Female Judo Athletes’ Physical Test Performances Are Unrelated to Technical

Abstract

This study analyzed the relationship between generic and judo-specific physical test performances and technical–tactical competition performances among 19 female judo athletes. Participant data were gathered in two stages: (a) physical tests—countermovement jump (CMJ), handgrip strength, Special Judo Fitness Test and Judogi Grip Strength Test; and (b) match performances recorded for technical–tactical analysis. Pearson’s linear correlation and multiple linear regression analysis showed no significant correlations between any technical–tactical parameter and judo-specific physical tests. However, the number of attacks during matches was significantly positively correlated with countermovement jump height (CMJ_JH; r = 0.69, p = .002), peak power output (CMJ_PPO; r = 0.53, p = .002), and peak velocity (CMJ_PV; r = 0.62, p = .001). Effective time during matches was significantly correlated with all CMJ parameters (except maximum force; r = 0.65−0.76, p ≤ .01) and with right hand grip strength (r = 0.48, p = .037). Match effectiveness was correlated with CMJ_PPO (r = −0.67, p = .001), mean power output (CMJ_MPO; r = −0.54, p = .017), and CMJ_PV (r = −0.54, p = .004). The explained power of variance was low for all variables at 45-54%. We conclude that judo-specific performance tests do not seem to be related to female judo athletes’ technical–tactical skills in official competition, though athletes with higher lower limb muscle power and higher handgrip strength showed higher time effectiveness during matches.

Keywords

combat sports muscle power endurance strength effective time specific tests

Introduction

Judo is a sport of an intermittent nature in which a large variety of technical–tactical actions are performed with high intensity amid constant interruptions (Miarka et al., 2012). Because of these characteristics, judo performance depends on both technical–tactical quality and physical fitness (Franchini, Artioli, & Brito, 2013; Miarka et al., 2012). During judo competition, the upper limbs are engaged in constant pulling and pushing movements to maintain handgrip on the judogi and to prepare to attack (Franchini, Matsushige, Dell Vecchio, & Artioli, 2011); the lower limbs undergo constant power actions (Detanico, Dal Pupo, Franchini, & Santos, 2012). These observations have been demonstrated in previous studies that found a decrease in handgrip strength (Bonitch-Góngora, Bonitch-Domınguez, Padial, & Feriche, 2012) and shoulder external/internal rotation torque and muscle power in the lower limbs (Detanico, Pupo, Franchini, & Santos, 2015) following a simulated tournament. The intermittent nature of judo also makes demands on the metabolic system—for example, aerobic power and capacity are considered relevant in judo performance as they are related to recovery during the short rest periods between efforts (Gariod et al., 1995). Anaerobic power and capacity are also important in the decisive actions that depend on powerful movements (Franchini, Matsushigue, et al., 2011).

Neuromuscular or physiological capacities of judokas may be assessed by generic or sport-specific tests. Generally, the more highly specific a test is, the more difficult it is to quantify the effort or determine the physical capacities relevant to its performance (Detanico & Santos, 2012). Among various generic tests used to classify judo athletes and nonathletes are handgrip strength (Ache-Dias et al, 2012; Jagiełło, Beata, Smulski, 2009), shoulder and elbow isokinetic torque (Ruivo, Pezarat-Correia, & Carita, 2012) and vertical jump tests (Jagiełło et al., 2009; Monteiro, Massuça, García, Carratala, & Proença, 2011; Zaggelidis, Lazaridis, Malkogiorgos, & Mavrovouniotis, 2012). Considering judo-specific tests, the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) and Judogi Grip Strength Test (JGST) have been most often used. The SJFT reproduces the actions of judo combat and similar physiological demands of matches, besides estimating the aerobic and anaerobic capacities (Franchini, Sterkowicz, Szmatlan-Gabrys, Gabrys, & Garnys, 2011), and this test is considered the best discriminant of female judo athletes when compared with other specific tests (Trava, Franchini, & Krstulovic, 2016). The JGST quantifies the isometric and dynamic endurance strength in the upper limbs; it can be assessed by number of repetitions or maximal support time (Franchini, Miarka, Matheus, & Del Vecchio, 2011).

