Effects of Judo Training on Bones: A Systematic Literature Review

Contemporary Issue: Health and Safety of Female Wrestlers

ABSTRACT

Female wrestling has grown exponentially over the past decade. Within the United States, 46 states now recognize female high school wrestling, and 153 colleges have programs. It is on track to become an NCAA championship-level sport in 2026. A primary health and safety risk among this cohort pertains to rapid weight loss strategies. These can lead to intentional caloric restriction and decreased body fatness, with the perceived goal of attaining a competitive advantage. Low energy availability and low body fatness are associated with a number of health concerns including menstrual dysfunction and loss of bone mineral density in girls and women. The current recommendation of 12% as a minimum for percentage body fat is very likely too low, opening the door for health perturbations among this population. The minimum threshold might more appropriately fall within the range of 18% to 20%. Body fat assessment methods, primarily skinfold measures that are used to guide weight class selection, have not been adequately validated among this population and therefore should be an area of research focus, while also exploring alternative assessment techniques. Further, we recommend that weight cycling, restrictive energy intake, and intentional dehydration be avoided. Research should assess the effects of frequent weight cycling (to "make weight") and prolonged periods of low body fat on the reproductive and bone health of these athletes. Finally, research and clinical evaluations on female wrestlers are limited, and we offer a list of research priorities for future investigation into this contemporary issue.

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.

Hand-to-hand combat in the 21st century-INNOAGON warrior or modern gladiator?-a prospective study

Introduction

In being an important lifestyle factor, the physical activity influences people's health status, including life expectancy. Specific forms of physical activity are exercises related to hand-to-hand combat in the broadest sense, often overlapping and containing similar elements associated with combat sports (for Western culture) and martial arts (for Far Eastern culture). There are many types of forms of practising hand-to-hand combat exercises, which can be seen as opposing or in some ways complementary, e.g.: "traditional"-e.g., karate or kung fu, practised for hundreds or even thousands of years, usually adhering to moral codes of conduct, and drawing ideas from philosophy, religion vs. "modern"-e.g., American pro wrestling or mixed martial arts-MMA, suggesting a combination of various traditional forms of martial arts. In terms of shaping a healthy lifestyle with mental health elements based on the implementation of hand-to-hand combat exercises, an analysis of these fundamental insights into physical activity is warranted. This study aims to investigate the development direction of the hand-to-hand exercises in Western culture, opposing the "traditional" and "modern" forms.

Discussion

In this study, INNOAGON theory responds to the overuse of the term "science of martial arts". It is currently being used to promote extreme aggression and violence as an acceptable means of achieving success, and this model is expressively permeating other spheres of social interaction. In INNOAGON's understanding, hand-to-hand combat should be associated with the ancient thought of "doing good" (ancient Greece) or "wisdom" (Far Eastern cultures) including aesthetic and philosophical aspects. This links to numerous psychosocial benefits, self-esteem, discipline, body-mind coordination including breath control and relaxation, respect for others. The modern form of hand-to-hand combat, framed in these discussions as MMA or American pro wrestling, historically refers to the gladiatorial fights held during the Roman Games. The holding of fights in so-called "cages" refers to the arena in which Roman slave fights were held, and the athletes performing there are often referred to as modern-day "gladiators".

Conclusion

Proper education, including education in the area of physical culture, leading to the development of a society turned towards values broader than just fun or self-satisfaction should be the basis for the development of the next generations. It actually remains to decide which path of social change we will choose: in the case of INNOAGON a positive one, and in the case of modern gladiator a destructive one. Only a proper education combined with a broad programme of social role modelling, social facilitation-the foundations of which are laid by INNOAGON-including promotion on the Internet and social media can provide the right counterbalance to the pathology increasingly penetrating our lives, leading to the promotion of aggression and threats to physical and mental health.

