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KINESIOLOGY & COACHING
R L K (ABCDEF), E F (CDEF), D D (ABCDEF)
1 Biomechanics Laboratory, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina (Brazil)
2 School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo (Brazil)
Corresponding author: Rafael Lima Kons, Msc, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Center of Sports, Biomechanics Laboratory
ZIP-CODE: 88040-900, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Telephone/fax number: +55 48 3721-8530
e-mail address: rafakons0310@gmail.com
Neuromuscular and judo-specic tests:
Can they predict judo athletes’ ranking performance?
Submission: 21.09.2019; acceptance: 22.12.2019
Key words: combat sports, endurance strength, anaerobic capacity, upper limb strength
Abstract
Background. e contribution of physical performance to the ranking list position of athletes would provide indications about the
importance of monitoring their physical conditioning through neuromuscular and judo-specic tests.
Problem and aim: verify if neuromuscular and judo-specic performance may predict the ranking list position of state-level judo
athletes.
Methods. Seventeen judo athletes participated in the study and were divided into two groups according to their state-level ranking
position: top 20° (n=8) and positions 21°–38° (n=9). e athletes performed neuromuscular (shoulder external (PTEX) and inter-
nal (PTINT) rotation torque, handgrip strength (HGS), vertical jumps (VJs) and judo-specic tests (Uchikomi Fitness Test (UFT),
Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) and Judogi Grip Strength Dynamic (JGSTDIN) and Isometric Test (JGSTISO). T-test and multiple
linear regression were used with the level of signicance set at 0.05.
Results. e main results demonstrated signicant dierences for most neuromuscular and judo-specic tests (p < 0.050), higher
in the top 20° group than in the 21°–38° group. e SJFTTT
, JGSTDIN and PTINT explained 88% of the variance in ranking position
(p < 0.001).
Conclusion. Neuromuscular performance (in most tests) in the upper and lower limbs and judo-specic assessments (JGST
DIN
,
SJFT total throws, and best series of UFT) dierentiated the judo ranking position. In addition, the upper-body strength parame-
ters (PTINT and JGSTDIN) and anaerobic capacity (SJFT total throws) were the variables that better explained the ranking position.
© Idōkan Poland Association
“IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE. Journal of Martial Arts Anthropology”,
Vol. 20, no. 4 (2020), pp. 15–23
DOI: 10.14589/ido.20.4.3
1. Introduction
e current system of the International Judo Federation
(IJF) for the performance classication of athletes in
international level competitions is based on the World
Ranking List (WRL) [Julio et al. 2013]. is ranking sys-
tem is inspired by the Association of Tennis Professionals
(ATP) tennis tour, and it is used to place athletes in spe-
cic positions over the competition season, avoiding that
the best athletes compete against each other in the rst
competition phases [Franchini, Julio 2015]. In addition,
the main goal of the ranking list is to qualify athletes for
the Olympic Games. Federations in several countries
have adopted the system proposed by the IJF, which
considers the scores obtained in dierent competition
levels (regional, national and international) to classify
the athletes during a competitive season.
Some investigations have described the performance
obtained from victories and results in judo competitions
and its relationship with the ranking position. For exam-
ple, Franchini, Julio [2015] found that two-year WRL
performance and short-term performance (competition
performance in the year of the Olympic Games) could
predict approximately 24% and 26% of the points at the
Olympic Games for female and male groups, respectively.
Breviglieri et al. [2018] veried that the WRL position
could predict 18–27% of the results in the Judo World
Championship for senior judo athletes (male and female
groups), with lower coecients of determination for
cadet and junior athletes. Another study [Courel-Ib-
16 “IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE. Journal of Martial Arts Anthropology”, Vol. 20, no. 4 (2020)
anez et al. 2018] investigated Spanish judo athletes and
veried that high-ranked female athletes had a higher
likelihood of winning and passing to the next stage (the
elimination phase), while both high-ranked male and
female athletes had a higher likelihood of winning in the
quarternals of the competitions. Both male and female
ranking positions were able to predict 64–72% of the
results of athletes [Courel-Ibanez et al. 2018].