Some studies have shown that performance on judo-specific tests is correlated with performance on generic tests. For example, number of throws in the SJFT was correlated with aerobic and anaerobic indices (Franchini, Takito & Bertuzzi, 2005; Sterkowicz, Zuchowicz, & Kubica, 1999; Wolska-Paczoska, 2010) and with vertical jump performance (Detanico et al., 2012; Jagiełło et al., 2009). Likewise, the JGST (both isometric and dynamic tests) was found to be correlated with handgrip strength (Branco, Diniz, Santos, Shiroma, & Franchini, 2017) and elbow isokinetic torque (Follmer, Dellagrana, Franchini, & Diefenthaeler, 2015). Some studies have investigated the relationship between generic or judo-specific tests and competition-based technical–tactical performance during simulated competition. Lech, Wieslaw, Tadeuz, and Sterkowicz (2015) found a positive correlation between shoulder, hip, elbow, and knee peak torques and percentage of scores in male judokas during competition. Other studies with male athletes have verified correlation between aerobic indices and effectiveness during judo matches (Lech, Tyka, Palka, & Krawczyk, 2010), as well as between number of attacks (in simulated judo matches) and relative work in the Wingate test and number of throws in SJFT (Franchini et al., 2005).

Technical–tactical parameters analyzed in judo tournaments (e.g., number of attacks, efficiency, effectiveness, percentage of wins, etc.) provide valuable information for the coaches about the attack and defense systems of the athletes (Miarka et al., 2014). To the best of our knowledge, no studies have investigated the relationship between technical–tactical performance and the judo-specific tests of SJFT and JGST over official competitions. Identifying the magnitude of this relationship in official competitions is essential to a better understanding of the capacities involved in judo-specific tests in order to explain or predict technical–tactical performance during competition. In addition, most studies have been performed with male athletes, while research with female athletes is also needed, given their varied and specific physical characteristics. Therefore, this study had two objectives: (a) to verify the relationship between generic and judo-specific tests and technical–tactical performance in female judo athletes, and (b) to identify what physical variables might best explain technical–tactical competition performance in this group. Our main hypothesis was that judo-specific tests would correlate more strongly with technical–tactical performance than would generic tests, as specific tests should best reproduce the neuromuscular and metabolic characteristics of combat situations.

Method

Participants

A total of 19 female judo athletes (mean (M) age = 20.84; standard deviation [SD] = 3.32 years of age; M weight = 61.04, SD = 10.81 kg; M height =161.10, SD = 6.41 cm; M % body fat = 14.10, SD = 4.40%) volunteered to participate in this study. The sample size was determined a priori using the GPower 3.1 software, taking as reference a probability of .05 (minimum error type I), statistical power of 0.8 (minimum error type II), and effect size of 0.5 (mean effect). Thus, the minimum sample size for the correlation tests were 21 participants. However, we were able to evaluate 19 athletes, representing 16% of female athletes who participated in the competition (n = 118 athletes). The evaluated athletes had a mean practice time of 11 (SD = 4.5) years and had earned purple, brown, or black belts in judo. They were training regularly (physical, technical, and tactical training) 4-5 times a week during the evaluation period. The athletes had competed at state and national levels. Participants were selected based on the following inclusion criteria: (a) free of musculoskeletal disorder or injury that would influence their maximal physical performance, (b) training regularly for the last five years, and (c) in the competitive period phase of their athletic careers. All participants were older than 18 years. They all received an explanation of the purpose, methods, and potential risks/benefits of the study, and they signed a written informed consent form, agreeing to participate in the study. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the local university, in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Research Design

Evaluations of athletes and associated data gathering were performed in two stages: (a) anthropometric evaluation, generic physical testing, and testing with judo-specific tests; and (b) recording of competitive matches using video for technical–tactical analysis. In the first session, following anthropometric data collection, participants engaged in generic physical tests of countermovement jump (CMJ) and handgrip strength. After 20 minutes, they performed the judo-specific tests of JGST and SJFT. All assessments and data collection in this Phase 1 state were performed within two weeks before the official competitions began.

