compunham as intervenções selecionadas. A qualidade dos estudos foi avaliada pela escala PEDro.Resultados: Após administração dos critérios de inclusão/exclusão 16 estudos foram selecionados (karatê: seis; judô: cinco; taekwondo: dois; taichi: dois e artes marciais mistas: um), totalizando 310 pessoas com deficiência intelectual avaliadas. Os tipos de deficiência intelectual investigados foram Síndrome de Down (n=21), deficiência intelectual grave e moderada (n=45), transtorno do espectro autista (n=135), deficiência intelectual não especificada com Coeficiente intelectual <70 (n=66), deficiência intelectual “educável” (n=32) e epilepsia (n=11). Os principais resultados apontam para melhoria em aspectos da aptidão física e também do desempenho motor. Aspectos de socialização e do comportamento apresentam resultados conflitantes.Conclusão: Existem efeitos positivos oriundos da prática de artes marciais, contudo variáveis comportamentais ainda carecem de evidência em pessoas com deficiência intelectual. A baixa qualidade metodológica dos estudos releva a necessidade de mais pesquisas de qualidade, randomizadas e controladas, e incluindo outras artes marciais acessíveis ao público com deficiência intelectual. (AU)

Efectos de la práctica de artes marciales en la aptitud física y las características de comportamiento de personas con discapacidad intelectual: una revisión sistemáticaRESUMENIntroducción: La actividad física y el deporte reducen el riesgo de desarrollar enfermedades en personas con discapacidad intelectual (DI), sin embargo, algunos deportes carecen de información al respecto, como las artes marciales.Objetivo: presentar los efectos relacionados con la práctica de artes marciales para personas con discapacidad intelectual.Método: dos evaluadores independientes realizaron una búsqueda sistemática en seis bases de datos. Los estudios deben aportar información clara sobre los participantes y las características de las intervenciones. La calidad de los estudios se evaluó mediante la escala PEDro.Resultados: Después de los criterios de inclusión/exclusión, se seleccionaron 16 estudios (karate: seis; judo: cinco; taekwondo: dos; taichi: dos y artes marciales mixtas: uno), con un total de 310 personas evaluadas. Los tipos de deficiência intelectual investigados fueron Síndrome de Down (n = 21), deficiencia intelectual grave y moderada (n = 45), trastorno del espectro autista (n = 135), deficiencia intelectual no especificada con coeficiente intelectual <70 (n = 66), deficiencia intelectual "educable” (n = 32) y epilepsia (n = 11). Los principales resultados apuntan a una mejora en aspectos de la condición física y también el rendimiento motor. Los aspectos de socialización y comportamiento muestran resultados contradictorios.Conclusión: la práctica de artes marciales tiene efectos positivos, sin embargo, las variables de comportamiento aún carecen de evidencia en personas con deficiencia intelectual. La baja calidad metodológica de los estudios subraya la necesidad de una investigación de mayor calidad, aleatorizada y controlada, e incluyendo otras artes marciales accesibles al público con identificación. (AU)

Introduction: Physical activity and sport have important reductions in the risk of developing diseases in persons with intellectual disabilities (ID), however, some sports still lack information on their effectiveness, such as martial arts.Objective: Thus, our objective was to present the effects related to the practice of martial arts for people with intellectual disabilities.Method: A systematic search of six databases was carried out by two independent evaluators. The studies should bring clear information about the public with intellectual disabilities studied in addition to the characteristics that comprised the selected interventions. The quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale.Results: After administering the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 16 studies were selected (karate: six; judo: five; taekwondo: two; taichi: two and mixed martial arts: one), totaling 310 people with ID assessed. The types of intellectual disabilities investigated were Down Syndrome (n = 21), severe and moderate intellectual disabilities (n = 45), autistic spectrum disorder (n = 135), unspecified intellectual disabilities with intelligence quotient <70 (n = 66), intellectual disabilities “educable”(n = 32) and epilepsy (n = 11). The main results point to improvement in aspects of physical fitness and also motor performance. Aspects of socialization and behavior show conflicting results.Conclusion: There are positive effects from the practice of martial arts, however behavioral variables still lack evidence in people with intellectual disabilities. The low methodological quality of the studies underscores the need for more quality research, randomized and controlled, and including other martial arts accessible to the public with intellectual disabilities. (AU)

