Seasonal Changes in Anthropometry, Body Composition, and Physical Fitness and the Relationships with Sporting Success in Young Sub-Elite Judo Athletes: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

This exploratory study aimed to monitor long-term seasonal developments in measures of anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness in young judo athletes, and to compute associations between these measures and sporting success. Forty-four young judoka (20 females, 24 males) volunteered to participate. Tests for the assessment of anthropometry (e.g., body height/mass), body-composition (e.g., lean body mass), muscle strength (isometric handgrip strength), vertical jumping (e.g., countermovement-jump (CMJ) height), and dynamic balance (Y-balance test) were conducted at the beginning and end of a 10-month training season. Additionally, sporting success at the end of the season was recorded for each athlete. Analyses revealed significant time × sex interaction effects for lean-body-mass, isometric handgrip strength, and CMJ height (0.7 ≤ d ≤ 1.6). Post-hoc analyses showed larger gains for all measures in young males (1.9 ≤ d ≤6.0) compared with females (d = 2.4) across the season. Additionally, significant increases in body height and mass as well as Y-balance test scores were found from pre-to-post-test (1.2 ≤ d ≤4.3), irrespective of sex. Further, non-significant small-to-moderate-sized correlations were identified between changes in anthropometry/body composition/physical fitness and sporting success (p > 0.05; −0.34 ≤ ρ ≤ 0.32). Regression analysis confirmed that no model significantly predicted sporting success. Ten months of judo training and/or growth/maturation contributed to significant changes in anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness, particularly in young male judo athletes.

Kontribusi Persentase Lemak Tubuh Terhadap Indeks Massa Tubuh Pada Performa Pemain Klub Arema Fc

“…Namun, secara keseluruhan, atlet yang diteliti rata-rata indeks massa tubuhnya dalam kategori normal dengan nilai 23 kg/m 2 . Ada beberapa faktor atlet tersebut teridentifikasi obesitas, yaitu ketebalan lemak dan posisi atlet saat bermain sepak bola (Prieske et al, 2020). Atlet dengan posisi back (pemain belakang), kemungkinan tidak banyak berlari dan hanya menunggu bola.…”

“…Mulai dari menendang, berlari, menggiring bola, semuanya membutuhkan tenaga dan gerak yang tak terbatas. Pemain profesional pada sebuah klub juga dituntut untuk selalu top performance (Prieske et al, 2020).…”

Toward an Anthropometric Pattern in Elite Male Handball

“…In elite sport, the anthropometric indices have a major impact on performance [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ] and additionally, there are other factors, such as the preparation level [ 23 , 24 , 25 ], specific preparation [ 26 , 27 , 28 ] and competition experience [ 29 , 30 ], that influence elite sport outcomes.…”

Youth Judokas Competing in Higher Age Groups Leads to a Short-Term Success

“…In heavier weight categories for males and females, overall maximum strength and hand grip strength with body height and arm span was identified as the most vital predictor of success [ 18 , 19 ]. Additionally, factors like technique, tactical–cognitive skills, and visual tracking were highlighted to be essential factors in successful judo performance [ 20 , 21 ]. In youth judo athletes, somatic growth and years of formal training have also contributed to the increased neuromuscular performance of the upper and lower limbs [ 22 ], which are essential for a successful contest.…”