Anthropometric Assessment

We followed the precedent of previous related studies by collecting the anthropometric data: body mass, height, and skinfold thickness. We used the equation proposed by Jackson, Pollock, and Ward (1980) validated for women to estimate body density, considering the sum of four skinfold thicknesses (triceps, suprailiac, thigh, and axillary). Body fat was calculated using the Siri (1961) equation. Body mass was measured using a digital scale (0.1 kg accuracy) and height was assessed using a stadiometer scale of 0.1 cm accuracy.

Generic Tests

Vertical jump

Participants performed a familiarization/warm-up period involving 30 seconds of hopping on a trampoline, three series of 10 hops on the ground, and five submaximal CMJs prior to performing the CMJ protocol. Participants then started from a static standing position and performed a countermovement (descent phase) followed by a rapid and vigorous extension of the lower limb joints (ascent phase). During the jumps, participants were asked to maintain their trunk as vertically as possible, keeping their hands on their hips (akimbo). The vertical jumps were performed on a piezoelectric force platform (model 9290AD, Kistler, Quattro Jump, Winterthur, Switzerland), measuring vertical ground reaction sampling at 500 Hz. The athletes were instructed to jump as high as possible; over three maximal trials (one minute rest interval), and we considered the mean value of these jumps for further data analysis. We analyzed the following CMJ parameters: (a) jump height (CMJ_JH), calculated using the ground reaction force (GRF) dual integration method; (b) peak power output (CMJ_PPO), the highest value of the curve obtained from the multiplication of the GRF by the velocity in the concentric phase of the jump, normalized by body mass; (c) mean power (CMJ_PMO), the mean value of the curve obtained from the multiplication of the GRF by the velocity in the concentric phase of the jump, normalized by body mass; (d) maximum force (CMJ_MF), the highest value obtained in the concentric phase of the jump, normalized by body mass; and (e) peak velocity (CMJ_PV), the highest value of the vertical takeoff velocity (Dal Pupo, Detanico, & Santos, 2012). We calculated the reliability of the CMJ variables for the three trials and presented a high intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 for all variables.

Handgrip strength

Evaluation of handgrip strength was performed following the procedures adopted by the American Society of Hand Therapy. Participants were seated with their spines erect, maintaining a knee flexion angle of 90°. The shoulder was positioned in adduction and neutral rotation, and the elbow was flexed at 90°, with the forearm in half-pronation and with a neutral grip. Athletes were instructed to hold the handgrip dynamometer (Carci®, SH 5001 model) and perform three attempts with maximum effort for three seconds with each hand, with a rest period of 30 seconds between each trial. We used the average of the three strength values for analysis. We assessed the reliability of the handgrip test using three trials, and the ICCs were high, at 0.93 for the right hand and 0.97 for the left hand, respectively.

Specific Tests

Special Judo Fitness Test

Judo athletes were all tested with the SJFT. Following a 5-minute warm-up, three athletes of similar body weight and height performed the test according to the following protocol: Two judokas (uke) were positioned at a distance of6 cm from each other, while the test executor (tori) was positioned three meters from the judokas to be thrown. The procedure was divided into three periods—15 seconds, 30 seconds, and 30 seconds—with 10-second intervals between. In each period, the executor threw the opponents using the ippon-seoi-nage technique as many times as possible. We determined performance on the basis of the sum of the number of throws completed during each of the three periods. We measured heart rate (HR) immediately after the test and one minute later (Polar Vantage NV, Polar Electro Oy, Kempele, Finland), and we calculated a HR index using the following equation:

Index (beats {. min}^{- 1} . {throws}^{- 1}) = \frac{{finalHR (beats {. min}^{- 1}) + HR 1 minafterthetest (beats {. min}^{- 1})}}{Numberofthrows}

(1)

Reliability values for all variables in this test have been previously reported as 0.97 (Sterkowicz, Zuchowicz, & Kubica, 1999).

