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SPECIAL JUDO FITNESS TEST LEVEL AND
ANTHROPOMETRIC PROFILE OF ELITE SPANISH
JUDO ATHLETES
CRISTINA CASALS,
1
JESU
´SR. HUERTAS,
1
EMERSON FRANCHINI,
2
KATARZYNA STERKOWICZ-PRZYBYCIE ´
N,
3
STANISLAW STERKOWICZ,
3
CARLOS GUTIE
´RREZ-GARCI
´A,
4
AND RAQUEL ESCOBAR-MOLINA
5
1
Department of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Sport Sciences,
University of Granada, Granada, Spain;
2
School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sa˜o Paulo, Sa˜o Paulo, Brazil;
3
Institute of Sport, University School of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland;
4
Faculty of Physical Education and Sport
Sciences, University of Leo
´n, Leo
´n, Spain; and
5
Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
ABSTRACT
Casals, C, Huertas, JR, Franchini, E, Sterkowicz-Przybycie ´
n, K,
Sterkowicz, S, Gutie
´rrez-Garcı
´a, C, and Escobar-Molina, R.
Special judo fitness test level and anthropometric profile of
elite spanish judo athletes. J Strength Cond Res 31(5):
1229–1235, 2017—The aim of this study was to determine
the anthropometric variables that best predict Special Judo
Fitness Test (SJFT) performance. In addition, anthropometric
profiles of elite Spanish judo athletes were compared by sex
and age category (seniors and juniors). In this cross-sectional
study, a total of 51 (29 females) athletes from the Spanish
National Judo Team were evaluated during a competitive
period. All athletes performed the SJFT and underwent an
anthropometric assessment through skinfold thickness meas-
urements. Mann-Whitney comparisons by sex and age cate-
gory showed that males had significantly higher muscle mass
and lower fat mass than females (p,0.001), whereas juniors
and seniors exhibited few differences in body composition.
Linear regression analyses (stepwise method) were performed
to explore the relationships between anthropometric character-
istics and SJFT variables. Model 1 included sex, age category,
and body mass as predictors. Body mass and sex significantly
predicted the SJFT index (R
2
= 0.27, p,0.001); thus, both
criteria should be considered before interpreting the test. The
predictors of model 2 were quick-assessment variables, includ-
ing skinfolds, breadths, girths, and height. This regression
model showed that the biceps skinfold significantly predicted
the SJFT index in elite athletes (R
2
= 0.31, p,0.001). Model 3
included body compositions and somatotypes as predictors.
Higher muscle and bone masses and lower ectomorphy were
associated with better SJFT performance (R
2
= 0.44, p,
0.001). Hence, training programs should attempt to increase
the muscle mass percentage and reduce the upper arm fat,
whereas the bone percentage could be considered in the
selection of talented athletes in conjunction with other factors.
KEY WORDS anthropometry, somatotypes, body composition,
skinfold thickness, martial arts, sports performance
INTRODUCTION
As judo is a weight-categorized sport, one of the
most difficult challenges for elite judo athletes is
to achieve excellent physical fitness while main-
taining an optimal body mass. Low body fat and
a high arm muscle mass have been related to better judo
competition performance (8,9,18,22). Moreover, the body
composition and somatotypes of judo athletes seem to influ-
ence other performance indicators, such as anaerobic power,
muscle torque, power output, and maximal oxygen uptake
(14,21,23). Therefore, the anthropometric profile of an elite
athlete could be a relevant factor for success in competition
and for performance in specific judo tests.
The assessment of physical fitness in elite judo athletes
requires specific tests because the anaerobic system is
responsible for the scoring actions in combat, whereas the
aerobic component is required for recovery during and
between matches in tournaments (10). On this basis, Sterko-
wicz (34) developed the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT),
a specific judo test aimed at evaluating anaerobic and aerobic
fitness (33), and it is currently one of the most used tests in
judo research (15). Compared with the Wingate Anaerobic
Test, the SJFT has proven to be more appropriate for eval-
uating the anaerobic capacity of judo athletes because of its
specificity (38). However, although some studies have con-
sidered the correlations between some body composition
Address correspondence to Cristina Casals, casalsvazquez@gmail.com.