Considering that the coecient of determination
was higher when predicting national-level competition
performance [Courel-Ibanez et al. 2018] than when
predicting international-level competition performance
[Breviglieri et al. 2018; Franchini, Julio 2015], it is impor-
tant to understand which factors may contribute to a
better ranking position in judo athletes at lower compe-
tition levels. Higher values have already been found in
physiological [Drid et al. 2015; Franchini, Takito, Ber-
tuzzi 2005] and neuromuscular markers [Drid et al. 2015;
Sanchez et al. 2011] in international-level judo athletes
(or medallists) compared to national-level or non-med-
allist judo athletes. However, no studies have analysed
the contribution of physical performance on ranking
list position, even though the importance of physical
performance to success in judo competitions has been
reported [Kons, Ache-Dias, Detanico 2017; Kons et al.
2018; Lech et al. 2010]. In other sports, Kraemer et al.
[2017] veried a negative correlation between ranking
position and upper-body muscle power (assessed via the
medicine ball throw test performance) in tennis play-
ers, and Fernandez-Lopez et al. [2013] found an inverse
correlation between ranking position and estimated aer-
obic capacity (onset of blood lactate accumulation) in
surfers. us, it seems that both physiological and neu-
romuscular performance play an important role in the
success during the competitive season, particularly in
individual sports.
In judo athletes, neuromuscular performance such
as shoulder external/internal rotation strength is impor-
tant to control the distance between the opponent and
provoke his/her fall [Ruivo et al. 2012], and muscle
power of lower limbs is required to perform throwing
techniques, as they involving eccentric and concentric
contractions and the use of elastic energy stored in ten-
dons (i.e. stretch-shortening cycle – SSC) [Detanico et
al. 2015]. Aerobic power and capacity are important to
sustain the eort during the entire match (especially
long ones) and to recovery short rest periods between
eorts [Gariod et al. 1995], while anaerobic power and
capacity sustain the decisive actions that depend on pow-
erful movements [Franchini, Artioli, Brito 2013]. Recent
study has found that physical performance (estimated
anaerobic capacity, upper-body strength endurance and
lower-body muscle power) explained close to 30% of
competitive performance (eectiveness, attack attempts
and eective combat time) in ocial judo matches [Kons
et al. 2017]. However, these ndings are related to iso-
lated matches or competition, and it is still unknown
whether and in which magnitude the physical perfor-
mance determines the ranking list position, as it depends
on several outcomes throughout the year.
Understanding the contribution of physiological
and neuromuscular performance to the ranking list posi-
tion would provide indications about the importance of
monitoring physical conditioning (through strength and
judo-specic tests) throughout the competitive season.
us, the aim of this study was to verify if neuromuscular
and judo-specic performance may predict the ranking
list position in state-level judo athletes. We hypothesised
that neuromuscular and judo-specic tests will moder-
ately explain the ranking list position, due to an already
existing relationship between competition performance
and physical tness.
2. Methods
2.1. Participants
Seventeen male judo athletes participated in this study
and were divided into two groups according to the
median of the senior ranking list of the Judo Federation of
Santa Catarina (JFSC), Brazil: top 20º (n=8, 1 to 20º posi-
tions) and positions 21–38° (n=9, 21 to 38 º positions).
e top 20º group had the following characteristics: age
20 ± 3 years, 67 ± 17 kg body mass, 174 ± 6 cm height,
12.0 ± 3.2% body fat and 11 ± 3 years of judo practice.
e athletes of top 20º group competed in the following
weight categories: extra-lightweight (n=1), half-light-
weight (n=1), lightweight (n=2), half-middleweight (n=2)
and middleweight (n=2). e 21–38° group presented
the following characteristics: age 20 ± 3 years, 65 ± 16
kg body mass, 173 ± 5 cm height, 11.6 ± 3.6% body fat
and 10 ± 3 years of judo practice. e weight catego-
ries of the 21–38° group were: extra-lightweight (n=3),
half-lightweight (n=2), lightweight (n=3) and half-mid-
dleweight (n=1). e ranking list is available from the
JFSC, Brazil [JFSC, 2019].
e ranking list considers
the classication obtained in dierent judo competi-
tions during the competitive season (e.g. international
competitions – 200 points for rst place, 150 for second
place, and so on; national competitions – 150 points
rst place, 100 points second place, and so on), totalling
dierent scores for each athlete according to the state,
national and international levels of competitions. We
considered the previous competitive season (i.e. 2018)
for the ranking list analysis, which was in eect in the
moment the data were collected.
