Female Judo Athletes’ Physical Test Performances Are Unrelated to Technical–Tactical Competition Skills

This study analyzed the relationship between generic and judo-specific physical test performances and technical–tactical competition performances among 19 female judo athletes. Participant data were gathered in two stages: (a) physical tests—countermovement jump (CMJ), handgrip strength, Special Judo Fitness Test and Judogi Grip Strength Test; and (b) match performances recorded for technical–tactical analysis. Pearson’s linear correlation and multiple linear regression analysis showed no significant correlations between any technical–tactical parameter and judo-specific physical tests. However, the number of attacks during matches was significantly positively correlated with countermovement jump height (CMJJH; r = 0.69, p = .002), peak power output (CMJPPO; r = 0.53, p = .002), and peak velocity (CMJPV; r = 0.62, p = .001). Effective time during matches was significantly correlated with all CMJ parameters (except maximum force; r = 0.65−0.76, p ≤ .01) and with right hand grip strength ( r = 0.48, p = .037). Match effectiveness was correlated with CMJPPO ( r = −0.67, p = .001), mean power output (CMJMPO; r = −0.54, p = .017), and CMJPV ( r = −0.54, p = .004). The explained power of variance was low for all variables at 45-54%. We conclude that judo-specific performance tests do not seem to be related to female judo athletes’ technical–tactical skills in official competition, though athletes with higher lower limb muscle power and higher handgrip strength showed higher time effectiveness during matches.

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Physical function tests predict incident falls: A prospective study of 2969 men in the Swedish Osteoporotic Fractures in Men study

Scandinavian Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1177/1403494818801628 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 48 (4) ◽

pp. 436-441 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Marcus E. Cöster ◽

Magnus Karlsson ◽

Claes Ohlsson ◽

Dan Mellström ◽

Mattias Lorentzon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Grip Strength ◽

Osteoporotic Fractures ◽

The Elderly ◽

Population Based ◽

Hand Grip Strength ◽

Test Time ◽

Physical Test ◽

Walking Test ◽

Hand Grip ◽

Physical Tests

Aims: Falls are common in the elderly population, and fall-related injuries are a major health issue. We investigated the ability of simple physical tests to predict incident falls. Methods: The Swedish Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study includes 3014 population-based men aged 69–81 years at the start of the study. These men performed five different physical tests at baseline: right-hand grip strength, left-hand grip strength, timed stand test, 6 m walking test (time and steps) and narrow walking test. During the first study year, we asked participants to fill out questionnaires regarding falls 4, 8 and 12 months after baseline. A total of 2969 men completed at least one questionnaire and were included in this study. We used generalised estimating equations and logarithmic regression models to estimate odds ratios for fallers and recurrent fallers (more than one fall during the one-year examination period) in each quartile of men for each physical test. Results: The proportions of fallers and recurrent fallers were higher in the lowest quartile of the physical tests than in the other three quartiles combined for all physical tests. A reduction of one standard deviation in respective physical test resulted in a 13–21% higher risk of becoming a faller and a 13–31% higher risk of becoming a recurrent faller. Conclusions: Low results on simple physical tests is a risk factor for incident falls in elderly Swedish men and may facilitate identification of high-risk individuals suitable for fall-intervention programs.

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Muscle Strength following Anaesthesia with Atracurium and Pancuronium

Anaesthesia and Intensive Care ◽

10.1177/0310057x8801600303 ◽

1988 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 255-259 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

M. O'Connor ◽

W. J. Russell

Keyword(s):

