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

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

Anthropometric, neuromuscular, physiologic and training variables as determinants to laboratory cycling performance.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to verify whether anthropometric, physiological and neuromuscular factors, as well as training characteristics, could predict cycling performance during maximal incremental and time-to-exhaustion tests. METHODS: Twenty cyclists were evaluated: Anthropometric variables, knee extensor muscle activation and architecture, training history, and training volume were assessed. Second ventilatory threshold (VT2), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2MAX), and maximal power output (POMAX) were assessed during the incremental test. Muscle architecture of the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles was evaluated bilaterally to calculate the mean thighs' muscle thickness, pennation angle and fascicle length, at rest condition. After that, time-to-exhaustion test at POMAX was performed. Muscle activation of the VL, RF and vastus medialis (VM) was evaluated of both legs. RESULTS: Cyclists' height (r2=0.37), experience time and training volume (r2=0.46) were predictors of POMAX (P<0.02), while cadence (r2=0.30) was the only predictive variable for the time-to-exhaustion performance (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that training characteristics and experience are important when training for incremental cycling conditions, whereas cadence (and its determinant variables) should be looked at during maximal and exhaustive conditions.

Variability Analysis in Judo Para Athletes With Visual Impairments: Match-Outcome Performance in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games With Evidence From the New Classification System.

Match-related performance analysis in judo Para athletes with visual impairments is important to coaches and staff to identify technical-tactical profiles of their athletes and opponents but also to identify whether there are similar characteristics in each visual class. Thus, this study explores the match-related performance in judo Para athletes and verifies the relationship between performance using the old and new classification systems. The match-derived variables were analyzed using different statistical methods considering a total of 182 matches from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The results indicated that performance was affected by sex and degree of impairment. The new classification system seems suitable for grouping Para judo athletes, as it differentiates performance between the two proposed classes (J1 and J2), since athletes from each group compete separately. Furthermore, different variability index measures were correlated with competitive performance, demonstrating a specific performance profile for each sport class in judo.

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.

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

BACKGROUND: Maturity status is an important parameter to understand physical performance in young judo athletes, especially considering different age categories. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of each age category (U13, U15, and U18) on physical performance between and within the age groups. METHODS: Sixty-five male athletes from the U13 (n = 17), U15 (n = 30), and U18 categories (n = 18), and 28 female from the U13 (n = 9), U15 (n = 15), and U18 categories (n = 4) participated in this study. The assessments were performed at two moments separated by 48 h and included anthropometric measurements and physical tests (standing long jump, medicine ball throw, handgrip strength, Special Judo Fitness Test, and Judogi Grip Strength Test). The athletes also provided their date of birth and judo experience. One-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation were used with significant level set at 5%. RESULTS: The main results showed higher values of somatic variables (maturity status and body size) and physical performance in the U18 compared to U15 and U13 in male and female (p < 0.05), but no differences between U15 and U13 (p > 0.05). In general, training experience, chronological age, and somatic variables were correlated (moderate to very large magnitude) with physical performance in all age categories for male (r = 0.40-0.66, p < 0.05) and female groups (r = 0.49-0.73, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We concluded that U18 athletes showed higher values of somatic maturity, training experience, and physical performance compared to U13 and U15 categories, with no differences between U13 and U15. In general, training experience, chronological age, and somatic variables were correlated with physical performance in all age categories.

Effects of Plyometric Training on Physical Performance: An Umbrella Review.