All participants were regularly training 4–5 times
per week. e evaluation was carried out before the
competitive season in which the athletes were preparing
for the competitions at the state level. Participants were
selected respecting the following criteria: no reported
17
Neuromuscular and judo-specic tests: Can they predict judo athletes’ ranking performance?
musculoskeletal disorder or injury that inuenced their
maximal physical performance, and they were required
to have been training regularly for at least 2 years. ey
were in the competition preparatory phase and, there-
fore, not in a period of rapid weight loss. All participants
received a detailed verbal explanation of the purpose,
methods and potential risks/benets of this study and
signed a written informed consent form agreeing to par-
ticipate. is study was approved by the Research Ethics
Committee of the local university, according to the Dec-
laration of Helsinki.
2.2 Design
Data collection was performed over two visits to the lab-
oratory and dojo (specic place for judo practice) before
the start of the competitive season. First, we provided
familiarisation with the judo-specic tests: the Uchikomi
Fitness Test (UFT), Judogi Grip Strength Test (JGST)
and Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT). Forty-eight hours
aer familiarisation, the athletes returned to the labo-
ratory for the assessments. In the rst moment, athletes
underwent the anthropometric measurements and then
the isokinetic protocol was performed to assess shoulder
external and internal rotation torques. Fieen minutes
later, athletes performed the vertical jumps (VJs) tests as
follows: countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ)
and continuous jump (CJ) [Bosco, Luhtanen, Komi 1983]
with a 10-minute interval between each test. Finally,
maximal isometric HGS was collected in the dominant
hand. Following a period of 30 min, all participants per-
formed the following judo-specic tests: the isometric
and dynamic JGST (15-min interval between the tests),
20 min post-UFT test and nally, aer an hour, the SJFT
in the dojo.
2.3 Anthropometric measurements
Body mass and height of participants were measured
with a digital scale (0.1 kg accuracy) and a stadiometer
(0.1 cm accuracy), respectively. e equation proposed
by Petroski, Pires Neto [2012] was used to estimate the
body density of athletes, which considers the sum of
four skinfold thicknesses (triceps, subscapular, suprail-
iac, and medial calf). All measurements were performed
before the physical tests by an experienced evaluator
(level 1 of the International Society for Advancement in
Kinanthropometry). e procedure of three sequential
measurements was used for the skinfold thickness, and
the average was used for the analysis. Body fat percentage
was then calculated using the Siri equation [Siri 1961].
2.4 Neuromuscular tests
Shoulder external/internal rotation isokinetic protocol
Participants were seated on the isokinetic dynamometer
(Biodex Multi-Joint System-Pro 4; Biodex Inc, Shirley,
NY, USA) chair and stabilised with restraining straps
placed around their chest and hips. e athletes’ arms
were weighted to provide gravity compensation. Shoulder
external and internal rotation torques were measured
with the arm positioned at 45º abduction. e partici-
pants’ dominant arms were assessed, and all presented
right dominance, according to the writing preference.
Based on a reference position (0º) with the forearm in
the vertical position, the range of motion was set at 70º.
Rotational movements were performed considering 0º
as the beginning of internal rotation and 70º as the end
of internal rotation/the beginning of external rotation.
