Características morfológicas de judocas do sexo feminine de diferentes categorias

Abstract

The evaluation of morphological differences among female judoka of different grades would make it possible to estimate the influence of motor activity in judo on athletes' performances, leading to a more refined selection process in this sport. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the morphological characteristics of female judoka of different ranks. Twenty-three athletes of higher grades and thirty-two judoka of lower ranks participated in this study. We measured the lengths of six body segments and the circumferences of twelve body segments, as well as nine skinfolds. We also evaluated body fat percentage. The mean differences between both groups were measured using ANOVA. This study shows that highly skilled judoka have significantly lower total body fat percentage (19.6 ± 4.4 and 22.7 ± 5.2 %, p < 0.05) and skinfold values (p < 0.05-0.01) in five body sites. They have significantly larger neck (34.4 ± 2.9 and 32.3 ± 2.4 cm, p < 0.01), thorax at forced inspiration (94.7 ± 5.1 and 91.4 ± 4.1 cm, p < 0.05) and expiration (88.6 ± 5.1 and 85.5 ± 4.4 cm, p < 0.05), and relaxed arm (27.8 ± 2.5 and 26.3 ± 2.1 cm, p < 0.05) circumferences. High-rank judoka have significantly longer hands (19.4 ± 1.3 and 18.1 ± 1.5 cm, p < 0.001) and significantly shorter thighs (37.2 ± 2.6 and 40.2 ± 3.2 cm, p < 0.001). Judoka with less body fat, more thoracic muscle mass, and shorter arms and legs are more successful in female judo.

Morphological characteristics of judo cadets with respect to sex-related differences and athletic achievements

“…The %BF of female judokas (23.1 ± 5.4%) was higher than values reported by Franchini et al [16] for female cadets from the National Spanish team (19.5 ± 1.8%), but close to data of Elipkhanov et al [12] (22.7 ± 5.2%) for older female judokas (age 18.2 ± 2.7 years). However, caution is needed comparing %BF, due to different prediction equations used in the studies.…”

“…Also without significance were the differences in absolute and relative muscle mass, as well as height-normalized fat-free mass (FFMI). Elipkhanov et al [12] compared highly skilled Russian female judokas with less skilled athletes, and they also did not find a significant difference in the circumferences of the thigh, mid-thigh and calf between the groups. However, the same authors emphasized the lower thickness of the skinfolds in the same areas.…”

“…Anthropometric characteristics and body composition of male athletes practicing judo have been extensively studied with regard to age, weight categories, sporting experience and competitive level [9,12,13,18,20,31,35,37].…”

“…Understanding the morphological determinants of the performance is essential for talent identification and optimization of the training programs [5]. Aiming to investigate the physical characteristics that contribute to sporting success, some authors have compared top-level with non-elite athletes [12]. It could be assumed that the physique and body composition of the best athletes, medalists from World and European championships, differ from less successful players.…”