BACKGROUND: Plyometric training can be performed through many types of exercises involving the stretch-shortening cycle in lower limbs. In the last decades, a high number of studies have investigated the effects of plyometric training on several outcomes in different populations. OBJECTIVES: To systematically review, summarize the findings, and access the quality of published meta-analyses investigating the effects of plyometric training on physical performance. DESIGN: Systematic umbrella review of meta-analyses. DATA SOURCES: Meta-analyses were identified using a systematic literature search in the databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Scielo. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING META-ANALYSES: Meta-analyses that examined the effects of plyometric training on physical fitness in different populations, age groups, and sex. RESULTS: Twenty-nine meta-analyses with moderate-to-high methodological quality were included in this umbrella review. We identified a relevant weakness in the current literature, in which five meta-analyses included control group comparisons, while 24 included pre-to-post-effect sizes. Trivial-to-large effects were found considering the effects of plyometric training on physical performance for healthy individuals, medium-trivial effects for the sports athletes' groups and medium effects for different sports athletes' groups, age groups, and physical performance. CONCLUSION: The available evidence indicates that plyometric training improves most related physical fitness parameters and sports performance. However, it is important to outline that most meta-analyses included papers lacking a control condition. As such, the results should be interpreted with caution. PROSPERO number: CRD42020217918.

Effects of acute caffeine intake on combat sports performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The interest in the benefits of caffeine in combat sports has grown exponentially in the last few years, evidenced by the significant rise of post-competition urine caffeine concentration. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of caffeine on different performance variables in combat sports athletes. In total, we included 25 studies. All studies included had blinded, and cross-over experimental designs, and we conducted a risk of bias analysis. For nonspecific outcomes, there was an ergogenic effect of caffeine on vertical jump height (SMD: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.71) and reaction time (SMD: -0.98, 95% CI: -1.46,-0.50). For outcomes specific to combat sports, there was an increase in the number of throws with caffeine in the Special Judo Fitness Test (SMD: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.14, 1.09). Caffeine ingestion increased the number of offensive actions during combats (SMD: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.74). Caffeine ingestion increased the duration of offensive actions during combat (SMD: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.96). Finally, caffeine ingestion increased blood lactate concentration after bout 1 (SMD: 1.35) bout 2 (SMD: 1.43) and bout 3 (SMD: 1.98). Overall, athletes competing in combat sports may consider supplementing with caffeine for an acute increase in exercise performance.

Paratriathlon Race Performance in High-Level Athletes With Visual Impairments: A Retrospective Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare time-trial performances in elite paratriathlon athletes, according to visual classes, sex, and medal distribution. DESIGN: The data were acquired from official books on Para Triathlon World Cups (2018-2020). The sample included 150 athletes with visual impairment, in classes: PTVI1, PTVI2, and PTVI3. One-way analysis of variance, the Student t test, and χ 2 were used to compare the performance variables and association between visual impairment classes and distribution of medals within different visual impairment classes. RESULTS: Sex comparisons demonstrated better performance for male athletes compared with female athletes ( P < 0.05). In the sex-specific analysis, only cycling velocity was higher for female, being lower for PTVI1 compared with PTVI3 ( P = 0.012). In visual impairment class results, the first transition time was higher for PTVI1 compared with PTVI2 ( P = 0.050) and PTVI3 ( P = 0.027) and, in the second transition, higher for PTVI1 compared with PTVI2 ( P = 0.001). The χ 2 test showed a higher percentage of gold medals for PTVI3 athletes considering the whole group ( P = 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that male athletes have better performance than female athletes. PTVI1 female athletes showed lower cycling velocity compared with PTVI3. Considering both male and female groups, blind athletes presented higher transition times and a lower percentage of medals.

Bilateral deficit in the countermovement jump and its associations with judo-specific performance.

This study aimed to describe the bilateral deficit (BLD) during the countermovement jump (CMJ) in judo athletes and determine the relationship between the BLD and judo-specific performance. Fourteen male judo athletes participated. Athletes performed three specific judo tests, Maximal Sprint Speed Judo Test, Maximal Aerobic Speed Judo Test and Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT), and double- and single-leg CMJ. The following CMJ variables were used: jump height (JH), mean (MPO) and peak (PPO) power output, peak force (PF), peak velocity (PV) and impulse (IMP). The Pearson's or Spearman's test were used (p < 0.05). The results show that the BLD is found in all CMJ parameters (20 to 31%). Negative correlations between first set of SJFTTT (total throws) and BLD in PF (r = -0.60; p= 0.022) and between the second set of SJFTTT and BLD in MPO (r= -0.74;p = 0.002), PV (r =-0.59;p = 0.025) and IMP (r =-0.55; p = 0.040) were found. Also, negative correlations between SJFTTT and the BLD in all CMJ parameters (r= -0.53 to -0.85; p < 0.05) were found. Higher values of BLD are related to poor SJFTTT performance.