Grip Strength ◽

Muscle Weakness ◽

Muscle Power ◽

Handgrip Strength ◽

Recovery Phase ◽

Postoperative Recovery ◽

Time Interval ◽

General Anaesthetic ◽

Elimination Kinetics ◽

Significant Difference

Postoperative recovery from muscle weakness was investigated by handgrip strength after general anaesthesia using short- and long-acting muscle relaxants. Handgrip strength was measured on four occasions, preoperatively, before and after premedication, and postoperatively, both as soon as the patient could sustain a five-second headlift and one hour later. Twenty patients received either atracurium 0.6 mg/kg or pancuronium 0.1 mg/kg as part of a general anaesthetic technique with neostigmine reversal. Compared with their initial preoperative hand strengths, the two relaxant groups showed only an insignificant decrease in grip strength to 92% after premedication. Postoperatively when a five-second headlift was achieved, the patients in both groups were weak. The group given atracurium had a mean of 60% of their initial grip strength and those given pancuronium had a mean of 44%. This difference in strength was statistically significant from the initial level and from each other. However, there was no difference between the groups in the time interval from administering reversal to achieving a sustained headlift. One hour later in both groups grip strength was much better, within 80% of that seen after premedication in most patients, and no significant difference in grip strength was seen between the groups. This study demonstrates that patients who receive relaxant anaesthesia have substantial muscle weakness in the recovery phase. When neostigmine reversal is used, pancuronium appears to have a similar return of voluntary muscle power to that seen with atracurium. The marked difference in elimination kinetics of these two relaxants seems to be of little importance when neostigmine reversal is used.

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Sex-Related Changes in Physical Performance, Well-Being, and Neuromuscular Function of Elite Touch Players During a 4-Day International Tournament

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2019-0594 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (8) ◽

pp. 1138-1146

Author(s):

Nick Dobbin ◽

Cari Thorpe ◽

Jamie Highton ◽

Craig Twist

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

Power Output ◽

Peak Power ◽

Well Being ◽

Neuromuscular Function ◽

Peak Force ◽

Peak Power Output ◽

Jump Height ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Males And Females

Purpose: To examine the within- and between-sexes physical performance, well-being, and neuromuscular function responses across a 4-day international touch rugby (Touch) tournament. Methods: Twenty-one males and 20 females completed measures of well-being (fatigue, soreness, sleep, mood, and stress) and neuromuscular function (countermovement jump height, peak power output, and peak force) during a 4-day tournament with internal, external, and perceptual loads recorded for all matches. Results: Relative and absolute total, low-intensity (females), and high-intensity distance were lower on day 3 (males and females) (effect size [ES] = −0.37 to −0.71) compared with day 1. Mean heart rate was possibly to most likely lower during the tournament (except day 2 males; ES = −0.36 to −0.74), whereas rating of perceived exertion-training load was consistently higher in females (ES = 0.02 to 0.83). The change in mean fatigue, soreness, and overall well-being was unclear to most likely lower (ES = −0.33 to −1.90) across the tournament for both sexes, with greater perceived fatigue and soreness in females on days 3 to 4 (ES = 0.39 to 0.78). Jump height and peak power output were possibly to most likely lower across days 2 to 4 (ES = −0.30 to −0.84), with greater reductions in females (ES = 0.21 to 0.66). Well-being, countermovement jump height, and peak force were associated with changes in external, internal, and perceptual measures of load across the tournament (η2 = −.37 to .39). Conclusions: Elite Touch players experience reductions in well-being, neuromuscular function, and running performance across a 4-day tournament, with notable differences in fatigue and running between males and females, suggesting that sex-specific monitoring and intervention strategies are necessary.

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Body Size Measurements and Physical Performance of Youth Female Judo Athletes with Differing Menarcheal Status

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182312829 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (23) ◽

pp. 12829

Author(s):

Marina Saldanha da Silva Athayde ◽

Rafael Lima Kons ◽

David Hideyoshi Fukuda ◽

Daniele Detanico

Keyword(s):

Body Size ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Handgrip Strength ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Somatic Growth ◽