Before the evaluation, athletes underwent an initial
set of 3–4 submaximal trials to familiarise themselves
with the shoulder internal and external rotator concentric
actions, which were also used as warm-up exercises for the
upper limbs. Aer a 3-minute passive recovery, partici-
pants then performed one set of four maximal shoulder
external and internal rotations in concentric/concentric
mode at 180º/s of angular velocity. is velocity has been
used in previous studies that analysed this same motion
in judo athletes [Detanico et al. 2015], and this type of
movement is considered safe [Ellenbecker, Davis 2000]. All
participants were encouraged, through both visual feed-
back and strong verbal support, to give maximal eort for
each action. e torque data were exported from Biodex
Medical Systems soware (version 4, 2012) and ltered
using a Butterworth lter fourth order low-pass at 20
Hz. We considered the highest value (within three trials,
with the rst trial excluded) of shoulder internal rotation
peak torque (PTINT) and shoulder external rotation peak
torque (PT
EXT
) for performance analysis. e reliability of
isokinetic torque was calculated by the three trials, and
the intraclass correlation coecient (ICC) was 0.98 and
0.99 for PTINT and PTEXT, respectively.
Handgrip strength protocol
Before the assessment, athletes underwent familiarisa-
tion with the handgrip dynamometer (Carci® 225, SH
5001 model) through two submaximal trials. Aerwards,
participants were instructed to perform the test with
maximal grip eort over 5 seconds in the dominant
hand. e evaluation was performed with participants
in a standing position with the shoulder exed at 90º (in
the concordance of the gripping phase — kumi-kata)
and the elbow fully extended, similar to the protocol
proposed by Bonitch-Gongora et al. [2012]. ey per-
formed three trials, with the highest value considered
as the test performance result. e ICC was calculated
with the three trials and showed a value of 0.97 for the
dominant hand.
Vertical jump protocols
Before vertical jump assessments, the participants per-
formed a familiarisation/warm-up period involving 30
18 “IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE. Journal of Martial Arts Anthropology”, Vol. 20, no. 4 (2020)
seconds of hopping on a trampoline, three series of 10
hops on the ground, and ve submaximal countermove-
ment vertical jumps. Aer a 3-minute resting period,
athletes performed three maximal trials of CMJ and SJ,
along with 15-seconds of CJ on a piezoelectric force plat-
form (model 9290AD; Kistler, Quattro Jump, Winterthur,
Switzerland), which measured vertical ground reaction
sampling at 500 Hz. CMJ and SJ were performed in ran-
domised order. CJ was the last test performed in order
to avoid potential interference from residual fatigue
from other tests.
To perform the CMJ protocol, the athletes started
from a static standing position and were instructed to
perform a countermovement (descent phase), followed
by a rapid and vigorous extension of the lower limb joints
(ascent phase). During the jump, participants were asked
to maintain their trunk as vertical as possible, with their
hands remaining on their hips. e athletes were then
instructed to jump as high as possible. In this protocol,
the agonist muscles are stretched during descent phase
(eccentric) when elastic energy is stored in the mus-
cle-elastic components, and is then used, in the ascendant
phase (concentric). In the SJ, athletes started the jump
from a static position, with the knees at an angle of about
90º, the trunk as vertical as possible, and the hands on
the waist. e jump is performed without any counter-
movement, i.e. only the concentric phase of the agonist
muscles are involved in the movement.
e CJ consisted of maximal continuous vertical
jumps (CMJs) performed for 15 seconds. Participants
were required to keep the trunk as vertical as possible,
and the hands were placed on the hips. Verbal feed-
back was provided to the participants during the test
to encourage them to maintain a knee angle of approx-
imately 90° and maximum performance until the end
of the test. We used the mean value of jump height and
power output (within three trials) in the CMJ and SJ, and
the mean value in the CJ (throughout the 15 seconds) as
the test performance result. e reliability of the verti-
cal jump variables was calculated by the three trials of
the CMJ and SJ and showed an ICC ranging from 0.97
to 0.99 for all variables.
2.5 Judo-specic tests
Judogi Grip Endurance Strength Test (JGST) assessment
Athletes performed familiarisation involving the grip
on the judogi sleeve and performed at least three
dynamic repetitions and one isometric trial on the judogi
suspended on the bar 48 hours before the ocial assess-
ments. Both dynamic (JGST
DIN
) and isometric (JGST
ISO
)
versions of the JGST were performed aer the familiari
-
sation period (48 hours aer). e dynamic evaluation
consisted of holding the judogi rolled around the bar
with the elbow joint at maximal extension and perform-
ing elbow exion, moving the chin above the line of
the hands. Athletes were asked to perform the maximal
number of repetitions from a fully extended to a fully
exed elbow position as many times as possible. Aer a
30-minute interval, athletes performed the isometric test,
which consisted of sustaining the initial position (elbow
fully exed) for the maximal possible time. e chro-
nometer was stopped when the athlete could no longer
maintain the original position. e reliability of the JGST
has been assessed in a previous study, presenting an ICC
greater than 0.98 for both tests [Franchini et al. 2011a].