The Psychological and Physiological Consequences of Low Energy Availability in a Male Combat Sport Athlete.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of low energy availability (EA) on health and performance indices associated with the Male Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) models. METHODS: Over an 8-wk period, a male combat sport athlete adhered to a phased body mass (BM) loss plan consisting of 7-wk energy intake (EI) equating to resting metabolic rate (RMR) (1700 kcal·d-1) (phase 1), 5 d of reduced EI (1200-300 kcal·d-1) before weigh-in (phase 2), and 1 wk of ad libitum EI postcompetition (phase 3). EA fluctuated day by day because of variations in exercise energy expenditure. Regular assessments of body composition, RMR, cardiac function, cardiorespiratory capacity, strength and power, psychological state and blood clinical chemistry for endocrine, bone turnover, hydration, electrolyte, renal, liver, and lipid profiles were performed. RESULTS: BM was reduced over the 8-wk period by 13.5% (72.5 to 62.7 kg). No consequences of Male Athlete Triad or RED-S were evident during phase 1, where mean daily EA equated to 20 kcal·kg·fat free mass (FFM)-1·d-1 (range, 7 to 31 kcal·kg FFM-1·d-1) and BM and fat mass (FM) losses were 6.5 and 4.4 kg, respectively. However, consequences did present in phase 2 when mean daily EA was consistently <10 kcal·kg FFM-1·d-1, as evidenced by alterations to endocrine hormones (e.g., testosterone <5 nmol.L-1) and reduced RMR (-257 kcal·d-1). CONCLUSION: Data demonstrate that 7 wk of daily fluctuations in EA equating to a mean value of 20 kcal·kg FFM-1·d-1 permits reductions of BM and FM without perturbations to physiological systems associated with the Male Athlete Triad and RED-S. By contrast, a subsequent period of five consecutive days of EA <10 kcal·kg FFM-1·d-1 induced consequences of Male Athlete Triad and RED-S.

Changes in the Hormonal Profile of Athletes following a Combat Sports Performance.

RESULTS: Following fighting, the adrenaline concentration was significantly higher in all athletes, most markedly in K (p < 0.001). Baseline cortisol and BDNF levels did not differ among the groups and rose significantly in all the groups after the performance. Baseline testosterone concentration was slightly higher in K than in JSW and rose in all the groups to reach similar levels; the increase in T was significantly higher than in K. CONCLUSIONS: Despite substantial differences in the characteristics of the combat sports investigated, including the type of physical effort and the required balance between restraint and aggression, the performance in each of them gives rise to similar hormonal changes with a possible exception of karate showing higher stress hormone levels.

Hormonal reactivity during martial arts practice among high-risk youths.

Martial arts have become a popular afterschool activity for youths across the globe. Accumulating data suggest that these activities may confer substantial cognitive and psychological benefits, and recent efforts have been made to introduce martial arts training into educational and rehabilitation settings. However, few studies have examined the potential mechanisms that may underlie these benefits. The current study evaluated the reactivity of two hormones, oxytocin (OT) and cortisol (CT), thought to be respectively involved in regulating mammalian social behaviors and responsivity to stress, to a session of intensive martial arts training in samples of at high-risk and low-risk (in regular educational establishments) youths. OT and CT were measured at baseline, during peak training, and following a cool down period. Analyses revealed that high-risk youths had lower OT but similar CT baseline levels, compared to low-risk youths, prior to the martial arts session. A significant group by time interaction indicated that whereas the OT levels among low-risk youths returned to baseline levels following training, OT levels among high-risk youths remained elevated. Finally, unlike low-risk youths for whom CT levels continued to increase throughout the training session, high-risk youths showed no significant CT reactivity. This study suggests that some of the beneficial effects of martial arts may be related to hormonal processes, especially increases in OT levels, and highlights the differing effects that training may have in different populations.

Effects of Rapid Weight Loss on Judo Athletes: A Systematic Review.

Rapid weight loss (RWL) is commonly practiced among judo athletes. Although it helps them to gain the advantage over their lighter opponents, previous studies have shown that RWL can have a negative impact on the athlete's performance and overall well-being. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence that examines the influence of rapid weight loss on physiological parameters, biomarkers, and psychological well-being in judo athletes. We followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. We searched for studies on Web of Science and PubMed that elaborate on the influence of ≥5% RWL achieved over ≤7-day period in judokas. Out of 52 studies initially found, 14 studies met our eligibility criteria and were included in the review. In total, we examined data from 1103 judo athletes. Retrieved studies showed conflicting data concerning physiological parameters and biomarkers, while psychological well-being parameters were more consistent than physiological and biomarkers. The feeling of tension, anger, and fatigue significantly increased while a decrease in vigor was demonstrated among athletes who lost weight rapidly. The evidence on the impact of RWL on performance remains ambiguous. More studies under standardized conditions are needed in order to provide firm evidence. Considering the harmful effects of RWL outlined in the existing literature, it is important to determine and monitor athlete's minimal competitive weight to prioritize the health and safety of the athlete, emphasize fairness, and ultimately benefit the sport.