Health Benefits of Different Sports: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal and Intervention Studies Including 2.6 Million Adult Participants

BACKGROUND

Several reviews have examined the health benefits of participation in specific sports, such as baseball, cricket, cross-country skiing, cycling, downhill skiing, football, golf, judo, rugby, running and swimming. However, new primary studies on the topic have recently been published, and the respective meta-analytic evidence needs to be updated.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review, summarise and appraise evidence on physical health benefits of participation in different recreational sports.

METHODS

Searches for journal articles were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SpoLit, SPORTDiscus, Sports Medicine & Education Index and Web of Science. We included longitudinal and intervention studies investigating physical health outcomes associated with participation in a given sport among generally healthy adults without disability.

RESULTS

A total of 136 papers from 76 studies conducted among 2.6 million participants were included in the review. Our meta-analyses of available evidence found that: (1) cycling reduces the risk of coronary heart disease by 16% (pooled hazard ratio [HR] = 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80, 0.89), all-cause mortality by 21% (HR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.84), cancer mortality by 10% (HR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.96) and cardiovascular mortality by 20% (HR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.86); (2) football has favourable effects on body composition, blood lipids, fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, cardiovascular function at rest, cardiorespiratory fitness and bone strength (p < 0.050); (3) handball has favourable effects on body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.050); (4) running reduces the risk of all-cause mortality by 23% (HR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.85), cancer mortality by 20% (HR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.89) and cardiovascular mortality by 27% (HR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.94) and improves body composition, cardiovascular function at rest and cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.010); and (5) swimming reduces the risk of all-cause mortality by 24% (HR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.63, 0.92) and improves body composition and blood lipids (p < 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

A range of physical health benefits are associated with participation in recreational cycling, football, handball, running and swimming. More studies are needed to enable meta-analyses of health benefits of participation in other sports. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021234839.

Judo for older adults: the coaches' knowledge and needs of education

This study aimed to explore the views of judo coaches on their perceived knowledge (PK) and needs for education (NE) for training older practitioners. In total, 470 international (Europe = 48%, Americas = 22%, Africa = 23%, Asia = 5% and Oceania = 2%) judo coaches (IJF: level 1 = 55,3%, level 2 = 33%; judo black belt: 3,4 ± 1,7 dan; F = 15%; university education: 68% >BA) responded an online survey encompassing demographic information and 35 items relevant to training older adults (Aging process; Safety and First Aid; Organization & Environment; Physiology and Fitness; Psychology & Mental Health; Teaching & Training) to be rated on a 7-point Likert scale for PK and NE. Non parametric statistics (p > 0.05) was applied to ascertain differences and relationships between PK and NE, respectively. A bivariate go-zone plot was used to highlight items with the lowest PK and the highest NE mean values. The coaches reported high PK (4.5 ± 0.3 pt) and NE (4.7 ± 0.1 pt) values, with significant higher PK values emerging for high education levels and judo experience. In considering their unique needs and special role, the judo coaches presented valuable insights to develop a sustainable educational curriculum tailored to train older judo practitioners.

Characteristics of 16-17-year-old young males' physical development in the process of judo club activities

OBJECTIVE

Aim: To investigate the influence of judo club activities on the physical development indicators of 16-17-year-old young males.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and Methods: The research, conducted in 2022-2024, involved 54 young males aged 16-17, who were divided into experimental (EG) and control (CG) groups of 27 each. The physical development was assessed by body weight, hand dynamometry, lung capacity, heart rate, and blood pressure indicators. Cooper, Rufier, Stange, Genchi, vital, strength, body weight, Robinson, and maximum oxygen consumption indices were calculated.