Uchikomi Fitness Test (UFT) assessment
Athletes performed familiarisation with the UFT 48
hours before the ocial assessment. An 8-min warm-up
composed of falling techniques (ukemi) and repetitive
arm throwing techniques (uchi-komi) was assigned to
the athletes. e UFT was developed by Almansba,
Franchini, and Sterkowicz [2007] and consists of an
intermittent test and lasts 3.43 minutes in total dura-
tion (near the duration of a judo match) [International
Judo Federation, 2018]. ree judo athletes, two part-
ners to be thrown (uke) and one executant (tori) of the
same weight category, were required to participate in
this test. e tori performed six sets of uchi-komi (each
set lasting 20 seconds). e arm static work (traction
period) lasted from 6 to 18 seconds over the six sets
(increasing 3 seconds per set), interspersed with from
4 to 12 seconds of rest (increasing 2 seconds per set).
e tori had to perform two dierent sequences of work:
(1) arm isometric exercise—the judo athlete grips the
sleeve and performs the reverse of a judogi hanging on a
high bar and (2) explosive and dynamic exercise—aer
going down on the xed bar, the athlete runs toward
one of the two ukes, executes the ippon-seoi-nage, and
then runs towards the other uke and practices the sode-
tsurikomi-goshi technique. Aer this, the athlete performs
another set of isometric exercises and so on. e dis-
tance between the two ukes was 4 metres. e number
of repetitive techniques without throwing (uchi-komi) in
the best two series of the test (a + b) and the total series
were considered as test performance results.
e ICC
for the best series (a + b) and total series were 0.88 and
0.97, respectively [Almansba et al. 2012].
Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) assessment
The SJFT was proposed by Sterkowicz [1995] and
described by Franchini et al. [1998]. Firstly, athletes
performed 5-minute warm-ups, which consisted of
jogging, judo falling techniques (ukemi) and repeti-
tive throwing techniques without throwing (uchi-komi).
Subsequently, three athletes of similar body mass and
height performed the SJFT, according to the following
protocol: two judokas were positioned at a distance of
6 metres from each other, while the test executor was
positioned 3 metres from the judokas to be thrown. e
procedure was divided into three periods: 15 seconds, 30
19
Neuromuscular and judo-specic tests: Can they predict judo athletes’ ranking performance?
seconds (A), and 30 seconds (B) with 10-second intervals
between the periods [Franchini, Del Vecchio, Sterkowicz
2009]. In each period, the executor threw the opponents
using the ippon-seoi-nage technique as many times as
possible. Performance was determined based on the
total throws completed during each of the three periods
(SJFTTT). Heart rate (HR) was measured immediately
aer the test and then one minute later (Polar® M430 –
Kempele/Finland). e index (SJFT
INDEX
) was calculated
through the sum of HRs (immediately aer the test and
one minute later) divided by the total number of throws.
2.6 Statistical analysis
Data were reported as mean and standard deviation (SD).
e Shapiro-Wilk test was used to verify data distribu-
tion normality. Student’s t-test was used to compare the
physical performance between groups of judo ranking
position.
