Fitness and Anthropometric Profiles of International vs. National Judo Medalists in Half-Heavyweight Category

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the anthropometric and fitness profiles of European half-heavyweight judokas by success in competition. For this purpose, we compared 5 international medalists (elite) with 5 national medalists (subelite). All male judokas won at least 1 medal in the half-heavyweight category during the previous 2 years. The testing in this cross-sectional study was performed during 4 days. All subjects underwent anthropometric assessment with body mass, height, skinfold, and limb circumference measures, and the body fat percentage was estimated by manual bioimpedance. The physical fitness evaluation consisted in peak torques for thigh and shoulder muscles, handgrip strength, high and long jumps, medicine ball throw, pull-ups, deadlift, bench press, deep squat, V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, Max Power, and Tokui Waza tests. The statistical analysis by the Student's t test showed significant differences for forearm and upper-arm circumferences, peak torques, pull-ups, bench press, deadlift, deep squat, V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, Max Power, and Tokui Waza tests. Our results showed that elite judokas have a superior fitness profile than subelite athletes from the half-heavyweight category. Moreover, elite judokas seem to have a higher arm muscle mass than subelite athletes but a similar body fat percentage. This study could be of interest for judo coaches with athletes competing in the half-heavyweight category, as some tests that discriminate by judo success for this specific weight category are described. Few studies analyze anthropometric and fitness profiles in half-heavyweight male judokas, so additionally our results can be used as a reference for coaches, athletes, and scientists.

Differences in morphological parameters of judo athletes of different age groups and performance level

“…According to studies of Franchini, Takito, Kiss, and Sterkowicz (2005) and Classens, Beunen, Wellens, and Geldof (1987), elite judokas compared to non-elite judokas had a higher circumference of flexed arm, forearm, wrist and medial calf and breadths of humerus and femur epicondyles. In a recent study, Drid et al (2015) also confirmed significant differences in some morphological variables in elite groups of judo athletes (European and World medallist) compared to non-elite (only national medallist) groups. Moreover, elite judokas seem to have higher arm muscle mass than sub-elite athletes, but a similar body fat percentage.…”

The study of the correlations between handgrip strength and some anthropometric characteristics of upper extremity of elite and sub-elite Olympic style weightlifting athletes

“…In literature, there are various studies assessing HGS values in different sports of elite and non-elite [11,16,17], elite and sub-elite athletes [18] and individuals doing sports and individuals doing no sports [8]. We found different studies on the evaluation of HGS of male Olympic style weightlifting athletes [19,20].…”

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

“…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].…”