Content uploaded by Bianca Miarka
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Bianca Miarka on Sep 22, 2014
Content may be subject to copyright.
Endurance in
judogi
grip strength tests: Comparison
between elite and non-elite judo players
Emerson Franchini1ABCD, Bianca Miarka1CD, Luciano Matheus2B,
Fabrício Boscolo Del Vecchio1,3ABD
1 Martial Arts and Combat Sports Research Group, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
2 Grêmio Recreativo Barueri, Barueri, Brazil
3 Superior School of Physical Education, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
Source of support: Departmental sources
Received: 14 January 2011; Accepted: 20 January 2011; Published online: 28 January 2011
Abstract
Background
The ability to develop a strong grip and maintain it during a judo match has become an important element for
judo athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to examine differences between measurements of
maximal isometric time on judogi pull-up, and number of repetitions during dynamic judogi pull-up.
Material/Methods:
The sample was composed by two groups: 16 high-level judo athletes from the male Brazilian National Team and
12 male state-level judo athletes, with at least one athlete per weight category. The tests were compared through
analysis of co-variance (body mass as co-variable), followed by a post-hoc test (Scheffé). Significance level was set
at 5%.
Results:
No difference was found in the isometric test: Brazilian Team: 35±18s; Regional: 39±14s. However, the Brazilian
Team performed a high number of repetitions (12±5 rep) compared to regional group (9±4 rep) during the dy-
namic grip strength endurance test.
Conclusions:
Thus, dynamic grip strength endurance seems to be a discriminating variable between judo athletes, probably be-
cause judo combat involves many elbow extensions and flexions in order to avoid the opponent’s grip and to sub-
due them.
Key words:
judo • high-level athletes • specific strength exercise • hand-grip strength • strength endurance • judogi
Author’s address:
Emerson Franchini, Escola de Educação Física e Esporte da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Esporte;
Av. Professor Melo Morais, 65 – Butantã – São Paulo – SP, CEP 05508-900 Brazil; e-mail: efranchini@usp.br
Background
Judo can be characterized as a high-intensity, intermit-
tent sport with a wide complexity in motor control, where
athletes attempt to throw their opponents or to domi-
nate them during groundwork combat [1–3]. There are
constant dynamic changes during a combat, and judo
athletes require a combination of strength and endurance
during grip combat (kumi-kata) to control the distance
between them and their opponent [4–7]. Furthermore,
this arrangement is responsible for adaptations of tech-
niques and tactical skills for new attacks, defense or coun-
ter-attack actions [7]. Therefore, the ability to rapidly
mobilize a strong grip and pull or push the opponent is
a highly valued attribute in judo athletes [8].
Authors consider strength and endurance as potential
predictors of judo performance [2,9,10]. However, max-
imal strength data in regular exercises such as rowing,
bench press and squat tests are not largely described in
investigations concerning judo athletes [2–4]. Although
investigations with maximal handgrip strength have been
used, results are not consensual and the few available
ones measured pull and grip components with specific
approaches to combat situations, that are essential for
judo athletes [11–13].
and Study Aim:
Authors’ Contribution:
A Study Design
B Data Collection
C Statistical Analysis
D Manuscript Preparation
E Funds Collection
VOLUME 7
|
ISSUE 1
|
2011
|
1© ARCHIVES OF BUDO
|
SCIENCE OF MARTIAL ARTS
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- - - - -
Some researchers [8] did not observe significant difference
in handgrip strength when comparing elite and non-elite
judo players. On the other hand, authors [14] have de-
scribed a significant correlation between static strength and
competitive success in Japanese judo athletes. Although
the maximal handgrip test has been used to evaluate max-
imal isometric grip strength, it is not considered appropri-
ate to measure specific judo grip strength [1]. A dynamic
measurement method used to verify possible differenc-
es between athletes from different competitive levels can
be more appropriate for this specific strength evaluation.