Eect size (ES) was calculated according to
Cohen’s d, [Cohen 1988] and Hopkins [2002] criteria of
classication were used: 0.0–0.2, trivial; 0.21–0.6, small;
0.61–1.2, moderate; 1.21–2.0, large; and 2.1–4.0, very
large. Additionally, multiple linear regression (back-
ward method with criteria of 0.10 for entry and 0.20 for
removal) were used to explain the nal ranking position
from the performance of neuromuscular and judo-spe-
cic tests. To determine the independent variables and
avoid the collinearity between them, we considered only
one variable of each physical test that presented higher
magnitude of correlation (r of Pearson) with the ranking
position. To test the collinearity, we considered the vari-
ance ination factor (VIF), tolerance and absolute value
of correlation coecients [Dormann et al. 2012]. us,
all independent variables showed a VIF < 10, which is
considered to represent no multicollinearity problems,
tolerance > 0.1 (showing acceptable multicollinearity),
and absolute values of correlation coecients < 0.70
[Dormann et al. 2012]. e independent variables were:
HGS, PTINT, CJH, UFTA+B, JGSTDIN and SJFTTT
. e analy-
sis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (v.17.0; SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA), and the
level of signicance was set at 5%. e ES was also cal-
culated using G*Power 3.1.7 soware (University of Kiel,
Kiel, Germany).
3. Results
Table 1 shows the comparison of neuromuscular tests
between the top 20° and 21–38° position groups.
Higher values were found in the top 20º group for
HGS (moderate eect), PT
INT
(moderate eect), PT
EXT
(small eect), CMJH (small eect), CJH (small eect),
and CJP (small eect) as compared to 21-38° group.
No signicant dierences were found for SJ
H
, CMJ
P
and SJP (small eect).
Figure 1 shows the comparison of judo-specic
tests between the top 20° and 21–38° groups on the
judo ranking list. Higher values was found in the top
20º group as compared to the 21–38° group for UFT
A+B
(p = 0.039; ES = 3.61, large eect), JGSTDIN (p = 0.002;
ES = 1.79, moderate eect), SJFT
TT
(p= 0.002; ES = 1.75,
moderate eect) and SJFT
INDEX
(p = 0.005; ES = 1.55,
moderate eect). No signicant dierences were found
for UFT
TO TAL
(p = 0.10; ES = 0.82, small eect) and JGS-
TISO (p = 0.18; ES = 0.66, small eect) between groups.
Tab le 1. Comparison of neuromuscular tests between the top 20° and 21–38° position groups.
Top 20º 21-38ºpES
HGS (N) 603.8 ± 123.5 445.3 ± 82.4 0.007 1.45
PTINT (N.m) 84.80 ± 16.62 57.57 ± 17. 51 0.005 1.59
PTEXT (N.m) 46.15 ± 11.67 34.75 ± 8.62 0.036 1.08
CMJH (cm) 47.55 ± 4.93 42.12 ± 5.53 0.049 1.03
CMJP (W) 2117.8 ± 593.8 1660.2 ± 355.4 0.080 0.89
SJH (cm) 44.5 ± 3.7 39.7 ± 6.1 0.068 0.90
SJP (W) 1690.9 ± 358.3 1381.0 ± 350.6 0.210 0.62
CJH (cm) 42.1 ± 4.9 36.3 ± 5.4 0.038 1.10
CJP (W) 1895.1 ± 385.6 1459. 3 ± 431.1 0.047 1.02
PTEXT: Shoulder external peak torque; PTINT: shoulder internal peak torque; CMJ: countermovement jump; SJ: squat jump; CJ:
continuous jump; H: height; P: power; HGS: handgrip strength, ES: eect size.
Table 2. Prediction of ranking position from neuromuscular and judo-specic tests.
Adjusted R2p Indicator Standardized coecients (β) p
Ranking position 0.88 <0.001
JGSTDIN - 0 .431 0.002
PTINT -0.360 0.005
SJFTTT -0.361 0.006
PTINT = shoulder internal peak torque; JGSTDIN = Judogi Grip Strength Dynamic Test; SJFTTT = Special Judo Fitness Test –
total throws.
20 “IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE. Journal of Martial Arts Anthropology”, Vol. 20, no. 4 (2020)
Table 2 summarises the multiple linear regression
to predict the ranking position from neuromuscular and
judo-specic tests in judo athletes. It was demonstrated
that JGST
DIN
, PT
IN
and SJFT
TT
explained 88% of variance
in the ranking position.