Judogi Grip Strength Test

Athletes were familiarized with the JGST by performing three submaximal repetitions on the judogi suspended on the bar. The JGST consists of sustaining the position (elbow flexion) for the maximum possible time. Athletes performed only the isometric version of the JGST. The chronometer was stopped when the athlete could no longer maintain the original position. The reliability of the JGST has been assessed in previous studies, presenting an ICC higher than 0.98 (Franchini, Miarka, et al., 2011).

Technical–Tactical Analysis

We filmed all combat bouts of these participants during state-level competitions, using two video cameras (Sony Action Cam AS200), positioned to capture the total combat area and the athletes’ movements without interfering in the event. The videos were then stored and separated for each combat bout of the athletes evaluated, and they were later viewed and analyzed by a judo expert (black belt, 14 years’ experience) using Kinovea® software (0.8.15, Version 2) to obtain data for the following variables.

(a) Efficiency index: Quantification of the points obtained during the competition, considering the evaluation of the referees divided by the total number of matches, according to the following estimation (Adam, Smaruj, & Tyszkowski, 2011):

Efficiency = \frac{{\begin{matrix} (numberofippon \times 10) + (numberofwazari \times 7) \\ + (numberofyuko \times 5) \end{matrix}}}{Totalnumberofmatches}

(b) Effectiveness index: relative representation of the use of techniques performed in the competition, calculated by dividing the number of scores obtained by the total number of techniques applied and multiplied by 100 (Sterkowicz & Maslej, 1999).

Effectiveness = \frac{Numberofscores}{Numberoftechniques} \times 100

(c) Percentage of wins: Number of wins obtained in each competition divided by the total number of matches multiplied by 100.

(d) Effective combat time: Actual working time of each combat bout.

All technical–tactical data were collected and analyzed according to the judo rules that were current in 2016 (i.e., we calculated the yuko score).

Statistical Analysis

Data are reported as means and SDs. We used the Shapiro–Wilk test to verify data normality. Pearson’s linear correlation (efficiency, number of attacks, and effective time) or Spearman’s correlation of nonnormal data (percentage of wins and effectiveness) were used to verify the relationships between specific and generic tests with technical–tactical performance. We adopted the following criteria to classify the magnitude of effects r: 0 to 0.1 (trivial), 0.1 to 0.3 (small), 0.3 to 0.5 (moderate), 0.5 to 0.7 (large), 0.7 to 0.9 (very large), and 0.9 to 1.0 (almost perfect; Hopkins, 2002). Multiple linear regression analysis was applied, using efficiency, effectiveness, percentage of wins, effective time, and attacks per match as dependent variables. Independent variables were those that showed significant correlations. Considering CMJ parameters, we chose only the CMJ_JH as an independent variable because of the collinearity of CMJ_JH, CMJ_PPO, CMJ_PMO, CMJ_MF, and CMJ_PV. We used the limits of 0.10 for entrance of variables in the model and 0.20 for removal (enter method). The level of statistical significance was set at p < .05. These analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Statistical power was calculated a posteriori using p values and the effect size obtained from the correlations that showed significance (p < .05) and found an observed power ranging from 0.99–1.00.

Results

Table 1 shows the means and SDs of physical tests (generic and judo-specific) and technical–tactical competition performances.

Table 1.

Mean ± SD of Generic Tests—CMJ and Handgrip Strength, Specific Tests—SJFT and JGST and Technical–Tactical Performance Obtained During Competition.