31(5)/1229–1235
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Ó2015 National Strength and Conditioning Association
VOLUME 31 | NUMBER 5 | MAY 2017 | 1229
Copyright © National Strength and Conditioning Association Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
parameters and SJFT performance (17,20,32), the best
anthropometric predictors in elite judo athletes have not
been established.
In addition, the physical fitness of judo athletes differs by
judo-classification criteria (11,24), including sex (30), age
(29,28), and weight category (4,35). Hence, the SJFT results
could differ according to these criteria, resulting in the pos-
sibility of erroneous interpretations of the test. In light of
these considerations, this study aimed to determine the
anthropometric variables that best predict SJ FT performance
and to determine whether body mass, sex, and age category
affect the test results. Furthermore, in our study, we aimed to
compare the body composition and somatotypes of elite
Spanish judo athletes by age (junior vs. senior categories)
and sex (males vs. females). This information can play a role
in the identification of talented athletes, in establishing desir-
able anthropometric characteristics in elite judo athletes and
in making training plan adjustments.
METHODS
Experimental Approach to the Problem
In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the anthropometric
profiles and specific physical fitness of elite Spanish judo
athletes were compared regarding sex and age (seniors and
juniors). The most significant associations between
anthropometric variables and the SJFT index were also
established. The study was performed in the sport facilities
of the High Performance Centre “Joaquı
´n Blume” (Madrid,
Spain) during the competitive period of one training meeting
before an international tournament of each of the Spanish
national judo teams (juniors and seniors). Anthropometric
assessments were performed in the morning (on an empty
stomach) and before the daily training sessions. Two hours
after the anthropometric evaluation, judo athletes performed
the SJFT in an athletic training room after receiving thor-
ough information about the test protocol.
Subjects
The sample consisted of 51 elite athletes from the Spanish
National Judo Team (22 males and 29 females) from all
weight categories; 9 males and 17 females competed in
senior division (above 20 years of age), whereas 13 males and
12 females competed in junior division (from 17 to 19 years
of age). None of the subjects were under medical or
psychiatric treatment when participating in the study. This
study obtained ethical approval from the Research Ethics
Committee of the University of Granada and was in
accordance with the Helsinki declaration. After the partic-
ipants were informed about the procedure and possible risks
involved, written informed consent was obtained from all
participants or from both parents in cases where the athlete
was under 18 years of age.
Procedures
Anthropometric Variables and Body Composition. Anthropomet-
ric measurements were performed following the protocol
developed by the International Society for Advanced of
Kinanthropometry (ISAK) (25). Anthropometric variables
included body mass, height, 7 skinfolds (biceps, triceps, sub-
scapular, supraspinal, abdominal, front thigh, and medial
calf), 3 girths (upper arm flexed, thigh, and medial calf ),
and 3 breadths (humeral and femoral epicondyles and wrist).
Height was measured to the nearest 0.1 cm using
TABLE 1. Regression analyses and partial correlations of physical fitness and body composition in elite Spanish judo
athletes (n= 51).*†z
Regression analyses Partial correlation
BSEbb prp
Model 1
Body mass (kg) 0.03 0.01 0.54 ,0.001 0.489 ,0.001
Sex (0 = female, 1 = male) 20.93 0.35 20.35 0.010 20.225 0.116
Model 2
Biceps skinfold (mm) 0.17 0.04 0.56 ,0.001
Model 3
Bone mass (%) 20.53 0.13 20.82 ,0.001 20.519 ,0.001
Ectomorphy 0.78 0.24 0.67 0.002 0.435 0.002
Muscle mass (%) 20.06 0.02 20.36 0.010 20.363 0.010
*Model 1—Dependent variable: Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) index, R
2
= 0.27, DR
2
= 0.24, p,0.001. Excluded variables: age
category.
†Model 2—Dependent variable: SJFT index, R
2
= 0.31, DR
2
= 0.30, p,0.001. Excluded variables: triceps, subscapular, supra-
spinal, abdominal, thigh and calf skinfolds, arm, thigh, and leg girths, femur, humerus, and wrist breadths, and height.
zModel 3—Dependent variable: SJFT index, R
2
= 0.44, DR
2
= 0.40, p,0.001. Excluded variables: Body fat mass, arm, and leg
muscle areas, endomorphy, and mesomorphy.