4. Discussion
is study aimed to verify whether physical performance
may predict the ranking list position of judo athletes.
e hypothesis of this study was conrmed, since bet-
ter positioned athletes obtained superior performance
in most neuromuscular and judo-specic assessments
as compared to athletes who obtained a lower position.
Additionally, it was demonstrated that upper-body
strength-related parameters (JGST
DIN
and PT
IN
) and
anaerobic capacity indicator (SJFT
TT
) predicted great part
of the results in the nal ranking list for judo athletes.
e dierences in neuromuscular tests between
dierent ranking positions demonstrated that the best
ranked athletes had higher performance for most neuro-
muscular variables (handgrip strength, shoulder external
and internal rotation peak torque and vertical jump
performance—CMJ and CJ), showing good discrimi-
nant validity for these variables. It was already veried
that maximum isometric handgrip strength and verti-
cal jump performance seem to be good indicators of
results in state-level competitions, as these variables
were correlated with relevant technical actions [Kons et
al. 2017; Kons et al. 2018]. A previous study found that
maximum handgrip strength was able to discriminate
judo athletes from dierent positions in competition
(i.e. athletes who obtained gold medals presented higher
Figure 1. Comparison of judo-specic tests between the top 20° and 21–38° groups. (A) = Uchikomi Fitness Test, (B) = Judogi
Grip Endurance Strength Test, (C) = Special Judo Fitness Test.
21
Neuromuscular and judo-specic tests: Can they predict judo athletes’ ranking performance?
handgrip strength performance as compared to bronze
medallists and non-medallists state athletes [Sanchez et
al. 2011]. Similarly, Drid et al. [2015] veried superior
values of shoulder external rotation peak torque in elite
judo athletes (medallists in international-level compe-
titions) compared to sub-elite athletes (medallists in
national-level competitions). is aspect supports that
upper-body strength can discriminate judo athletes of
dierent levels, mainly because some skills or muscles
involved are similar to those performed in judo-spe-
cic actions (e.g. grip on judogi and pulling and pushing
actions) [Detanico et al. 2015].
Considering the performance of vertical jump pro-
tocols, only CMJ and CJ diered between the top 20º and
21–38º groups, demonstrating that better ranked ath-
letes seem to present optimization of the SSC during the
jump, as SJ performance was similar between the groups,
and this test does not involve the SSC (i.e. the perfor-
mance is dependent upon neural recruitment capacity)
[Markovic et al. 2004]. e muscle-elastic components,
including the SSC, are considered important factors
in the ability to generate optimal levels of lower-body
muscle power [Komi 2000] and seem to be improved
throughout the judo-specic training [Zaggelidis et al.
2012]. For this reason, vertical jumps tests involving SSC
have been related to better performance in the number
of throws in SJFT [Detanico et al. 2012], i.e. throwing
techniques that require eccentric-concentric phases of
the knee exors and extensors muscles (e.g. seoi-nage,
o-goshi, harai-goshi).
Analysing the judo-specific tests, our findings
showed that better ranked athletes presented higher
performance in SJFT (index and total throws), JGSTDIN
and UFT
A+B
, demonstrating that these variables seem
to have good discriminant validity, unlike JGST
ISO
and
UFT
TOTAL
(no signicant dierence between groups). In
other studies, similar results for SJFT (total throws and
index) [Franchini et al. 2005] and JGST
DIN
[Franchini et
al. 2011a] have been shown; however, only the UFT
TO TAL
was previously associated with the performance level (i.e.
elite and non-elite) [Almansba et al. 2007]. In summary,
SJFT
TT
indicates the anaerobic capacity and SJFT
INDEX
the
ratio between aerobic and aerobic tness [Franchini et
al. 2009]. e UFTA+B represents the best two series of
the test (judo-specic qualities) [Almansba et al. 2007],
while the JGST
DIN
assesses upper-body dynamic strength
endurance [Franchini et al. 2011a].
