Establishing normative data for the special judo fitness test in female athletes using systematic review and meta-analysis

Intergenerational Judo: Synthesising Evidence- and Eminence-Based Knowledge on Judo across Ages

In alignment with European policies regarding intergenerational sports, this study seeks to integrate existing evidence- (i.e., umbrella review) and eminence- (i.e., international validated educational courses for coaches) based knowledge on judo training across the lifespan. For evidence knowledge, searches of the Google Scholar, ISI-WoS, PubMed, and Scopus databases (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024535420) for studies focused on training youth and older judo practitioners, with no time restriction up to April 2024, were conducted. This resulted in 16 systematic reviews meeting the inclusion criteria, with an "excellent" (n = 6), "good" (n = 7), and "fair" (n = 3) quality according to the NIH tool. With a large sample size (n = 372,655), the reviews focused on wellbeing (n = 9; bone status, injuries, and psychophysical effects) and performance (n = 7; athlete success, combat time, rapid weight loss, and the Special Judo Fitness Test), examining athletic levels (novices to Olympics), sex, and age (children to older adults). For eminence knowledge, the International Judo Federation Academy courses encompassed the "Undergraduate Certificate as Judo Instructor" (UCJI), which provides a comprehensive structure for teaching judo, including techniques, moral code, roles, responsibilities, refereeing, safety, and age-specific belt examination requirements and progression, and the "Educating Judo Coaches for Older Practitioners" (EdJCO) curricula, which provide theoretical and applied modules (e.g., ageing, health, and organisation) to train older judo practitioners. The findings were summarised in a framework, highlighting the most relevant aspects of intergenerational judo programmes (i.e., aims, key characteristics, coaches' roles, barriers, and facilitators). To develop a comprehensive educational intergenerational judo methodology, future research should examine coaches' and practitioners' opinions on intergenerational judo activities carried out in different national contexts.

Which Performance Tests Best Define the Special Judo Fitness Test Classification in Elite Judo Athletes?

The normative values of the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) are used to evaluate judo athletes, and the question arises of which performance tests from crucial motor abilities best define the SJFT classification in elite judo athletes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between elite judo athletes’ physical performance and the evaluation using SJFT index norms. Nineteen judo athletes (11 females) (22.8 ± 2.5 years old) from the senior judo national team voluntarily participated in this study. Body composition, reaction time, balance, flexibility, agility, hand grip strength, 20 m sprint, vertical jump, SJFT, and Wingate tests were performed by athletes on four separate days at one-day intervals. Athletes were classified as regular and above (≥regular) or poor and below (≤poor) according to their SJFT index scores. Simple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate this classification’s consistency with performance test results. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals related to each possible factor and Wald test statistics were calculated. The SJFT index classification was associated with Wingate peak and mean power, vertical jump, and sprint performance results (p < 0.05), whereas it was not associated with body fat percentage, agility, reaction time, hand grip strength, flexibility, and balance performances (p > 0.05). SJFT index classificatory norms are mainly related to athletes’ anaerobic power. Higher anaerobic power increases athletes’ possibility of being classified as ≥regular.

Using Inertial and Physiological Sensors to Investigate the Effects of a High-Intensity Interval Training and Plyometric Program on the Performance of Young Judokas

The use of inertial and physiological sensors in a sport such as judo is scarce to date. The information provided by these sensors would allow practitioners to have a better understanding of sports performance, which is necessary for an accurate training prescription. The purpose of this study was to use inertial and physiological sensors in order to investigate the effect of a plyometric and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) training program on Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) performance and speed of execution of throws in young judokas. A total of 32 participants were divided into two groups: experimental and control. The intervention consisted of six sessions with a duration of 60 min for 3 weeks. Physiological sensors collected heart rate data to assess the Special Judo Fitness Test, and inertial sensors collected angular velocity. The results show a significant decrease in the SJFT index (Score pre: 22.27 ± 2.73; Score post: 19.65 ± 1.70; p ≤ 0.05; d = 0.61) and a significant increase in the angular velocity of the X-axis (Pre: 320.87 ± 51.15°/s; Post: 356.50 ± 40.47°/s; p ≤ 0.05; d = 0.45) and Y-axis (Pre: 259.40 ± 41.99°/s; Post: 288.02 ± 65.12°/s; p ≤ 0.05; d = 0.31) in the experimental group. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that using inertial and physiological sensors allowed us to analyze the effect that a high-intensity interval training program and plyometrics had on the performance of young judokas. Strength and conditioning coaches should consider these results because including plyometric training and HIIT in judokas' workout programming can be especially positive for eliciting increases in performance. However, future training interventions should investigate the training adaptations to longer interventions.