SJFT and Anthropometric Profile of Judokas
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TABLE 2. Anthropometric characteristics of elite Spanish judo athletes.
Median (interquartile range) p
Males Females Males vs. females Seniors vs. juniors
Senior (n= 9) Junior (n= 13) Senior (n= 17) Junior (n= 12) Seniors Juniors Males Females
Body mass (kg) 85.9 (24.50) 73.5 (35.35) 62.4 (16.90) 69.8 (23.10) 0.005* 0.270 0.471 0.152
Height (cm) 180 (15.50) 173 (15.50) 164 (10.80) 167 (10.50) ,0.001* 0.002* 0.393 0.370
Body fat (%) 7.81 (3.53) 7.19 (7.29) 16.98 (6.39) 24.97 (13.69) ,0.001* ,0.001* 0.896 0.097
Body muscle (%) 52.59 (3.64) 52.11 (4.19) 47.71 (6.88) 40.31 (13.73) ,0.001* ,0.001* 0.235 0.140
Body bone (%) 15.09 (2.04) 15.62 (3.46) 14.69 (2.69) 13.63 (2.88) 0.916 0.060 0.324 0.166
Endomorphy 1.91 (1.47) 1.77 (3.25) 2.81 (1.56) 4.63 (2.70) 0.016* 0.014* 0.896 0.021†
Mesomorphy 5.56 (1.36) 4.86 (1.63) 4.39 (2.00) 4.59 (1.15) 0.200 0.225 0.556 0.679
Ectomorphy 1.60 (1.99) 2.31 (2.02) 1.74 (1.28) 0.93 (2.16) 0.597 0.270 0.512 0.152
Arm muscle area (cm
2
) 95.7 (24.37) 77.2 (27.36) 70.4 (16.17) 61.3 (9.31) ,0.001* ,0.001* 0.021†0.080
Leg muscle area (cm
2
) 202.5 (35.48) 197.6 (49.94) 143.0 (29.69) 135.4 (20.13) 0.001* ,0.001* 0.209 0.263
Biceps skinfold (mm) 3.5 (1.25) 4.0 (3.75) 4.5 (2.00) 6.7 (6.88) 0.021* 0.019* 0.357 0.012†
Triceps skinfold (mm) 6.0 (4.25) 7.5 (7.00) 11.0 (8.50) 16.5 (9.63) 0.002* ,0.001* 0.556 0.152
Subscapular skinfold (mm) 10.0 (3.25) 8.5 (15.50) 10.0 (4.25) 17.7 (13.38) 0.396 0.110 0.471 0.117
Supraspinal skinfold (mm) 5.0 (6.25) 5.5 (15.50) 5.0 (4.00) 12.2 (11.13) 0.958 0.030* 0.948 0.002†
Abdominal skinfold (mm) 7.5 (7.00) 6.0 (12.25) 13.0 (6.25) 18.5 (14.63) 0.045* 0.026* 0.556 0.195
Thigh skinfold (mm) 9.5 (5.75) 10.0 (17.25) 23.0 (13.00) 37.5 (30.25) ,0.001* 0.004* 0.556 0.227
Calf skinfold (mm) 12.0 (6.75) 11.0 (10.75) 14.5 (8.00) 27.5 (22.13) 0.013* 0.007* 0.896 0.195
Arm girth (cm) 36.2 (5.35) 33.0 (6.45) 32.0 (5.05) 32.0 (4.20) 0.006* 0.205 0.082 0.811
Thigh girth (cm) 52.8 (7.40) 52.6 (14.50) 51.4 (8.35) 53.5 (8.85) 0.200 0.769 0.512 0.879
Leg girth (cm) 37.6 (5.50) 37.3 (6.70) 35.5 (5.05) 37.2 (5.00) 0.066 0.852 0.647 0.303
Femur breadth (cm) 10.1 (1.25) 9.8 (0.80) 8.8 (0.90) 9.1 (1.00) 0.004* 0.005* 0.794 0.370
Humerus breadth (cm) 6.8 (0.45) 7.0 (0.70) 5.8 (0.70) 6.1 (0.60) ,0.001* ,0.001* 0.896 0.394
Wrist breadth (cm) 5.9 (0.60) 5.6 (0.50) 5.1 (0.50) 5.0 (0.30) ,0.001* ,0.001* 0.082 0.811
*Significant differences by sex.