Several training strategies have used pull-ups with judogi
hanging from the pull-up bar in order to improve isometric
handgrip and dynamic pulling strength endurance [15],
also generating some studies regarding their effective-
ness [16]. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to
compare the maximal isometric endurance time on judogi
pulling and the number of repetitions during judogi pull-
up in judo athletes from different competitive levels.
Material and Methods
Experimental approach to the problem
In order to address the first goal of the present study,
two different groups of judo players were monitored
throughout a competitive season during separate occa-
sions. Similar to other sports, physical conditioning plays
a large role in the preparation and subsequent perfor-
mance of judo athletes. Although many physical attri-
butes are required for a successful performance in judo
contests, in this study we focused on strength endurance
measurements. Both maximal isometric time on judogi
pulling and number of repetitions during judogi pull-up
test were assessed. As pointed above, judogi strength ex-
ercises, in which athletes uses grips similar to that dur-
ing the match, are largely used to improve isometric and
dynamic hand-grip strength endurance. Since in judo
there is no proper specific upper-body strength test that
reproduces the gripping on the judogi, in the present
study we proposed this specific exercise as a test in or-
der to compare athletes of different competitive levels.
This investigation was conducted with a group of male
elite judo athletes in a professional environment and in-
ternational level (Brazilian Team), and a group of male
state level athletes (Grêmio Recreativo Barueri Team).
Athletes were evaluated during their competitive period.
Subjects
Twenty-eight male judo players, with more than 10
years of judo practice, participated in this study. They
were divided in two groups: 16 high-level athletes from
Brazilian National Team (87.5±24.3 kg of body mass
and 176.8±8.4 cm of height) and 12 state level ath-
letes from Grêmio Recreativo Barueri (São Paulo state)
(77.9±16.4 kg of body mass and 179.4±9.3 cm of
height, p>0.05 for both variables between groups), with
at least one athlete for each weight category. All athletes
were informed about the procedures involved and signed
an informed consent document before the investigation.
This study was approved by the local Ethics Committee.
Judogi’s isometric and dynamic strength
endurance test
Two judogi strength endurance tests were performed: (1)
isometric – while holding on judogi rolled around the
bar, with the elbow joint in maximal flexion, athletes
were required to sustain this position (judogi isometric
pulling) during the maximal possible time, measured in
seconds; (2) dynamic – during this test the same grip
position was applied, but athletes performed the maxi-
mal number of repetitions from a fully flexed to a fully
extended elbow position (Figure 1). In both cases, ath-
letes performed the exercises until voluntary failure and
a minimum of 15 min rest was allowed between each
test. The reliability for both tests was assessed in a pre-
vious study, which reported an intraclass correlation co-
efficient of >0.98 [16]. Measures were also expressed
as body mass ratio, as the bar test involves sustenta-
tion of the athlete’s own body mass as well. The tests
described were conducted in order to verify the factors
that possibly determine the abilities to maintain grip
on the judogi during suspension or repetition, Figure 1.
Statistical analysis
Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD).
The results were compared by an analysis of co-variance
(body mass as co-variable). The test was conducted in
order to compare the measured variables. When differ-
ences were detected, the Scheffé post-hoc correction was
used to identify specific differences between the groups.
Statistical significance was considered achieved when
the value of P was <0.05.
results
Table 1 presents results in absolute and relative values
of judogi grip isometric endurance strength and judogi
grip dynamic endurance strength in judo athletes from
the Brazilian National Team and Grêmio Recreativo
Barueri Team.
Groups differed in the number of repetitions during the
dynamic endurance strength on judogi grip, but not on
the maximal isometric time on judogi grip test.
Judo – literally means
“the way of gentleness”.
Nowadays is an Olympic
sport involving throwing,
grappling, strangles, and
elbow-joint lock techniques.
High-level athletes – in the
present text, this term was
used to define international
level judo competitors.
2
|
2011
|
ISSUE 1
|
VOLUME 7 www.archbudo.com
Original Article
- - - - -
discussion
The present study verified that the isometric version
did not differ between judo athletes with different lev-
els of competition achievement. However, the Dynamic
Judogi Strength Endurance Test was able to correctly dis-
criminate between judo athletes from different compet-
itive levels (p<0.05).