RESULTS

Results: The positive influence of judo club activities on the physical development of 16-17-year-old young males was revealed: all studied indicators significantly improved in the EG young males during the experiment. Judo training sessions had the most effective impact on the indicators characterizing the development of the muscular system and the level of strength qualities. At the end of the experiment, young males of the EG showed significantly better physical development than the CG representatives in terms of strength index (by 6.33 %), static endurance of stronger (by 2.07 s) and weaker (2.03 s) hands. According to the indicators characterizing the state of cardiovascular and respiratory systems, the indicators of young males of both groups were significantly the same.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: It has been established that judo club activities, which were conducted taking into account the age characteristics of 16-17-year-old young males, create the most favorable conditions for the harmonious physical development of boys, promoting their health and preparing them for future educational and professional activities.

Martial arts, combat sports, and mental health in adults: A systematic review

Martial arts (MA) and combat sports (CS) are physical activities that may be associated with health-related outcomes. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize and evaluate the available evidence on the relationship between MA and CS training and mental health of adult practitioners (≥18 years). CochraneLibrary, EBSCOhost, Web-of-Science, and Scopus databases were searched up to September 2022 for measures of self-related constructs, ill-being and well-being, cognition and brain structure/function, in adult MA/CS practitioners. Seventy cross-sectional and two longitudinal studies were retained and submitted to risk of bias assessments through an adapted version of the Cochrane Collaboration's Tool. Associations between MA/CS practice and self-related constructs were inconclusive for both consistency and strength of evidence. Limited evidence of significant associations emerged for sub-domains of ill-being (i.e., externalizing and internalizing emotion regulation), and well-being. In regard to cognitive and brain structural/functional variables, evidence of positive association with MA/CS practice was consistent with respect to perceptual and inhibition abilities but limited with respect to attention and memory. Evidence on negative associations of boxing with changes of brain structure integrity due to concussions was also inconclusive. Functional imaging techniques could shed light onto brain activation mechanisms underlying complex cognitive performance. In relation to moderators, mixed results were found for activity exposure, expertise, level of competitive engagement (which often covary with the length of training) and sex and type of MA/CS. The MA/CS' multifaceted nature may produce different, sometimes conflicting outcomes on mental health. Studies on MA/CS represent a flourishing research area needing extensive improvement in theoretical and practical approaches.

Educational Needs for Coaching Judo in Older Adults: The EdJCO Focus Groups

Judo coaches are urged to develop specific competencies and skills for addressing the special needs of older practitioners. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the experts' opinions on judo training in late adulthood to develop sound educational programs for coaches of older judo practitioners. Overall, eighty-eight experts from an international consortium of judo and educational partners participated in national focus groups. During the focus groups, experts discussed five themes and generated statements pertinent to educate coaches to support older judo practitioners (e.g., benefits; necessary knowledge; risks; training groups definition; tools; and tests for monitoring training plans). The initial list of 262 statements was synthesized, validated, analyzed, and organized into a final list of 55 statements and six macro-areas: aging process (n = 10); safety and first aid (n = 6); physiology and fitness (n = 12); psychology and mental health (n = 11); organization and environment (n = 5); adapted judo teaching and training (n = 11). The present international eminence-based study, harmonizing diverse intercultural perspectives, highlighted the specific needs of older judo practitioners. The results of this study will contribute to the structure of a sound educational program for coaches of older judo practitioners to enhance the quality of older adults' sports experiences by linking safety, enjoyment, social interactions, and learning principles.

Health Outcomes of Judo Training as an Organized Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents: A Literature Review

Judo, an organized physical activity for children and adolescents, has gained popularity worldwide. Physical activity is vital during times of rising obesity and a sedentary lifestyle in this age group. The article aims to review the current knowledge of the health benefits of judo-specific exercises for children and youth. Six international scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, UpToDate, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar) were searched from 1 January 2007 to 30 September 2022. The search focused on health-related factors regarding healthy preschool and school-aged judo practitioners. Sixteen original studies met the inclusion criteria. School-aged children aged 7-15 years were included in the analysis. The average training time was between two and six hours a week, with the judo intervention mainly ranging from nine months to three years. Most studies registered positive changes caused by judo training. The outcomes focused on maintaining or reducing body fat, increasing bone mineralization, and improving the function of the cardiorespiratory system compared to the non-practicing control group. However, there were no differences between judo and other sports groups. The main conclusions presented health benefits from judo-specific training in school-aged children and may support the World Health Organization recommendations concerning daily physical activity.