Generic tests variables	Mean ± SD
CMJ_JH (cm)	35.11 ± 3.09
CMJ_PPO (W/kg)	39.21 ± 2.73
CMJ_MPO (W/kg)	21.25 ± 2.18
CMJ_MF (N/kg)	21.26 ± 1.66
CMJ_PV (m/s)	2.34 ± 0.11
Handgrip right (kgf)	35.34 ± 6.37
Handgrip left (kgf)	33.60 ± 5.15
Specific tests variables
JGST (s)	32.8 ± 13.6
SJFT₁₅ (n)	6 ± 1
SJFT_30a (n)	11 ± 1
SJFT_30b (n)	10 ± 1
SJFT_TOTAL (n)	27 ± 2
SJFT_HR (beats/minute)	177 ± 10
SJFT_HR1min (beats/minute)	149 ± 15
SJFT_INDEX (beats/minute/throws)	12.5 ± 1.3
Technical–tactical variables
Efficiency (a.u.)	6.69 ± 3.97
Effectiveness (%)	27.23 ± 16.10
Percentage of wins	62.27 ± 37.72
Effective time (s)	93.78 ± 41.50
Number of attacks per match (n)	4 ± 2

CMJ = countermovement jump; CMJ_JH = jump height; CMJ_PPO = peak power output; CMJ_MPO = mean power output; CMJ_MF = maximum force; CMJ_PV =peak velocity; JGST = Judogi Grip Strength Isometric Test; SJFT = Special Judo Fitness Test; HR = heart rate; SD = standard deviation.

Table 2 shows the correlations between judo-specific tests performance and technical–tactical parameters obtained in official competition. No statistically significant correlations were found between any variables.

Table 2.

Correlations Between Judo-Specific Tests Performance (SJFT and JGST) and Technical–Tactical Variables Obtained During Competition.

	SJFT₁₅	SJFT₃₀	SJFT₃₀	SJFT_TOTAL	SJFT_INDEX	JGST
Efficiency (a.u.)	0.12	0.37	0.31	0.35	−0.26	−0.07
Effectiveness (%)	0.11	0.13	0.37	0.24	−0.21	−0.24
Percentage of wins	−0.13	0.21	−0.37	0.24	−0.42	−0.13
Effective time (s)	0.38	0.19	0.26	0.29	−0.13	0.23
Attacks per match (n)	0.24	0.43	0.16	0.35	−0.29	0.08

JGST = Judogi Grip Strength Isometric Test; SJFT = Special Judo Fitness Test.

*p < .05.

Table 3 shows the correlations between performance on generic physical tests and technical–tactical match performances. There were significant positive correlations between effective combat time and CMJ_JH (large effect), CMJ_PPO (large effect), CMJ_PMO (very large effect), CMJ_PV (large effect), and handgrip right strength (large effect). Positive correlations were also found between number of attacks per match and CMJ_JH (large effect), CMJ_PPO (large effect), and CMJ_PV (large effect). There were statistically significant negative correlations between effectiveness and CMJ_PPO (large effect), CMJ_PMO (large effect), and CMJ_PV (large effect). No significant correlations were evident between technical–tactical performance and right handgrip strength.

Table 3.

Correlations Between Generic Tests Performance (CMJ and Handgrip Strength) and Technical–Tactical Variables Obtained During Competition.

	CMJ_JH	CMJ_PPO	CMJ_MPO	CMJ_MF	CMJ_PV	Handgrip right	Handgrip left
Efficiency (a.u.)	−0.60	−0.36	−0.32	−0.31	−0.17	0.22	0.29
Effectiveness (%)	−0.44	−0.67*	−0.54*	−0.39	−0.56*	0.20	0.26
Percentage of wins	−0.14	−0.35	−0.44	−0.47	−0.24	0.22	0.26
Effective time (s)	0.69*	0.65*	0.76*	0.37	0.70*	0.48*	0.34
Attacks per match (n)	0.66*	0.53*	0.44	0.09	0.62*	0.23	0.13

CMJ = countermovement jump; CMJ_JH = jump height; CMJ_PPO = peak power output; CMJ_MPO = mean power output; CMJ_MF = maximum force; CMJ_PV = peak velocity.

