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

Abstract

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.

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

“…In trying to identify the relevant knowledge coaches need to possess for ensuring effective and safe judo programs for older adults ( 7 , 21 , 40 , 41 , 50 ), the present study provides a thorough understanding of the coaches' perceived PK and NE, thus addressing the increasing importance of judo for older adults targeting potential benefits of active aging ( 28 , 37 , 40 , 41 ). In general, for both PK and NE respondents reported positive values (>4 pt out of a 7-pt scale).…”

“…Furthermore, judo practice could provide a supportive and inclusive environment for older practitioners, combating social isolation and promoting healthy aging ( 40 – 42 ). Whilst safe and sustainable sports programs should be based on unique requirements, capacities and abilities of sports professionals ( 40 , 41 , 47 , 48 ), generally coaching certifications do not include information on the specific needs of older novice and expert practitioners ( 3 , 49 ). Despite the growing research on judo training for older adults ( 7 , 37 , 40 , 41 ), there is a paucity of studies focusing on the education of coaches in facilitating safe and effective training environments for this special population.…”

“…Whilst safe and sustainable sports programs should be based on unique requirements, capacities and abilities of sports professionals ( 40 , 41 , 47 , 48 ), generally coaching certifications do not include information on the specific needs of older novice and expert practitioners ( 3 , 49 ). Despite the growing research on judo training for older adults ( 7 , 37 , 40 , 41 ), there is a paucity of studies focusing on the education of coaches in facilitating safe and effective training environments for this special population. To support coaches in effectively plan and conduct healthy judo training programs for older adults, in 2020 the European Commission has co-financed the “EDucating Judo Coaches for Older practitioners (EdJCO)” Project (622155-EPP-1-2020-1-IT-SPO-SCP) under the Erasmus + Sport Programme ( 3 , 50 ).…”

“…Thanks to a consortium of outstanding sports organizations (i.e., judo clubs from Croatia, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, and Türkiye) and educational institutions (i.e., University of Rome Foro Italico, Italy and International Judo Federation Academy—IJF—Foundation, Malta), the EdJCO project generated evidence- and eminence-based knowledge to develop a sound educational program for coaches aiming to train older judo practitioners ( 21 , 51 ). Following a systematic literature review on the benefits and risks of judo training ( 40 , 41 ) and the collection of experts' opinions regarding the most relevant knowledge on aging-related aspects coaches should possess ( 9 , 13 , 41 ), it is important to collect the opinion of potential end-users on their perceived knowledge and need of education in relation to different (e.g., bio-medical, psycho-physiological, and technical-organizational) dimensions of judo for older practitioners ( 52 , 53 ). To engage a large number of international judo coaches in providing their valuable insights and perspectives, an online survey was deemed appropriate ( 51 , 53 ).…”

“…Therefore, the aim of this eminence-based research was to investigate judo coaches' perceptions regarding their knowledge and need of education to develop and manage safe judo training for older individuals. In particular, the online survey methodology encompassed demographics information, and the following six key-domains identified through a systematic review, and international focus groups with 88 experts ( 21 , 40 , 41 , 50 ): (i) aging process; (ii) safety and first aid; (iii) physiology and functional fitness; (iv) psychology and mental health; (v) organization and environment; and (vi) teaching and training. It was postulated that the primary results of the present work would yield pertinent and useful insights to enable guidelines for academic and judo organizations to develop effective educational programs tailored for coaches working with older individuals.…”