The Effects of a 1-Year Recreational Kung Fu Protocol on Bone Health Parameters in a Group of Healthy Inactive Young Men

The main aim of the current study was to explore the effects of a 1-year recreational Kung Fu protocol on bone health parameters (bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), femoral neck geometry and composite indices of femoral neck strength) in a group of healthy inactive young men. 54 young inactive men voluntarily participated in this study, but only 51 of them completed it. The participants were assigned to 2 different groups: control group (n=31) and Kung Fu group (n=20). The Kung Fu group performed two sessions of recreational Kung Fu per week; the duration of each session was 45 minutes. The current study has demonstrated that whole body (WB) BMC, ultra-distal (UD) radius BMD, 1/3 radius BMD, total radius BMD, total forearm BMD, maximal strength, maximum oxygen consumption and jumping performance increased in the Kung Fu group but not in the control group. The percentages of variations in WB BMC, forearm BMD and physical performance parameters were significantly different between the two groups. In conclusion, this study suggests that recreational Kung Fu is an effective method to improve WB BMC, forearm BMD and physical performance parameters in young inactive men.

Risks and Benefits of Judo Training for Middle-Aged and Older People: A Systematic Review

This systematic overview aimed to review studies investigating the benefits and risks of judo training in older people, and to explore practical methodological applications (Registration ID: CRD42021274825). Searches of EBSCOhost, ISI-WoS, and Scopus databases, with no time restriction up to December 2022, resulted in 23 records meeting the inclusion criteria. A quality assessment was performed through the following tools: ROBINS-I for 10 experimental studies, NIH for 7 observational studies, and AGREE-II for 6 methodological studies. A serious risk of bias emerged for 70% of the experimental studies, whereas 100% of the observational and 67% of the methodological studies presented a “fair” quality. When involving 1392 participants (63 ± 12 years; females: 47%), the studies investigated novice (n = 13), amateur/intermediate (n = 4), expert (n = 4), and unknown (n = 3) level judoka by means of device-based, self-reported, and visual evaluation measures. Mean training encompassed 2 ± 1 sessions. week−1 of 61 ± 17 min for 7 ± 6 months. In relation to judo training exposure and outcomes, three main themes emerged: (i) health (56% of studies; e.g., bones, anthropometry, quality of life); (ii) functional fitness (43%; e.g., balance, strength, walking speed); and iii) psychosocial aspects (43%; e.g., fear of falling, cognition, self-efficacy). Although the included studies presented relevant methodological weaknesses, the data support the positive effects of judo training with advancing age. Future research is needed to help coaches plan judo programs for older people.

Judo-based exercise programs to improve health outcomes in middle-aged and older adults with no judo experience: A scoping review

The practice of judo appears to impact positively on physical performance, muscle strength and flexibility in older people, while also benefiting bone mineral density in middle-aged adults. This scoping review aimed to map the range, scope and type of relevant studies conducted to examine the safety, feasibility and effects of judo interventions on various health-related outcomes designed for middle-aged and older adults (≥45 years) with no previous experience in judo. Six databases as well as gray literature were searched using a developed search strategy. Two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts, as well as full-texts of relevant articles using data extraction tools developed for the purpose of this study. Fifteen original studies were included, comprising 648 participants (mean age 45-77.8 years). All 15 studies reported significant positive results of ≥1 health-related outcome. Quality of life and bone mineral density seemed to improve only after longer interventions (≥9 or ≥12 months, respectively), while results regarding fear of falling and physical activity levels were mixed. Five studies showed improvements in fear of falling while four studies reported no change. Similarly, two studies showed improvements in physical activity, while another study showed no change. Five studies reported on safety and deemed their intervention to be safe (no adverse events), with two studies confirming feasibility. Findings suggest that judo interventions can positively impact health-related outcomes in middle-aged and older adults. However, studies had small sample sizes and more research is needed to confirm these findings. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 163-178.