This result is in agreement with some authors [8] who
showed that isometric strength was similar between elite
and non-elite judo players. The results from the present
study seem supported by the fact that although the fore-
arm performs an intense isometric action during the kumi-
kata, other muscle groups act dynamically. Thus, a test
that considers both the isometric action of the forearm
muscle as well as the dynamic action of the arm and back
muscles has more potential to properly discriminate judo
athletes from different competitive levels. In fact, research-
ers [17] found that the normalized thickness of the el-
bow flexor and extensor were larger at international level
compared to university level judo athletes who did not
take part in competitions, and had a larger elbow flex-
or than in a group of university judo players who partic-
ipated in competitions. These differences, as well as the
differences found in the present study, could be attribut-
ed to the fact that during the period of combat both ath-
letes try to throw and restrain the opponent by holding
the collar and sleeve of the judo jacket of the adversary.
When a judo player is holding the opponent’s jacket and
wants to increase the distance from the adversary, it is
necessary to extend the elbow joint. Conversely, to re-
duce the distance from the opponent it is necessary to
flex the elbow joint. Differences in strength and endur-
ance in order to perform these movements more effec-
tively might influence judo performance. Additionally,
as these tests involve sustentation of the athlete’s own
body mass, they guarantee a direct relation to the weight
category. Thus, considering that some authors suggest
that strength endurance is important for judo perfor-
mance [2,9,13,14] the dynamic judogi strength endur-
ance test can be included to evaluate judo athletes, to-
gether with other tests related to judo performance
Specific strength exercise
– any exercise with similar
strength requirements similar
to the main activity (in our
article it refers to judo).
Hand-grip strength – the
ability to exert force while
grasping an apparatus with
one hand.
Strength endurance –
muscle’s ability to perform
a maximal or submaximal
contraction time after time.
Judogi – uniform used to
practice judo.
A B
Figure 1. Judogi’s Isometric (Panel B) and Dynamic Strength Endurance Test Positions (Initial phase: Panel A; test
ending: Panel B.
Variables Brazilian
Team
Barueri
Team
Absolute values
Maximal isometric time on judogi
grip (s) 35±18 39±14
Dynamic endurance strength on
judogi grip (rep) 12±5 9±4*
Relative values
Maximal isometric time on judogi
grip (s/kg) 0.5±0.3 0.5±0.2
Dynamic endurance strength on
judogi grip (rep/kg) 0.2±0.1 0.1±0.1*
Table 1. Judogi grip isometric endurance strength and
judogi grip dynamic endurance strength in judo
athletes from the Brazilian National Team and
Grêmio Recreativo Barueri Team.
Data are presented as mean ±SD. * P<0.05 vs. Brazilian Team.
Franchini E et al – Endurance in
judogi
grip strength tests: Comparison…
VOLUME 7
|
ISSUE 1
|
2011
|
3© ARCHIVES OF BUDO
|
SCIENCE OF MARTIAL ARTS
- - - - -
[2,8,18–20]. Thus, a judo specific test batter y should
be proposed as used in other combat sports [21–23].
conclusions
In conclusion, this study demonstrated that while the
isometric version of this test was not able to properly
discriminate judo athletes from different competitive
levels, the Dynamic Judogi Strength Test can be suc-
cessfully used to do it.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Daniel B. Kashiwagura
and Marcelo Pereira for their contributions on the dis-
cussions over the ideas presented on the text.