Effect of a Six Week In-Season Training Program on Wrestling-Specific Competitive Performance

The effect of multi-component training on specific performance is under-researched in wrestlers. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of six weeks of multi-component training on The Special Wrestling Fitness Test (SWFT) performances of wrestlers who were preparing for an international championship, and to, additionally, determine their inter-individual adaptive variability. The wrestlers (n = 13; 7 females; all international level) underwent technical-tactical and physical fitness training for the six weeks before the championship, 12 sessions per week (i.e., 36 h per week). Before and after the intervention the athletes were assessed with the SWFT, a wrestling-specific competitive performance test that includes measurements for throws, heart rate response to the SWFT, and the SWFT index. Significant pre–post intervention improvements were noted for throws (pre = 23.5 ± 2.9; post = 24.9 ± 3.6; p = 0.022) and SWFT_index (pre = 14.9 ± 2.2; post = 14.1 ± 2.2; p = 0.013. In conclusion, six weeks of multi-component training improved wrestling-specific competitive performances in highly-trained wrestlers, although with a meaningful inter-subject variability.

Determining the optimal areas of effort in terms of force and force-velocity based on the functional state of the neuromuscular system in the training of elite female judokas

Background

The evaluation of the functional state of the neuromuscular system (NMS) in elite female judokas according to the muscular activity indices is influenced by the force (F) and force-velocity (F-V) efforts. The implementation of the individual correction plan in the elite female judokas' process of instruction and training must be based on the accurate determination of the force and force-velocity effort areas throughout the training and competitive periods.

Methods

The research involved 44 elite female judokas, divided in to two experimental groups (A, C) and two control groups (B, D). To diagnose the NMS, 21 elite female judokas were evaluated, belonging to different classification categories, divided into three groups: group I-category I (Cat. I), group II-candidates for Masters of Sports (CMS) and group III-Masters of Sports (MS).The evaluation of NMS was performed at the end of each two-week cycle, using 3 tests: Tmax-time to reach the maximum muscle contraction, (msec); Fy -examination of elasticity indices in different muscles, (Hz); J-explosive muscular strength, (kg/s). Measurements were made for six muscle groups and 9 indices of fitness tests: 5 force tests (F) and 4 force-velocity tests (F-V). The research was carried out during 24 cycles, each one lasting two weeks: 12 training cycles and 12 competitive ones. Each cycle lasted two weeks. During the research, the model plan of training for F and F-V was used, determining the optimal areas of F and F-V training efforts in the preparation and competitive periods. In the experimental groups (A and C), according to the data of judokas' NMS functional state evaluation, the individual correction of the F and F-V efforts was performed every two weeks. As for the control groups (B, D), traditional methods of training were used.

Results

The NMS evaluation of the female judokas was made every two weeks and the level of correlation of Tmax, Fy and J indices was determined. The value of the Fy index at F effort is 32% in group I, 30% - in group II, 27% - in group III, 28-30% at the effort of F-V. The total number of corrections in group A: 79 negative corrections and 59 positive corrections, while in group C: 65 negative corrections and 89 positive ones. Within the F-V effort, the number of effort corrections in group A was: 68 negative corrections and 92 positive; in group C - 81 positive and 78 negative corrections. The female judokas' results in the final stage of EG-A were significantly improved in F indices by 52.15%, F-V by 6.22% and 6.18%. In the EG-C, the F increased considerably by 7.52%, F-V by 5.67% and 7.20%. These results characterize the level of physical training.

Conclusion

The functional state of the NMS in elite judokas, determined according to the temporal indices of reaching the maximal muscular contraction, the muscle explosive strength and the muscles elasticity, is subjected to dynamics under the influence of force effort and force-velocity effort.