†Significant differences by age category, both established through the Mann-Whitney U-test.
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a stadiometer (GPM, Seritex, Inc., Carlstadt, NJ, USA). Body
mass was measured to the nearest 0.1 kg using a portable
scale (model 707; Seca Corporation, Columbia, MD, USA).
Skinfold thickness was recorded to the nearest 0.2 mm at
a constant pressure of 10 g$mm
21
using a Holtain skinfold
caliper (Holtain Ltd., Crymych, United Kingdom). Girths
were determined to the nearest 0.1 cm using a flexible
anthropometric steel tape measure (Holtain Ltd.). Skinfolds
were measured three times at each site in a rotation system,
as described by Heyward (19), and the mean of the 3 meas-
urements was used in the analyses. The procedure was per-
formed by a researcher with more than 15 years of
experience with this technique. The researcher presented
a variation of less than 2.29% between measurements, with
reproducibility determined by an intraclass correlation coef-
ficient of 0.987 within the assessment performance period.
Breadths and girths were measured only once at each site by
the same experienced evaluator who previously presented
less than 0.89% of variation between measurements. Soma-
totypes were determined according to the Carter and Heath
method (6). Body composition was estimated following the
four-component model and in accordance with the ISAK
recommendations (25). Body fat was assessed by applying
the following formula for males (5): Fat%= (P6 skinfolds 3
0.1051) + 2.58; and for females, the following formula was
used (5): Fat%= (P6 skinfolds 30.1548) + 3.58, where
the 6 skinfolds were triceps, subscapular, supraspinal,
abdomen, thigh, and medial calf expressed in millimeters.
Body muscle mass corresponded to the following equation
(40):Muscle(kg)=TotalBodyMass2(Fat + Bone +
[Total Body Mass 3C/100]), where C was 24.1 in males
and was 20.9 in females. All variables are expressed in
kilograms. Finally, body bone mass was calculated with
the following formula for both males and females (31):
Bone (kg) = 3.02 (Height
2
3Wri stB 3FemurB 3
400)
0.712
, where B means breadth and the 3 variables were
expressed in meters.
Special Judo Fitness Test. This specific judo test was developed
by Sterkowicz (34). Three athletes of similar body mass are
needed to perform the SJFT: 1 participant (tori) is evaluated
and the other 2 (ukes) receive throws. The tori begins the test
between the 2 ukes (3 m away from each uke). On a signal, the
tori runs to one of the ukes and applies a throwing technique
called ippon-seoi-nage (1 shoulder throw). The tori then
immediately runs to the other uke and completes another
throw. The athlete must complete as many throws as possible
within the test time. The SJFT is composed of three parts (15,
30, and 30 seconds) separated by 10-second recovery periods.
The total number of throws completed by the tori during each
of the three periods was recorded; the tori’s heart rate (HR)
was measured immediately after and 1 minute after the test
(Polar Team 2, Polar, Finland). The SJFT index was calculated
according to the following equation: Index = (HR after + HR
1 minute after)/total number of throws. The index value
TABLE 3. Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) performance of elite Spanish judo athletes.*†
Median (interquartile range) SJFT classifications according to
SJFT index
Number of
throws
HR after
(ppm)
HR 1 min after
(ppm)
SJFT
index
Number of
throws
HR after
(ppm)
HR 1 min after
(ppm)
Male seniors (n= 9) 13.22 (1.94) 27 (2) 185 (14.0) 160 (24.5) Regular Good Regular Good
Male juniors (n= 13) 12.44 (1.43) 27 (3) 183 (8.5) 153 (11.0)zGood Good Good Good
Total males (n= 22) 12.80 (1.55) 27 (3) 184 (9.5) 155 (18.3)
Female seniors (n= 17) 12.56 (1.98) 25 (3) 178 (10.0)§ 154 (15.0) Regular Poor Regular Regular
Female juniors (n= 12) 12.89 (0.96) 27 (2) 187 (11.5) 162 (17.8) Good Excellent Regular Poor
Total females (n= 29) 12.70 (1.29) 26 (2) 181 (14.0) 157 (19.0)
*HR = heart rate.