*p < .05.

We performed a multiple linear regression analysis for all technical–tactical variables and found a significant model only for effective time and number of attacks. CMJ_JH explained 45% of the variance in the number of attacks per match (p = .002, Standard error of estimate [SEE] = 1.61). CMJ_JH, and right handgrip strength explained 54% of the variance in the effective time (p = 0.009, SEE = 3.6).

Discussion

The main objective of this study was to verify the relationship between generic and judo-specific tests and technical–tactical performance in female judo athletes. Based on our results, this hypothesized relationship was not evident, as there were no significant correlations found between technical–tactical performance and judo-specific physical tests. These findings suggest that motor actions of female judo athletes within official competition are unrelated to performance on judo-specific physical tests, even though prior literature (primarily based on studies with male athletes) has suggested that these tests reproduce similar judo combat actions, particularly in terms of their energetic demand (Franchini, Sterkowicz, et al., 2011) and motor skills (Sterkowicz & Maslej, 1999).

The SJFT evaluates indexes related to aerobic and anaerobic metabolism such as HR at the end of the test and number of throws, respectively (Sterkowicz et al., 1999). Some studies have shown high correlations between SJFT performance and aerobic and anaerobic indexes (measured by Wingate test and incremental test on the treadmill) in female athletes (Wolska-Paczoska, 2010). In addition, the SFJT showed good discriminant validity and is suitable for evaluation and monitoring physical training in female athletes (Trava et al., 2016). Therefore, a relationship between SJFT and technical–tactical performance was expected, though not verified in the current study. Similarly, we also failed to validate any relationship between the Judogi Grip Strength Isometric Test (JGST) and technical–tactical performance. As this study is the first to analyze the relationship between JGST and technical–tactical performance among female athletes, the possibility that this is a gender-specific relationship warrants further exploration.

Regarding the relationship between generic physical tests and technical–tactical performance during matches, effective time during matches was positively correlated with vertical jump parameters (CMJ_JH, CMJ_PPO, CMJ_MPO, and CMJ_PV). Effective time is the actual working time of each combat bout, composed by movements in preparing attacks, handgrips, attacks, counterattacks, time spent on groundwork, and so on. During the matches, athletes make powerful efforts with the lower limbs and engage in sudden directional changes for attack or defense (Franchini et al., 2013). A previous study in male judo athletes by Detanico et al. (2012) found a significant correlation between the number of throws in the SJFT and jump height, probably explained by the specific judo techniques involving the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC; e.g., seoi-nage). Also, Zaggelidis et al. (2012) verified that experienced male judo athletes present higher jump height, less contact time during the propulsive phase of the jump, and better SSC utilization than untrained athletes, indicating that these variables can be improved by specific training. The correlations between effective time and CMJ_JH, CMJ_PPO, CMJ_MPO, and CMJ_PV in the concentric phase of the jump may be explained by storage optimization, the reuse of elastic energy, and faster transition between the eccentric-concentric phases during SSC activities (Detanico et al., 2012). This is especially evident in rapid movements such as judo throwing techniques, similar to the CMJ technique (Monteiro et al., 2011). In addition, number of attacks was correlated with CMJ_JH, CMJ_PPO, and CMJ_PV. Number of attacks consists of the effective attacks performed during competitive combat, normalized by the total matches. Athletes with higher levels of muscle power performed more attacks in official competitions, as well as showing higher time performing different actions (effective time).