Technical analysis in Tsuri-goshi through three complementary observational analysis.

The aim of this article is to identify the factors involved in learning judo based on an observational study of technical errors and their relationships. The analysis was carried out using a combination of a self-generated observational instrument (OI-JUDO-TG) and a recording instrument (developed with the Lince software) using a sample of 78 novice students. In addition, descriptive statistics and sequential analysis with polar coordinates and T-Patterns were obtained using the Hoisan and Theme software program. The implementation of the various analytical methods optimizes the knowledge of performance and the concretion of feedback, like the process of communication between the teacher and the student, that which will activate new neuronal connections in learning. The results confirmed that the most frequent chain of errors during the performance of the technique were as follows: (1) the lack of an initial imbalance, the incorrect placement of the feet, the head and (2) the head after the tsukuri of the technique, as well as the absence of load of the body during this phase and the lack of balance of the performer when finishing the projection. At the initiation of judo, analytical methods are not applied, but the personal experience or the immediate feedback from the teacher is applied. It proposes a new analytical method to learn the technical errors and the different ways to implement their correction. Through the observational analysis generated, intense relationships between the detected errors have been demonstrated, determining the presence of the ones that causes the occurrence of the others.

Rapid weight loss influences the physical, psychological and biological responses during a simulated competition in national judo athletes.

The effect of rapid energy restriction-induced weight loss on judo-related performance remains unclear, and there is a paucity of information regarding the influence of the fight successions during competition. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the cumulative effect of judo fights on physical performance, biological and psychological profiles, of national judo competitors with vs without rapid weight loss. After one month of weight maintenance (Baseline), 20 subjects were randomly divided into two groups the week before a simulated competition: (i) a Weight Loss group (WL; weight loss ≥ 3% of body mass); (ii) a Weight Stable group (WS). The simulated competition was composed of five fights (F1 to F5) separated by 30 min rest. Anthropometric assessments were performed at baseline and on the morning of the simulated competition (T0). Psychological, biological and physical assessments (maximal handgrip strength, upper limb anaerobic capacity) were performed at T0 and after each fight. The variation of body mass between baseline and T0 was significantly different between groups (+1.2% vs -3%; p < .01). The dimensions of the Profile of Mood State questionnaire, the rate of perceived exertion, ammonia, urea and free fatty acid concentrations, maximal strength and time sustained at maximal strength showed a significant group x time interaction at F4 and F5. The study shows that cumulative fights lead to uncoupled responses in physical, psychological and biological parameters in judo competitors who underwent or not rapid weight loss. Specific recovery strategies in terms of nutrition and active recovery should be considered.

Modern unexplored martial arts - what can mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu do for youth development?

Contemporarily, two martial arts have emerged as highly popular among youth; Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Despite their popularity, we know little of how they affect individuals sociopsychologically. The current study sought to explore how the currently underexplored martial art disciplines may contribute to sociopsychological development among young people. In addition, it was investigated whether individuals who are predisposed to different traits may favour one sport over the other. This study was conducted with a longitudinal design; over the course of 5 months, 113 participants completed training in either condition. The results show that both groups displayed increased self-control and pro-social behaviour; however, MMA practitioners also reported increased aggressiveness, whereas BJJ practitioners experienced a decline in aggression. Accordingly, individuals who trained in MMA displayed substantially higher pre-existing aggression levels than the BJJ practitioners. The current results further corroborate research suggesting that modern martial arts and MMA may not be suitable for at-risk youth to practice, whereas traditional martial arts and sports with a healthy philosophical foundation may be effective in reducing antisocial behaviour while enhancing socially desirable behaviour among young people.

Effects of a greater incentive to attack the head and face region on incidence of head kicks and concussions among male youth taekwondo competitors.