Speed, agility, and musculoskeletal fitness are independently associated with areal bone mineral density in children

Background: There is still little understanding of the associations between physical fitness variables and bone health in children taking into account key confounders. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between performance in tests of speed, agility, and musculoskeletal fitness (power of the upper and lower limbs) with bone mass of different regions in children, considering the adjustment to maturity-offset, lean percentage, and sex. Methods: Cross-sectional study design: the sample consisted of 160 children aged 6-11 years. The physical fitness variables tested were 1) speed, assessed with the running test at a maximum speed of 20 m; 2) agility, assessed through the 4×4-m square test; 3) lower limb power, assessed using the standing long jump test, and 4) upper limb power, assessed using the 2-kg medicine ball throw test. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) was obtained from the analysis of body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Simple and multiple linear regression models were performed using the SPSS software. Results: In the crude regression analyses, the results indicated a linear relationship between all the physical fitness variables and aBMD in all body segments, but maturity-offset, sex, and lean mass percentage seemed to have an effect on these relationships. Except for the upper limb power, the other physical capacities (speed, agility, and lower limb power) were associated with aBMD in at least three body regions in the adjusted analyses. These associations occurred in the spine, hip, and leg regions, and the aBMD of the legs presented the best association magnitude (R ²). Conclusion: There is a significant association between speed, agility, and musculoskeletal fitness, specifically the lower limb power and aBMD. That is, the aBMD is a good indicator of the relationship between fitness and bone mass in children, but it is essential to consider specific fitness variables and skeletal regions.

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.

Categorizing 10 Sports According to Bone and Soft Tissue Profiles in Adolescents

PURPOSE

Considering the different loading and training characteristics of the sports practiced during growth, it is important to specify and categorize the bone and soft tissue adaptations in adolescent athletes. This study aimed to categorize 10 different loading sports and a nonsport group and identify the differences in bone density and soft tissues.

METHODS

The sample included 625 adolescents (10 to 17 yr of age) of 10 sports (soccer, basketball, volleyball, track and field, judo, karate, kung fu, gymnastics, baseball, and swimming) and a nonsport group. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry assessed areal bone mineral density (aBMD), bone mineral apparent density (BMAD), and soft tissues (lean soft tissue and fat mass). The results were adjusted for sex, peak height velocity status, lean soft tissue, fat mass, and weekly training volume.

RESULTS

The comparisons among groups showed that soccer had the highest whole-body aBMD (mean ± SEM: 1.082 ± 0.007 g·cm) and lower limb aBMD (1.302 ± 0.010 g·cm). Gymnastics presented the highest upper limb aBMD (0.868 ± 0.012 g·cm) and whole-body BMAD (0.094 ± 0.001 g·cm). Swimming presented the lowest aBMD values in all skeletal sites (except at the upper limbs) and whole-body BMAD. The soft tissue comparisons showed that soccer players had the highest lean soft tissue (43.8 ± 0.7 kg). The lowest fat mass was found in gymnasts (8.04 ± 1.0 kg).

CONCLUSION

The present study investigated and categorized for the first time 10 different sports according to bone density and soft tissue profiles. Soccer and gymnastics sport groups were found to have the highest bone density in most body segments, and both sports were among the groups with the lowest fat mass.

Effects of a 4-month judo program on gait performance in older adults

BACKGROUND

Falls prevention is a critical goal of training program for older individuals. This study explored the effects of a judo program on gait performance in older adults.

