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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze whether judo experience, somatic maturation, growth, and physical capacities discriminate young judo athletes from different competitive levels (state and national). Sixty-six young male judo athletes (36 from state and 30 from national level) participated in this study, divided from the annual competitive season. The assessments were performed in two stages separated by 48 hours: anthropometric measurements and physical tests (standing long jump -- SLJ, medicine ball throw test-MBT, handgrip strength test -- HGS, Special Judo Fitness Test -- SJFT and Judogi Grip Isometric Strength Test--JGST). Judo athletes were asked for their date of birth and judo experience. T-test and discriminant analysis were used to compare and discriminate the variables between young judo athletes from state and national groups with the level of significance set at 5%. The main results showed that stature, judo experience, JGST, and SLJ performance were higher in the national group (p < 0.05) and could adequately discriminate competitive levels (structural coefficient >30, p < 0.001). It was concluded that young male judo athletes who compete at the national level are taller, more experienced, and present superior physical performance in tests related to strength and power than athletes from the state group of the same age.

Purpose: To determine the individual contributions of chronological age, somatic maturation, body size and composition, and training experience as indicators of performance in neuromuscular and judo-specific assessments in young athletes. Methods: Sixty-six youth judo athletes performed anthropometric measurements, neuromuscular tests--standing long jump test (SLJ), medicine ball throw test (MBT), handgrip strength test (HGS), and judo-specific tests--Special Judo Fitness test (SJFT) and Judogi Grip Isometric Strength Test (JGST[subscript ISO]). A multiple linear regression was used with the level of significance set at 5%. Results: The main results showed age-peak height velocity (PHV), body fat and training experience explained close to 20% of SJFT performance. Chronological age, age-PHV, height, body mass and body fat accounted for 42% of variance in JGST[subscript ISO]. Chronological age, body fat and training experience explained 35% of the variance in SLJ, while chronological age, body mass and body fat explained 53% of the variance in MBT. Finally, age-PHV, body mass and height explained 54% of the variance in HGS. Conclusion: Estimated age-PHV and growth variables explained moderate to large proportions of the variance in neuromuscular tests (with exception of SLJ), while both estimated age-PHV, training and growth variables were predictors of judo-specific performance.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strength and conditioning (S&C) is applied across various sports and levels. However, more evidence is needed regarding the practices and perspectives of those delivering S&C, with recent evidence in particular sports and countries showing that sports coaches and support staff are often tasked with this responsibility. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate judo coaches' S&C practices and perspectives across different countries. Thirty-three judo coaches completed an online survey with six sections: (a) informed consent, (b) background information, (c) education, qualifications, and prescription, (d) views on S&C, (e) exercise selection and preferences, and (f) issues and improvements. Frequency analysis was used to report responses to fixed-response questions, and thematic analysis for open-ended questions. All respondents (n = 33) reported S&C as "important" to "very important" for all judo aspects. The most important exercises prescribed were squats including variations for strength, weightlifting and derivatives for speed and power, judo-specific movements for agility and fitness, and stretching/mobility for injury reduction. Regarding perceived issues, disadvantages, desired improvements, and future developments in S&C, the most frequent responses were related to motivation, increased staffing, expertise, and technology integration, respectively. This study provides valuable information for those pursuing or currently delivering S&C within judo. Judo coaches can use the presented data to compare, align, and explain their practices with fellow coaches, athletes, and support staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to verify the concurrent validity and the biological error-free reliability of a novel low-cost commercial encoder (Ergonauta I). Validity protocol involved comparisons with a custom system and other encoder commercially available (Vitruve). Reliability protocols involved interdevices and interunit comparisons. No participants were recruited, and reliability assessments were performed in a Smith Machine by bar free fall tests. Our results showed a significant bias for mean velocity (MV) estimated by both encoders only in one of the four conditions investigated (bias = 0.05 m/s). Regarding sensitivity, the smallest detectable change suggests only values higher than 0.03 m/s must to be considered as real changes in performance, when monitoring MV and mean propulsive velocity (MPV) through Ergonauta I and Vitruve. Between-days intra-device reliability showed Ergonauta I remains highly reliable after one week for most assessments, whereas slightly less sensitive for peak velocity and peak power output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Judo practice requires high effort from athletes, mainly focused on the upper limbs, involving the shoulder complex. OBJECTIVE: To compare the shoulder internal (IR) and external (ER) rotation peak torque and conventional ratio (ER: IR) between judo athletes from different experience levels (novice vs. advanced) and to verify the distribution of athletes according to the ER: IR ratio classification. METHODS: Thirty-nine male judo athletes were divided into two groups (advanced: 20.5 ± 2.8 years and novice: 22.1 ± 5.5 years). The athletes performed a shoulder isokinetic protocol to measure IR and ER strength and the ER: IR ratio in novice and advanced groups. Chi-square tests were used to investigate the distribution of athletes according to the different groups of ER: IR ratio classification, and t-tests were used to compare the IR and ER peak torque and the ER: IR ratio between novice and advanced groups, with the level of significance set at 5%. RESULTS: The main results showed higher values of IR peak torque (77.3 ± 15.7 N ⋅ m in advanced vs. 48.2 ± 8.4 N ⋅ m in novices; p = 0.013), and a lower ER: IR conventional ratio in advanced athletes compared to novices (0.63 ± 0.1 advanced vs. 0.73 ± 0.2 in novice; p = 0.01). When individual values were analyzed, advanced athletes presented higher imbalance (< 0.66 ER: IR ratio) than novices (p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: Advanced athletes presented higher shoulder IR peak torque, but higher imbalance in the ER: IR ratio than novices, probably because the long-term training induced an increase in IR strength without concomitant development in ER strength. Coaches and strength and conditioning trainers should monitor shoulder rotator strength in judo athletes to avoid muscle imbalances in this region, which is frequently employed in judo training routines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]