Young Female ◽

Chronological Age ◽

Age At Menarche ◽

Training Experience ◽

Judo Athletes

Purpose: To compare body size measurements and physical performance among female youth judo athletes with differing menarcheal status and to identify indicators of physical performance in post-menarcheal girls. Methods: Nineteen young female judo athletes (age 13.9 ± 2.3 years) were divided into a pre-menarche (n = 7) and a post-menarche (n = 12) group. The athletes were evaluated through neuromuscular tests, including standing long jump (SLJ), medicine ball throw (MBT), and handgrip strength (HGS), and judo-specific assessments, including the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) and the Judogi Grip Strength Test (JGSTISO). Furthermore, years of experience in judo and the age at menarche were determined. Results: The main results showed higher performance for the post-menarche group for most variables (p < 0.05) compared to the pre-menarche group. A multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that age at menarche, chronological age, and body mass explained close to 70% of JGSTISO, while training experience, chronological age, and age at menarche explained close to 59% of SLJ. Additionally, chronological age and age at menarche explained 40% of MBT, and chronological age and height explained 52% of HGS. Conclusions: Age at menarche and somatic growth variables explained moderate proportions of the variance of physical performance, thereby providing evidence that these parameters are the primary indicators of physical performance in young female judo athletes.

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Chronological Age, Somatic Maturation and Anthropometric Measures: Association with Physical Performance of Young Male Judo Athletes

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18126410 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (12) ◽

pp. 6410

Author(s):

Bruno B. Giudicelli ◽

Leonardo G. O. Luz ◽

Mustafa Sogut ◽

Hugo Sarmento ◽

Alain G. Massart ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

Handgrip Strength ◽

Young Male ◽

Upper Body ◽

Chronological Age ◽

Anthropometric Measures ◽

Physical Test ◽

Bivariate Correlation ◽

Judo Athletes ◽

Adult Stature

Sport for children and adolescents must consider growth and maturation to ensure suitable training and competition, and anthropometric variables could be used as bio-banding strategies in youth sport. This investigation aimed to analyze the association between chronological age, biologic maturation, and anthropometric characteristics to explain physical performance of young judo athletes. Sixty-seven judokas (11.0–14.7 years) were assessed for anthropometric and physical performance. Predicted adult stature was used as a somatic maturation indicator. A Pearson’s bivariate correlation was performed to define which anthropometric variables were associated with each physical test. A multiple linear hierarchical regression was conducted to verify the effects of age, maturity, and anthropometry on physical performance. The regression models were built with age, predicted adult stature, and the three most significantly correlated anthropometric variables for each physical test. Older judokas performed better in most of the physical tests. However, maturation attenuated the age effect in most variables and significantly affected upper body and handgrip strength. Anthropometric variables attenuated age and maturity and those associated with body composition significantly affected the performance in most tests, suggesting a potential as bio-banding strategies. Future studies should investigate the role of anthropometric variables on the maturity effect in young judokas.

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Optimal Loading for Peak Power Output During the Hang Power Clean in Professional Rugby Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2.3.260 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 260-269 ◽

Cited By ~ 50

Author(s):

Liam P. Kilduff ◽

Huw Bevan ◽

Nick Owen ◽

Mike I.C. Kingsley ◽

Paul Bunce ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Power Output ◽

Peak Power ◽

Muscle Power ◽

Peak Power Output ◽

Relative Load ◽

Optimal Load ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Sporting Activities ◽

Power Clean ◽

Rugby Players

Purpose:The ability to develop high levels of muscle power is considered an essential component of success in many sporting activities; however, the optimal load for the development of peak power during training remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to determine the optimal load required to observe peak power output (PPO) during the hang power clean in professional rugby players.Methods:Twelve professional rugby players performed hang power cleans on a portable force platform at loads of 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90% of their predetermined 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) in a randomized and balanced order.Results:Relative load had a significant effect on power output, with peak values being obtained at 80% of the subjects’ 1-RM (4466 ± 477 W; P < .001). There was no significant difference, however, between the power outputs at 50%, 60%, 70%, or 90% 1-RM compared with 80% 1-RM. Peak force was produced at 90% 1-RM with relative load having a significant effect on this variable; however, relative load had no effect on peak rate of force development or velocity during the hang power clean.Conclusions:The authors conclude that relative load has a significant effect on PPO during the hang power clean: Although PPO was obtained at 80% 1-RM, there was no significant difference between the loads ranging from 40% to 90% 1-RM. Individual determination of the optimal load for PPO is necessary in order to enhance individual training effects.