Handgrip strength (right hand) was positively correlated with effective time. Bonitch-Góngora et al. (2012) found a reduction in handgrip strength over four simulated judo matches, indicating high demand of forearm muscle strength during the bouts. Specifically, in female athletes, Sánchez et al. (2011) observed that a medalist group presented higher values of handgrip strength when compared with a nonmedalist group, showing that grip strength may discriminate competitive level. The positive correlation between handgrip strength and effective combat time may indicate that handgrip strength (maximum isometric strength) is essential to maintain the control of the opponent during the combats and during the preparation for technique execution (Calmet, Miarka, & Franchini, 2010).

Effectiveness and efficiency were negatively correlated with vertical jump parameters (CMJ_JH, CMJ_PPO, and CMJ_PV). Effectiveness is the relative representation of number of scores using the techniques applied such that better effectiveness indicates higher scores with fewer techniques applied (Sterkowicz & Maślej, 1999). In this sense, athletes with better performance on CMJ parameters seem to have better effective time (approach, attempted attacks, disputes of grips, etc.) in official competitions, but they were not efficient and effective in moments of throwing techniques application. Lower limb action performance during combat is a factor that may contribute to destabilizing the opponent’s balance; thus, athletes should create different strategies in obtaining scores from attacks or punishments.

In regression models, used to explain technical–tactical performance considering number of attacks per match, effective time, effectiveness, and percentage of wins as dependent variables, CMJ_JH explained 54% of the variance in the number of attacks per match, and jump height added to handgrip strength explained 45% of variance in the effective time. Thus, CMJ performance and handgrip strength may explain part of the athletes’ technical–tactical performance during competition. Female athletes probably show efficient use of SSC mechanisms and recruitment of motor units during the jump that may transfer to enhance the performance of their attacks and effective time during combats. Prior research observed a correlation between number of throws in SJFT and vertical jump height (Detanico et al., 2012). CMJ_JH, CMJ_PPO, and handgrip strength increased the power explanation in effective time, suggesting the great importance of strength and muscle power in upper and lower limbs during training sessions for maintaining the high number of actions (higher effective time) during match competitions.

Among the limitations of the current study are the difficulty of measuring the technical skills and tactical strategy that may vary in relation to each opponent, and the varied psychological (motivation, anxiety, mood, etc.) and environmental factors (referee, climate, fans, etc.) that may also help explain performance variance in official competitions (Julio et al., 2016; Kuvačić, Krstulović, & Caput, 2017). In addition, in this study, the athlete participants did not perform the same number of matches, because of defeats in the competition; thus, these data may have been differentially rather than equally affected by these participants. This last limitation is a particular concern, as our participant sample size was already small, meaning that results from these participants may lack generalizability to a larger or different sample. Clearly, this research should be cross-validated with further research, taking into account a larger sample size and performing other physical tests commonly used in judo athletes (e.g., shoulder and knee isokinetic torque assessment and Wingate test for upper and lower limbs).

Conclusions

In summary, judo-specific tests performance seems not to be related to technical and tactical actions performed by female athletes in official competition. Athletes with higher muscle power in lower limbs and higher handgrip strength present higher effective time during matches. Also, CMJ_JH and handgrip strength were able to explain part of effective time, while CMJ_JH explained part of number of attacks per match, indicating that muscle power of lower limbs and resistance strength of upper limbs support better performance in official competition. Finally, in contrast with the current scientific literature, we recommend using generic rather than specific tests to evaluate female judokas in a precompetition context. Monitoring such physical capacities obtained from generic tests as lower limb muscle power and handgrip strength may be a good strategy to training planning and load control over the season.

Footnotes

Article Notes

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Female Judo Athletes’ Physical Test Performances Are Unrelated to Technical–Tactical Competition Skills

Abstract

Keywords

Introduction

Method

Participants

Research Design

Anthropometric Assessment

Generic Tests

Vertical jump

Handgrip strength

Specific Tests

Special Judo Fitness Test

Judogi Grip Strength Test

Technical–Tactical Analysis

Statistical Analysis

Results

Discussion

Conclusions

Footnotes

Article Notes

References