†Classificatory norms were obtained from Franchini et al. (11) and Sterkowicz-Przybycien et al. (37) for males and females, respectively.
zSignificant differences by sex, p= 0.035.
§Significant differences by age category, p= 0.014; both using a Mann-Whitney U-test.
SJFT and Anthropometric Profile of Judokas
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decreases with better test performance. Reliability values for
this test were reported as 0.97 (34).
Statistical Analyses
Data are presented as the median and the interquartile
range. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistic was used to test
the normality of distributions. Differences by age category
and sex were compared using a Mann-Whitney U-test. To
explore the relationships between anthropometric charac-
teristics and the SJFT index, linear regression analyses (step-
wise method) were performed. A total of 3 models were
fitted with the SJFT index as the outcome variable; b values
(B) and standardized b values (b)wereestimated,andR
2
and adjusted R
2
(DR
2
) were used to provide a goodness-of-
fit of the models. Model 1 included sex, age category, and
body mass as predictors. This model aimed to establish
whether these judo-classification variables affect the SJFT
index. Model 2 included the anthropometric variables that
can be quickly measured and easily used by coaches and
researchers as predictors. The predictors of model 2 were
skinfolds, girths, breadths, and height. Finally, model 3
included body composition (fat, muscle, and bone masses)
and somatotypes as predictors to establish possible desirable
characteristics in elite judo athletes. Partial correlations were
performed for each regression model to better isolate vari-
able relationships without the effect of the other variables
included in the predictor model. All analyses were con-
ducted using the SPSS statistical package for Windows (ver-
sion 17.0; SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA); the level of
significance was set at p#0.05.
RESULTS
Some classification parameters in judo, such as body mass
and sex, significantly affected the SJFT performance of elite
Spanish athletes. Moreover, the biceps skinfold had a signif-
icant association with the SJFT index, with a prediction of
up to 31%, whereas the ectomorphy component, bone, and
muscle masses were able to jointly predict 44% of the test
results (Table 1).
Descriptive statistics of the athletes’ anthropometric pro-
files are presented in Table 2, comparing data by sex and age
category. Sexual dimorphism in judo athletes was apparent
for body fat and muscle percentages, whereas juniors and
seniors exhibited few differences in body composition.
Performance indicators achieved in the SJFT are shown in
Table 3; their corresponding classifications were estimated
according to previous classification norms (12,37). Few sig-
nificant differences of the specific fitness were found between
the four groups of elite athletes, although their SJFT classi-
fications showed relevant differences with better perfor-
mance grades in juniors than in seniors.
DISCUSSION
As has been previously mentioned, the SJFT is widely used
by researchers and coaches to test the physical fitness of judo
athletes (15). For this reason, the SJFT classification norms
have been published for males (12) and females (37), but
only the SJFT norms for females differ between senior and
junior categories. This study highlights that body mass and
sex are significantly associated with the SJFT index. This
information should be taken into consideration when evalu-
ating athletes of different weight categories because heavier
judo athletes achieve worse SJFT results than lighter ath-
letes, although there is not a classificatory adjustment by
weight (14,32). In addition, it has been reported that lighter
judo athletes have higher throwing speed (seoi-nage tech-
nique), more power, and better oxygen uptake than heavy-
weight athletes (1,4,12). Hence, the judo athlete’s body mass
should be considered before applying the SJFT results at an
elite level.
In our study, the body composition of elite judo athletes
was significantly related to the SJFT index. Thus, higher
relative bone and muscle masses were associated with better
SJFT performance (lower index). Accordingly, previous
studies showed that high fat-free mass might be an
advantage for judo performance (21,22). In addition, the
ectomorphic component showed to be an undesirable body
composition in our athletes; this result is expected because
the mean somatotype of international judo athletes is endo-
morphic mesomorph (36). Therefore, the training program
should attempt to increase muscle mass and slightly reduce
or maintain body fat, thus increasing the percentage of mus-
cle mass. Moreover, this study provides information about
the quickly assessable anthropometric variables that best
predict judo-specific performance. This analysis revealed
that the biceps skinfold has a strong association with SJFT
performance and is able to explain 31% of the index, which is
a high prediction value for a single anthropometric measure.