BACKGROUND: In an attempt to improve the technical quality of sparring taekwondo, the World Taekwondo Federation has amended the competition rule for a head kick (HK), increasing the number of points awarded for this type of attack. The purpose of the current study was to: 1) evaluate the incidence of HKs and concussions; and 2) identify potential risk factors of concussions in sparring taekwondo. METHODS: A postmatch, interview-based prospective cohort study was conducted with 145 sparring taekwondo athletes (12-16 years of age) who: 1) competed at a 2018 sparring-Taekwondo tournament; and 2) received a valid HK during competition. Incidence rates of HKs and concussions were estimated; possible risk factors or prognosticators of concussions were also analyzed using the chi-square test and binary logistic analysis. RESULTS: Incidence rates of HKs and concussions were 133.5 (95% CI: 113.3-153.8) and 41.4 (95% CI: 29.6-53.3) per 1000 athlete-exposures, respectively. The binary logistic model revealed that athletes with no prior concussion history were less likely to experience a concussion (OR, 0.27; 95% CI: 0.1-0.7). CONCLUSIONS: Although the incidence rates of HKs and concussions are considerably high, they are not increased compared with the results of pre-2009 studies. Therefore, the new competition rule relating to HKs did not appear to increase the incidence rates of HKs or concussions in our research participants. To prevent adverse effects related to repetitive HKs and concussions, continuous research is needed.

Dynamics of cognitive performance at rest and after exhaustive exercise in top-three world-ranked mixed martial arts athletes: a series of case studies.

Cognitive performance plays a key role in sports performance, especially in combat sports such as mixed martial arts (MMA). Studies with active and sedentary individuals showed either no change or decreased cognitive performance during or immediately after exercise. However, it is possible that elite MMA athletes would present preserved/improved cognitive performance after exhaustive exercise. In this series of cases studies, we tested this hypothesis by submitting three elite MMA athletes from the Bellator MMA® and UFC® to a cognitive assessment before, immediately after and 15 min after exhaustive exercise. A modified computerized version of the Stroop Test was used to test cognitive inhibition performance, from which reaction time (RT) and accuracy were obtained. The athletes performed an incremental exercise on a cycle simulator until volitional exhaustion. Immediately after exercise RT improved consistently in all three athletes (-6.5%; -8.0%; -15.0%), while accuracy presented a small increase (2.6%), decreases (-3.8%) or no change. Fifteen minutes after exercise, RT remained improved in two athletes (-9.1% and -15.5) or slightly increased (0.4%), while accuracy presented small increase in all athletes (0.5%; 1.3%; 2.1%) compared to pre-exercise. This result indicates that elite MMA athletes may present improved cognitive performance immediately after exhaustive exercise, which suggests that cognitive-motor training for MMA should be considered when planning a training program.

Reflexões sobre as versões de Karate em uma cidade metropolitana de São Paulo / Reflections on the versions of Karate in a metropolitan city in São Paulo / Reflexiones sobre las versiones del Karate en una ciudad metropolitana de São Paulo

O presente artigo insere-se em um estudo amplo que pleiteia entender os sentidos das lutas corpo-rais em uma cidade metropolitana do estado de São Paulo. Para isso, elegemos a cidade de Cotia, que possui realidades díspares em âmbito socioeconômico e demográfico. Como parte deste proje-to, este artigo visa identificar as versões de Karate que circularam em diferentes práticas do cotidia-no da cidade, entre o segundo semestre de 2018 e o primeiro semestre de 2019. Como aproxima-ção teórico-metodológica, buscamos aporte na teoria ator-rede em diálogo com a Psicologia Social de cunho construcionista. Foi possível identificar três versões de Karate sendo performadas neste lo-cal: como uma modalidade competitiva, como uma prática para a vida (Budô), e como uma oportu-nidade de ordem mercadológica. A pesquisa sugere que não há um tipo único de Karate, homogê-neo, estável e permanente, mas que ele é múltiplo, produto das práticas em que está envuelto

This article is part of a broad study that seeks to understand the meanings of combat sports in a metropolitan city in the state of São Paulo. For this, we chose the city of Cotia, which has disparate socioeconomic and demographic realities. As part of this project, this article aims to identify the versions of Karate that circulated in different practices of the daily life of the city, between the second half of 2018 and the first half of 2019. For our theoretical-methodological approach, we will be using the actor-network theory in conjunction with con-structionist social psychology. It was possible to identify three versions of Karate being per-formed at this location: as a competitive modality, as a practice for life (Budô) and as an op-portunity. Research suggests that there is no single type of karate - homogeneous, stable and permanent - or different perspectives on it, but that it is multiple, a product of the practices in which it is involved

No disponible