Finally, the regression model showed that the JGST-
DIN
, SJFT
TT
and PT
INT
explained 88% of the variance in the
ranking position. is result demonstrated that a possible
coupling of upper-body strength-related parameters and
anaerobic capacity may be considered good indicators
the ranking position of judo athletes. An important nd-
ing is that two judo-specic tests (SJFT and JGST) were
included in the regression model to explain the ranking
position, possibly due to the great ecological validity of
the tests variables [Tavra et al. 2016], especially regard-
ing the similarity of motor skills [Franchini et al. 2005;
Lech et al. 2010; Franchini et al. 2011a], energy system
contributions [Franchini et al. 2011b] and neuromuscu
-
lar demand [Lech et al. 2010; Detanico et al. 2012]. It is
noteworthy that other aspects can also be determinant
for good positioning in the ranking, such as psycholog-
ical and technical-tactical parameters, judo competition
pathway (key stakeholders) and environment, but these
variables were not assessed in our investigation.
Our ndings are limited to athletes in state-level
competition and should not be extended to high-level
judo athletes or other populations of athletes. Future
investigations must be conducted relating the WRL with
physical and technical-tactical parameters in high-level
judo athletes in order to understand the athletes’ proles
and the role of these elements in competitive success.
Additionally, tracking changes in both physical tness
and ranking position in a larger number of judo athletes
may provide a better understanding of the relationship
between these two factors.
5. Conclusion
We concluded that neuromuscular performance (in most
tests) in the upper and lower limbs and judo-specic
assessments (JGSTDIN, SJFTTT and UFTA+B) dierenti-
ated judo ranking position. Furthermore, upper-body
strength parameters (PT
INT
and JGST
DIN
) and anaerobic
capacity indicator (SJFT
TT
) were the variables that better
explained the ranking position.
Financial support: This study was financed by the
Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível
Superior – Brazil (CAPES) – Finance Code 001
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Czy testy nerwowo-mięśniowe przeznaczone
dla judo mogą przewidywać wyniki
rankingowe judoków?
Słowa kluczowe: sporty walki, wytrzymałość, beztlenowość,
wytrzymałość kończyn górnych
Abstrakt
Tło. Wkład wydajności zycznej decydujący o pozycji na liście
rankingowej dostarczyłby wskazówek co do znaczenia mon-
itorowania kondycji zycznej sportowców za pomocą testów
neuromięśniowych przeznaczonych dla judo.
Problem i cel: Celem badania było sprawdzenie, czy wyniki
uzyskane w badaniach neuromięśniowych i przeznaczonych
dla judo mogą przewidywać pozycję na liście rankingowej
zawodników judo biorących udział w zawodach na pozio-
mie krajowym.
Metody. W badaniu wzięło udział siedemnastu zawodników
judo, którzy zostali podzieleni na dwie grupy według pozycji
w rankingu krajowym: górne 20° (n=8) i 21°-38° (n=9). Wyko-
nano badania neuromięśniowe (rotacja barku zewnętrzna
(PTEX) i wewnętrzna (PTINT), siła uścisku dłoni (HGS), skoki
pionowe (VJs) oraz testy przeznaczone dla judo (Uchikomi
Fitness Test (UFT), Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) oraz Judogi
Grip Strength Dynamic (JGSTDIN) i Isometric Test (JGSTISO).
Zastosowano T-test oraz wielokrotną regresję liniową z pozio-
mem istotności ustawionym na 0,05.
Wyniki. Główne wyniki wykazały istotne różnice w większo-
ści testów neuromięśniowych oraz przeznaczonych dla judo
(p < 0,050), wyższe w górnej grupie 20° niż w grupie 21°-38°.
SJFT
TT
,, JGST
DIN
i PT
INT
wyjaśniły 88% wariancji pozycji w
rankingu (p<0.001).
Wniosek. Wydajność nerwowo-mięśniowa (w większości
badań) kończyn górnych i dolnych oraz oceny testów prze-
znaczonych dla judo (rzuty całkowite JGST
DIN
, SJFT i najlepsze
serie UFT) różnicowały pozycję rankingową judo. Ponadto
parametry wytrzymałościowe górnych partii ciała (PTINT i
JGST
DIN
) oraz wydajność beztlenowa (rzuty SJFT ogółem)
były zmiennymi, które lepiej wyjaśniały pozycję rankingową.