Effects of stretch-shortening cycle fatigue protocol on lower limb asymmetry and muscle soreness in judo athletes.

This study aimed to analyse unilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ) performance and muscle soreness in lower limbs, as well as to compare lower limb asymmetry over 48h after a stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) fatigue protocol. Fourteen judo athletes performed unilateral CMJ on each leg before, and after the 5th and 10th sets over 24h and 48h of an SSC-fatigue protocol. The SSC protocol reduced CMJ performance after the 5th set and 10th sets, especially in the weaker limb (p < 0.05), but returned to the baseline values after 24h. Asymmetry increased for peak force, peak power, and mean power after the 5th set compared to the baseline (p < 0.05) and remained higher for peak force after the 10th set (p = 0.019), returning to the baseline values after 24h (p < 0.05). Soreness increased for the lower body at post, 24h, and 48h compared to the baseline (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a fatiguing SSC protocol can result in increased bilateral asymmetries in judo athletes, but after 24h and 48h of the protocol the bilateral asymmetry returned to the baseline values, with only muscle soreness still elevated.

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

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

Effect of Vertical Jump and Sprint Training on Power and Speed Performance Transfer.

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effect of specific sprint and vertical jump training interventions on transfer of speed-power parameters. The data search was carried out in three electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, and SPORTDiscus), and 28 articles were selected (13 on vertical jump training and 15 on sprint training). We followed the PRISMA criteria for the construction of this systematic review and used the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale to assess the quality of all studies. It included studies with a male population (athletes and nonathletes, n = 512) from 18 to 30 years old who performed a vertical jump or sprint training intervention. The effect size was calculated from the values of means and SDs pre- and posttraining intervention. The percentage changes and transfer of training effect were calculated for vertical jump training and sprint training through measures of vertical jump and sprint performance. The results indicated that both training interventions (vertical jump training and sprint training) induced improvements in vertical jump and linear sprint performance as well as transfer of training to speed-power performance. However, vertical jump training produced greater specific and training transfer effects on linear sprint than sprint training (untrained skill). It was concluded that vertical jump training and sprint training were effective in increasing specific actions of vertical jump and linear sprint performance, respectively; however, vertical jump training was shown to be a superior alternative due to the higher transfer rate.

Relationships of field-normalized and non-normalized scientometrics with the Physical Education Web-Qualis grades / Relações de métricas normalizadas e não normalizadas por área com a classificação do Web-Qualis na Educação Física

abstract This study aimed (1) to verify the relationship between the JIF, Eigenfactor, Citescore and SJR metrics of Physical Education journals throughout Qualis 2013-2016; and (2) to analyze their associations with the field-concerned Web-Qualis grades (based on the 2013-2016 quadrennium criteria). WebQualis grades, which refers to 2015-2018 data, were acquired by accessing officially available data. The scientometrics Journal Impact Factor (JIF), Citescore, Eigenfactor, and Scimago Journal Rank (SJR) for the years 2013 to 2016 and 2018 were extracted from official Clarivate Analytics and Elsevier sources. Approximately half of Physical Education journals included in the 2018 WebQualis database were indexed in Web of Science Collection and Scopus databases. The main results demonstrated high and stable appeared bivariate correlations between all scientometrics from 2013 to 2016. Both JIF, Eigenfactor, Citescore and SJR were associated with WebQualis grades. However, better adjustment of parameters was observed in the model that included SJR as the WebQualis predictor. The field normalized SJR appeared to better predict the WebQualis defined by the 2013-2016 Qualis criteria, which includes the adherence indicator. If researchers consider that distinct research areas are not equally weighted and require specific evaluation, as the authors suggest, use the normalized metrics to classify journals in Brazilian scenarium.

resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a relação entre as métricas JIF, Eigenfactor, Citescore e SJR de periódicos de Educação Física ao longo do Qualis 2013-2016; e (2) analisar suas associações com as classificações do Web-Qualis (critério de classificação do quadriênio 2013-2016). As classificações do WebQualis, referentes aos dados de 2015-2018, foram adquiridas acessando fontes de dados oficiais. As métricas Journal Impact Factor (JIF), Citescore, Eigenfactor e Scimago Journal Rank (SJR) para os anos de 2013 a 2016 e 2018 foram extraídas de fontes oficiais da Clarivate Analytics e Elsevier. Aproximadamente metade dos periódicos de Educação Física incluídos no banco de dados WebQualis de 2018 foram indexados nos bancos de dados Web of Science Collection e Scopus. Os principais resultados demonstram altas e estáveis correlações bivariadas entre todas as métricas ​​de 2013 a 2016. Ambos o JIF, o Eigenfactor, o Citigenore e o SJR foram associados à classificação do WebQualis. No entanto, melhores parâmetros de ajuste foram observados no modelo que incluiu a SJR como preditor do WebQualis. O SJR normalizado por área pareceu melhor predizer o WebQualis definido pelo critério Qualis de 2013 de 2016, que inclui o indicador de aderência. Se os pesquisadores considerarem que áreas distintas de pesquisa não são igualmente ponderadas e requerem avaliação específica, como sugestão dos autores, a utilização das métricas normalizadas para classificar os periódicos no cenário brasileiro.

More time for judo matches? Analysis of type of techniques, time, scores, and penalties in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

This study aimed to analyze the distribution of judo matches in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, considering matches in the regular duration (≤4 min) and during the extra time (the golden score) according to sex, scores, penalties, phases of competition, weight categories, and judo techniques. The data were extracted from the Official Results Books of the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020. The combats were divided in matches that were finished in the regular duration and that were finished by the golden score, with a total of 450 matches. The Chi-square test was used to identify the association between all variables and different groups of matches duration, with the level at p < 0.05. The main results demonstrated significant association, considering sex and frequency of matches in the regular time (χ2 = 6.59; p = 0.010) for female athletes. The majority of matches ended in the 3-4 min (χ2 = 204.16; p < 0.001), scores were mostly awarded in the regular time and penalties in the golden score (χ2 = 48.72; p < 0.001), and few matches ended by the golden score for heavyweight athletes (χ2 = 15.16; p = 0.019). Therefore, a high number of matches ended in the golden score in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, with a high number of penalties in this competition.

Acute Dehydration Impairs Performance and Physiological Responses in Highly Trained Judo Athletes.

Background: The present study investigated highly trained male judo athletes and how a 5% body mass dehydration affects their judo-specific performance and physiological responses. Methods: Nine highly trained international-level male judo athletes who are weight-cyclers voluntarily participated in the study. The study had a controlled crossover design in nature. Athletes completed three sessions, including a familiarisation session and two experimental sessions (dehydration (DEHY) and control (CON)) with judo-specific tests, including maximal handgrip strength test (HGS), judogi grip strength tests (JGST), and the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT). Results: Intergroup analysis revealed a significant increase in urine specific gravity (USG) and decreased body mass following DEHY condition compared to CON. Furthermore, significant decreases were determined in HGS, JGSTs, and a number of throws in the first and third series of SJFTs, as well as higher heart rate (HR) responses in the second and third series of SJFT and worse SJFT index in DEHY condition (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We concluded that 5% dehydration of body mass led to impairment in dynamic and isometric strength in upper limbs and in judo-specific performance, as well as elevated HR during the SJFT.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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