Combat Time in International Male Judo Competitions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study aimed to synthesize literature data on male judo combat time in international competitions between 2010 and 2019. The search was carried out from May 8th to June 11th, 2021, in electronic databases using the following keywords: ("technical-tactical" OR "time motion" OR "combat time") AND ("judo" OR "combat sports" OR "martial arts"). After the selection process, 8 articles were included in the systematic review and 7 in the meta-analysis. These studies analyzed 2,562 international male judo combats over the years 2010-2019. We observed that the average male judo combat time changed (2010 = 202.8; 2011-2012 = 304.8; 2016 = 237.4; 2018-2019 = 189.8 s) after each rule change (2010, 2013, 2017, and 2018). There was a significant difference between combats that ended up to the regular time and those that needed overtime (Golden Score: 2013 = 3% vs. 2018-2019 = 21%; p = 0.03). There were differences between 60 kg (p ≤ 0.019) and + 100 kg (p ≤ 0.04) categories and the others in 2011-2012. However, no significant difference was found between the combat time by weight division after the 2017 rule changes, although there are still differences in relation to the end of the combats (p < 0.001). There were significant changes in the male judo combat time with each rule change (2010, 2013, 2017, and 2018), and the data from the included studies point to a trend of homogeneity in the combat time spent between the weight divisions over the years, and an increase in the occurrence of Golden Score. More studies need to be carried out to identify the new temporal behaviors of athletes.

Interrelationship between specific high-intensity intermittent efforts ability with aerobic capacity and slow stretch-shortening cycle utilization in taekwondo athletes

BACKGROUND: Repeat high-intensity intermittent efforts is a taekwondo-specific ability but the influence of aerobic capacity and dynamic strength characteristics on this ability has received relatively little attention in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between specific high-intensity intermittent efforts with aerobic capacity and slow stretch-shortening cycle utilization in taekwondo athletes. METHODS: Nineteen taekwondo male athletes were assessed by squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), 20-meter shuttle run (20MSR), and frequency speed of kick test multiple (FSKTMULT). From the FSKTMULT, total kicks and kick decrement index [KDI] were calculated. Additionally, from both jump tests, the slow stretch-shortening cycle utilization (Slow SSC Utilization) was determined from the eccentric utilization ratio [EUR], pre-stretch augmentation [PSA], and reactive strength index [RSI]. RESULTS: There were positive and significant correlations between total kicks with 20MSR (r= 0.85; p= 0.00) and SJ (r= 0.66; p< 0.05). The multiple regression model demonstrated that total kicks where significantly influenced by 20MSR (R2= 71%; p= 0.00). Additionally, only EUR and RSI explained total kicks performance to a greater proportion (R2= 76%). CONCLUSIONS: The FSKTMULT total kicks performance is positively correlated and influenced by aerobic capacity and slow SSC utilization.

Influence of Physical Fitness on Special Judo Fitness Test Performance: A Multiple Linear Regression Analysis

ABSTRACT

Lopes-Silva, JP, Panissa, VLG, Julio, UF, and Franchini, E. Influence of physical fitness on Special Judo Fitness Test performance: a multiple linear regression analysis. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1732-1738, 2021-The purpose of this study was to identify the physical fitness variables that best predict Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) performance. Thirty-five male experienced judo athletes took part in this study. All athletes performed 5 tests: upper- and lower-body cycle ergometer graded exercise tests; upper- and lower-body Wingate tests; and SJFT. The peak oxygen consumption (V̇o2peak), maximum heart rate (HRmax), maximum aerobic power, and the variables corresponding to onset blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) were determined during the graded exercise tests. For the Wingate tests, peak power (PP) and mean power were used. Furthermore, the total number of throws, heart rate (HR) immediately and 1 minute after, and SJFT index were calculated. Four separated forward multiple linear regressions (forward model) were used to identify the physical fitness variables that best explained the SJFT variables. Upper-body V̇o2peak (ml·min-1·kg-1) explained 27% of variance in the total number of throws, whereas an additional 7% was explained by upper-body PP. Upper-body HRmax explained 46% of the variance in the HR immediately after the SJFT, whereas lower-body HR at OBLA accounted for an additional 8%. Lower-body HRmax explained 21% of the variance in the HR 1 minute after the SJFT, whereas peak lactate ([La-]peak) after the lower-body graded exercise test accounted for an additional 12%. Upper-body V̇o2peak (ml·min-1·kg-1) alone accounted for 15% of the variance in the SJFT index. Based on these results, the data suggest that physical fitness variables, derived from upper- and lower-body aerobic and anaerobic tests, have a small ability to predict the SJFT variables.