METHODS

Pre- and post-intervention (15 weeks, 1-hr session, twice a week) step length (cm), gait cycle time (s), speed (m·s-1) and cadence (step·min-1) mean values (AVG) and coefficients of variation (CV) were assessed in a judo (JG: N.=16 novice judoka; age=69.3±3.9 years) and a control (CG: N.=14 healthy older adults; age=70.1±4.5 years) group. Two 3 (motor complexity: flat, corridor, hurdling) ×2 (group: JG, CG) ×2 (time: pre, post) MANOVAs with repeated measures were applied to ascertain differences in gait parameters.

RESULTS

A significant Time×Motor Complexity×Group interaction was found for AVG and CV. For AVG, JG showed improvements for flat and hurdling conditions in step length (flat: ∆=+2.6%, d=0.4; hurdling: ∆=+3.2%, d=0.4), gait cycle (flat: ∆=-4.3%, d=0.4; hurdling: ∆=-4.0%, d=0.5), speed (flat: ∆=+6.6%, d=0.7; hurdling: ∆=+6.7%, d=0.6) and cadence (flat: ∆=4.3%, d=0.4; hurdling: ∆=3.9%, d=0.5). For CV, JG improved step length for flat (∆=-20.9%, d=0.6) and hurdling (∆=-16.3%, d=0.8) conditions, whereas CG showed a deterioration in the step length for the corridor condition (∆=+22.3%, d=0.7).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings demonstrated the effectiveness of an adapted judo program for improving gait performance in older individuals, suggesting a potential protective effect for fall risk.

Risk assessment in different Judo techniques for children and adolescent athletes

Judo is a combat sport that involves throwing the opponent onto the back. When being thrown, head biomechanics may be related to head injury risk. This study aimed to assess head injury risks associated with four Judo techniques in children and adolescents with different experience levels. Twenty children (<12 years) and 20 adolescents (≥ 12 years) judoka were recruited. Each group was divided into non-expert and expert. Two inertial sensors were fixed on fallers' head and torso. Two backward (o-soto-gari and o-uchi-gari) and two forward (ippon-seoi-nage and tai-otoshi) techniques were performed. Peak of linear and angular head acceleration magnitude, impact time duration, neck angle, and the Gadd Severity Index were assessed. Children did not show differences between techniques or experience levels. In contrast, adolescents showed greater linear acceleration peak in o-soto-gari than tai-otoshi (p = 0.03), greater angular acceleration peak in o-soto-gari and o-uchi-gari than ippon-seoi-nage (p < 0.05), and greater neck flexion in o-uchi-gari than ippon-seoi-nage (p = 0.004). Compared to expert adolescents, non-expert adolescents showed greater angular acceleration peak, impact duration, and the Gadd Severity Index in o-soto-gari (p < 0.05) and greater neck extension in o-uchi-gari (p = 0.02). Current results pointed out higher risks for adolescents judoka while being thrown with backward techniques, especially for non-expert participants. This study highlights the need of training athletes in controlling head and neck during back falls from a young age to become expert judoka in adulthood.

Impact of physical exercise in cancer survivors during and after antineoplastic treatments

Cancer patients experience symptoms and adverse effects of treatments that may last even after the end of treatments. Exercise is a safe, non-pharmacological and cost-effective therapy that can provide several health benefits in cancer patient and survivors, reducing cancer symptoms and cancer treatment side effects. The purpose of this review is to describe how the physical exercise is capable to reduce cancer symptoms and cancer treatment side effects. We realized a pragmatic classification of symptoms, dividing them into physical, psychological and psycho-physical aspects. For each symptom we discuss causes, therapies, we analyse the effects of physical exercise and we summarize the most effective type of exercise to reduce the symptoms. This review also points out what are the difficulties that patients and survivors face during the practice of physical activity and provides some solutions to overcome these barriers. Related to each specific cancer, it emerges that type, frequency and intensity of physical exercise could be prescribed and supervised as a therapeutic program, like it occurs for the type, dose and duration of a drug treatment.