1. Franchini E, Sterkowicz S, Meira Jr CMM et al:
Technical variation in a sample of high level judo
players. Percep Motor Skills, 2008; 106: 859–69
2. Franchini E, Del Vecchio FB, Matsushigue KA,
Artioli GG: Physiological profiles of elite judo ath-
letes. Sports Med, 2011; 41: 147–66
3. Franchini E, Takito MY, Bertuzzi RCM:
Morphological, physiological and technical vari-
ables in high-level college judoists. Arch Budo,
2005; 1: 1–7
4. Franchini E, Nunes AV, Moraes JM, Del Vecchio
FB: Physical fitness and anthropometrical profile
of the Brazilian male judo team. J Physiol Anthrop,
2007; 226: 59–67
5. Miarka B, Julio UF, Del Vecchio FB et al: Técnica
y táctica em judo: una revisión. Rev Artes Marc
Asiáticas, 2010; 5: 91–112 (in Spanish, English
abstract)
6. Marcon G, Franchini E, Jardim JR, Barros Neto TL:
Structural analysis of action and time in sports –
judo. J Quant Analysis Sport, 2010; 6: article 10
7. Calmet M, Miarka B, Franchini E: Modeling ap-
proaches of grasps in judo competition contests.
Int J Perf Analysis Sport, 2010; 10: 229–40
8. Franchini E, Takito MY, Kiss MAPDM, Sterkowicz
S: Physical fitness and anthropometrical differenc-
es between elite and non-elite judo players. Biol
Sport, 2005; 22: 315–28
9. Krstulovic S, Zuvela F, Katic R: Biomotor systems
in elite junior judoists. Colleg Antrop, 2006; 30:
845–51
10. Aruga S, Nakanishi H, Yamashita Y et al: A study
on the training method for improving judo play-
ers’ kumite strength – on the judogi chin-up meth-
od. Tokai J Sports Med Sci, 2006; 18: 44–53 (in
Japanese, English abstract)
11. Kawabata K, Sato H, Hamada H, Ishibasi H:
Strength training equipment developed by new
aspect. K.G Studies Invest Sports Sci Health Sci,
2006; 9: 1–12
12. Blais L, Trilles F, Lacouture P: Validation of a spe-
cific machine to the strength training of judokas. J
Strength Cond Res, 2007; 21(2): 409–12
13. Almansba R, Franchini E, Sterkowicz S: An uchiko-
mi with load, a physiological approach of new spe-
cial judo test proposal. Sci Sports, 2007; 22(5):
216–23 [in French, English abstract]
14. Takeuchi MT, Nakajima H, Tanaka H et al: Case
study on the fundamental physical fitness in com-
petitive performance and university judo athletes
in Japan. In: Proceedings of the 1
st
IJF Conference,
1999, Birmingham
15. Amtmann J, Cotton A: Strength and conditioning
for Judo. Natl Strength Cond. 2005; 27: 26–31
16. Franchini E, Souza CEB, Urasaki R et al: Teste de
resistência de força isométrica e dinâmica na bar-
ra com o judogi. Proceedings of III Congreso de
La Asociación Española de Ciencias Del Deporte,
2004, Madrid, España (in Portuguese)
17. Kubo J, Chishaki T, Nakamura N et al: Differences
in fat-free mass and muscle thicknesses at various
sites according to performance level among judo
athletes. J Strength Cond Res, 2006; 20(3): 654–57
18. Boguszewska K, Boguszewski D, Busko K: Special
judo fitness test and biomechanics measurements
as a way to control physical fitness in young judo-
ists. Arch Budo, 2010; 6(4): 205–9
19. Lech G, Palka T, Sterkowicz S, Tyka A: Effect of
physical endurance on the course of fight and level
of sports performance in cadet judokas. Arch Budo,
2010; 6(3): 123–28
20. Franchini E, Vecchio F, Sterkowicz S: A Special Judo
Fitness Test classificatory table. Arch Budo, 2009;
5: 127–29
21. Borysiuk Z, Cynarski W: Psychomotor aspects of
talent identification: a new approach in the case
of fencing. Arch Budo, 2010; 6(2): 91–94
22. Sterkowicz-Przybycień K: Special fitness testing in
sport Ju-Jitsu. Arch Budo, 2009; 5: 131–37
23. Sterkowicz S, Franchini E: Testing motor fitness in
karate. Arch Budo, 2009; 5: 29–34
references:
4
|
2011
|
ISSUE 1
|
VOLUME 7 www.archbudo.com
Original Article
- - - - -