Making Decisions and Motor Actions with Technical Biomechanical Classifications in Male Judo Weight Categories

The aim of the study was to compare motor action variables of judo combat phases and technical biomechanical assessment of the seven weight categories. The sample was composed of 638 bouts (176 of extra lightweight <66 kg, 289 of half lightweight 66 > 73 kg, 180 of lightweight 73 > 81 kg, 244 of half middleweight 81 > 90 kg, 174 of middleweight 81 > 90 kg, 151 of half heavyweight 90 > 100 kg and 142 of heavyweight >100 kg) during motor actions of approach, gripping, attack, defense and groundwork combat phases, verifying the interactions between them by Markov chains and comparisons by Kruskall-Wallis and Dunn post hoc tests (p ≤ .05). The results demonstrated that lighter weight categories showed higher approach phases than the heavyweight category, and the lightweight group demonstrated higher defensive action frequencies than the half lightweight category and heavyweight athletes. Heavyweight and middleweight categories demonstrated higher groundwork combat frequencies than lighter weights, and the heavyweight category showed higher pause frequencies than the lightweight category. Regarding the decision-making model, the main transitions presented by the Markov chains showed higher prevalence of the following combinations: gripping occurring before the lever and length attacks, lever attack followed by the length attack, and length attack occurring earlier than the groundwork phase.

Effects of Judo Training on Bones: A Systematic Literature Review

Ciaccioni, S, Condello, G, Guidotti, F, and Capranica, L. Effects of judo training on bones: a systematic literature review. J Strength Cond Res 33(10): 2882-2896, 2019-The aim of this study was to provide a systematic literature review on the osteogenic effects of judo (PROSPERO: CRD42016041803). The online search was conducted according to the inclusion criteria: observational studies and clinical/interventional trials in English from inception to June 2016; bone health, bone mineral density (BMD), diameters, impact force, and bone turnover marker (BTM) outcomes. Thirty-four studies were included and graded for their methodological quality ("fair" quality: 79.4%). The most used assessment method (44.1%) was X-ray absorptiometry. A positive association between judo and bone health/status emerged. Findings support site-specific BMD accrual in children, adolescents, adult athletes, and in premenopausal and postmenopausal female practitioners. Bone turnover markers revealed a hypermetabolic status in high-level judo athletes. The osteogenic stimuli of judo seem to protect athletes from alterations in bone metabolic balance due to weight loss cycling. Sexual dimorphism was found between judoka in bone diameters and mass, and significant differences in bone breadths emerged between elite and nonelite judokas. The fall techniques reduced bone impact force and velocity with respect to "natural" fall. Further longitudinal, cross-sectional, and interventional researches are required. This article provides useful information on bone for health sport scientists, coaches, and practitioners, stimulating future research lines on judo. In particular, coaches and physical trainers should consider introducing judo fall techniques in their training plans to prevent fall-related injuries, especially relevant in the older population. Conversely, coaches are urged to carefully control weight cycling dietary habits of their athletes, which can produce serious metabolic responses on bones.

Meta-Analysis to Determine Normative Values for the Special Judo Fitness Test in Male Athletes: 20+ Years of Sport-Specific Data and the Lasting Legacy of Stanisław Sterkowicz

The aim of this study was to evaluate Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) results specific to the population of male judoka and to develop age category norms for junior and senior athletes. A systematic review of the existing literature was conducted to identify 281 publications reporting SJFT results between 1995 and 2018. The final meta-analysis included data from 37 relevant studies that reported SJFT results from 51 individual samples of 515 senior and 209 junior male athletes. The combined mean and SD for SJFT variables were calculated, and the Cohen’s d effect size with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the senior and junior age classifications were compared. Senior athletes demonstrated higher total number of throws (d = 0.41, CI = 0.25–0.57, p <0.001) and heart rate (HR) immediately after the SJFT (d = 0.18, CI = 0.02–0.35, p = 0.025) with limited differences for HR one minute after the SJFT between groups. The SJFT index was lower for seniors compared to juniors (d = 0.38, CI = 0.22–0.54, p <0.001) indicating better overall performance by the more advanced athletes. Percentile rankings were used to develop SJFT classificatory tables for male senior and junior judo athletes. Training staff can use the age group classifications in the evaluation process of their athletes and for the purpose of monitoring training.