Thus, although the fat mass percentage does not seem to be
relevant for judo performance (8,14,20), decreased upper
arm fat at the biceps may be a discriminating variable in
the elite context (3). As the relative body bone mass cannot
be modified by training or diet, this information has an appli-
cation only in the selection of talented athletes; however,
other factors must also be taken into consideration in this
process.
The anthropometric characteristics of the elite Spanish
judo athletes differed by sex but demonstrated few differ-
ences by age. Thus, male judo athletes had higher muscle
mass, lower body fat, and a lower endomorphic component
than female judo athletes for both age categories (junior and
senior). Age differences in somatotype components were
found only for females with a lower endomorphy compo-
nent in seniors than in juniors, whereas male seniors showed
a higher arm muscle area than male juniors, without other
relevant differences. The few studies that examined anthro-
pometric differences by sex or age category in judo athletes
(2,13,36) reported similar results. A common limitation
when analyzing judo athletes is the fact that they are classi-
fied according to their body mass, which results in
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differences concerning anthropometric variables between
weight categories (16). For this reason, body mass can be
a confusing variable in judo research and training, as we have
previously mentioned regarding the SJFT index.
Previous research showed correlations between the SJFT
and aerobic capacity and power in both males (7,33) and
females (32,39). Our SJFT results indicated that female se-
niors should improve their anaerobic capacity inferred from
the total number of throws, whereas female juniors must
increase their aerobic component because their recovery ca-
pacities were classified as poor. Male seniors also should
improve their aerobic capacity, whereas male juniors had
similar classifications (good) for all the SJFT variables. Both
classificatory norms have 5 levels (very poor, poor, regular,
good, excellent), but only the female classification (37) dif-
fered between seniors and juniors; thus, the male classifica-
tion (12) can overestimate our senior values. To the best of
our knowledge, this is the first study to compare SJFT results
between males and females. Sex-related differences were
found when analyzing groups by their SJFT classifications;
however, these differences were not statistically significant,
except for the HR 1 minute after the test in the junior cat-
egory. Although sex and age should be considered in testing
the athlete and planning the training program (26–28), our
sample was not of sufficient magnitude for detecting relevant
SJFT differences unless classificatory norms are used.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
This study analyzed the anthropometric profiles of elite judo
athletes and their judo-specific physical fitness assessed
through the SJFT. This study has three main applications:
(a) body mass should be considered in the SJFT interpre-
tation because heavier athletes achieve worse results than
lighter athletes, but they can have similar competitive
success in their respective weight divisions; (b) the biceps’
skinfold is able to predict up to 31% of the SJFT index and
can be quickly assessed, making it a useful tool in testing elite
judo athletes; and (c) higher muscle and bone mass percen-
tages and lower ectomorphy are associated with better judo-
specific fitness and can jointly predict 44% of the SJFT index.
These predictions are high for a model exclusively based on
anthropometric characteristics at an elite level. The anthro-
pometric profile of elite judo athletes seems relevant for their
physical fitness and can be partially modified by training.
Thus, the training program of these elite athletes should
aim to increase their muscle mass. Further research is
needed to confirm whether changes in these anthropometric
variables translate into SJFT performance and to judo com-
petition performance. The body fat percentage was not rel-
evant for the judo-specific physical fitness of elite athletes,
although it must be at least maintained because an increase
supposes a decrease of the body muscle and bone percen-
tages. However, upper arm fat at the biceps may discrimi-
nate judo performance at an elite level. Other parameters,
such as bone mass, can be used only in the selection process
of talented judo athletes in conjunction with other sport-
specific abilities.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This research was supported by the Consejo Superior de
Deportes, Ministerio de Educacio
´n y Ciencia [Higher Coun-
cil of Sports, Ministry of Education and Science] (reference
33/UPB10/10).
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