Upper-body Wingate test classificatory table for adult judo athletes

The aims of this study were to compare the upper-body Wingate test performance of judo athletes from different weight categories and to create a classificatory table for this test. A total of 179 judo athletes performed an upper-body Wingate test, following standardized recommendations (30-sec duration, and a load equivalent to 0.06 kg/kg of body mass). Absolute and relative peak power (PP) and mean power (MP) were determined. Weight categories were compared through a one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey test. The effect size was determined by partial eta squared. There was a large effect of weight category in absolute PP and MP, with lower values for the lighter categories (P<0.05), but it is important to note that absolute PP and MP did not differ (P>0.05) between subsequent weight categories. Moreover, when the relative PP and MP were considered, no significant differences were found (P>0.05). The higher values of PP and MP achieved by heavier judo athletes compared to lighter ones during the upper-body Wingate test is likely related to the higher total muscle mass presented by the first group compared to the later. Indeed, judo athletes from different weight category presented similar relative PP and MP, likely due to the judo training demands as well as consequence of a selection of athletes with the higher potential to develop upper-body anaerobic fitness. Finally, the normative classificatory table created may be useful as a reference in judo athletes’ anaerobic evaluation.

Maximal isometric handgrip strength: comparison between weight categories and classificatory table for adult judo athletes

The aims of this study were to compare the maximal isometric handgrip strength of judo athletes from different weight categories and to create a classificatory table for this test. A total of 406 athletes had their maximal isometric handgrip strength measured, following standardized recommendations. Absolute and relative values were calculated for each hand and for the sum of both hands. Weight categories were compared through a one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey test. The effect size was determined by partial eta squared, and the relationship between variables was determined using Pearson correlation coefficient. There was a large effect of weight category in absolute handgrip strength for each hand and for the sum of both hands, with lower values for the lighter categories. Conversely, when the relative strength was considered higher values were found for the lighter categories (P<0.001). Very large and significant positive correlations (P<0.001) were found between right and left for absolute (r=0.886) and relative (r=0.883) handgrip values. Overall, there was an increase in absolute and a decrease in relative handgrip strength across weight categories. These differences found in grip strength in weight categories are probably linked to differences in muscle mass between them. There was a high correlation between each hand for absolute and relative values, which suggests that assessing only one hand may be enough, and therefore a faster way of evaluation. Finally, the normative classificatory table created may serve as a reference for different purposes.

Comparison of special judo fitness test and dynamic and isometric judo chin-up tests' performance and classificatory tables' development for cadet and junior athletes

The aims of this work were to compare the performances of male and female cadet and junior judo athletes and to develop classificatory tables to these judo-specific tests for international-level from these ages. Data collected during training camps of male and female cadet and junior judo teams from three nations (Brazil, Serbia, and Spain) were analyzed, totalizing 252 individual results of special judo fitness test (SJFT), and 222 and 208 of dynamic and isometric judogi chin-up tests, respectively. Juniors performed better than cadets in the SJFT, with higher number of throws in A, B, C, and total (P<0.001 for all comparisons), lower final heart rate (P=0.021), and lower index (P<0.001), as well as higher relative performance in the dynamic chin-up test (P<0.001). Furthermore, male athletes presented better performance compared to female athletes in the SJFT (higher number of throws in A, B and total, and lower index) and in the isometric and dynamic chin-up tests (higher absolute and relative performances) (P<0.001 for all comparisons). Considering these differences, tables were established by sex and age groups, using percentile values. Thereby, each of the parameters of the SJFT (number of throws, heart rate after and 1 min after the test, and SJFT index), as well as absolute and relative results in chin-up judogi tests, were classified by sex and age. These classificatory tables can be useful for judo coaches to monitor specific physical performance during different phases of periodization process.