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Physiological Predictors of Competition Performance in CrossFit Athletes

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17103699 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (10) ◽

pp. 3699 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Rafael Martínez-Gómez ◽

Pedro L. Valenzuela ◽

Lidia B. Alejo ◽

Jaime Gil-Cabrera ◽

Almudena Montalvo-Pérez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Peak Power ◽

Bench Press ◽

Muscle Power ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Load Test ◽

Peak Power Output ◽

Physiological Variables ◽

Jump Ability ◽

The Relationship

The aim of this study was to determine the physiological variables that predict competition performance during a CrossFit competition. Fifteen male amateur CrossFit athletes (age, 35 ± 9 years; CrossFit experience, 40 ± 27 months) performed a series of laboratory-based tests (incremental load test for deep full squat and bench press; squat, countermovement and drop jump tests; and incremental running and Wingate tests) that were studied as potential predictors of CrossFit performance. Thereafter, they performed the five Workouts of the Day (WODs) corresponding to the CrossFit Games Open 2019, and we assessed the relationship between the laboratory-based markers and CrossFit performance with regression analyses. Overall CrossFit performance (i.e., final ranking considering the sum of all WODs, as assessed by number of repetitions, time spent in exercises or weight lifted) was significantly related to jump ability, mean and peak power output during the Wingate test, relative maximum strength for the deep full squat and the bench press, and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and speed during the incremental test (all p < 0.05, r = 0.58–0.75). However, the relationship between CrossFit Performance and most laboratory markers varied depending on the analyzed WOD. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that measures of lower-body muscle power (particularly jump ability) and VO2max explained together most of the variance (R2 = 81%, p < 0.001) in overall CrossFit performance. CrossFit performance is therefore associated with different power-, strength-, and aerobic-related markers.

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Exercise slightly above the maximal lactate steady state reduces self-efficacy and increases negative affect

10.31236/osf.io/ecgkp ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

James Graeme Wrightson ◽

Louis Passfield

Keyword(s):

Steady State ◽

Negative Affect ◽

Power Output ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Physiological State ◽

Constant Load ◽

Peak Power Output ◽

Time To Exhaustion ◽

Maximal Lactate Steady State

Objectives: To examine the effect of exercise at and slightly above the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) on self-efficacy, affect and effort, and their associations with exercise tolerance.Design: Counterbalanced, repeated measures designMethod: Participants performed two 30‐minute constant‐load cycling exercise at a power output equal to that at MLSS and 10 W above MLSS, immediately followed by a time‐to‐exhaustion test at 80% of their peak power output. Self-efficacy, affect and effort were measured before and after 30 minutes of cycling at and above MLSS.Results: Negative affect and effort higher, and self-efficacy and time to exhaustion were reduced, following cycling at MLSS + 10 W compared to cycling at the MLSS. Following exercise at the MLSS self-efficacy, affect and effort were all associated with subsequent time-to exhaustion. However, following exercise at MLSS + 10 W, only affect was associated with time-to exhaustion. Conclusions: Self efficacy, affect and effort are profoundly affected by physiological state, highlighting the influence of somatic states on perceptions and emotions during exercise. The affective response to exercise appears to be associated with exercise tolerance, indicating that the emotional, as well as physiological, responses should be considered when prescribing exercise training.

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Combination of the G-8 Screening Tool and Hand-Grip Strength to Predict Long-Term Overall Survival in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13133363 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (13) ◽

pp. 3363

Author(s):

Kristian Kirkelund Bentsen ◽

Olfred Hansen ◽

Jesper Ryg ◽

Ann-Kristine Weber Giger ◽

Stefan Starup Jeppesen

Keyword(s):

Overall Survival ◽

Grip Strength ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Hand Grip Strength ◽

Physical Test ◽

Hand Grip

The Geriatric 8 (G-8) is a known predictor of overall survival (OS) in older cancer patients, but is mainly based on nutritional aspects. This study aimed to assess if the G-8 combined with a hand-grip strength test (HGST) in patients with NSCLC treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy can predict long-term OS better than the G-8 alone. A total of 46 SBRT-treated patients with NSCLC of stage T1-T2N0M0 were included. Patients were divided into three groups: fit (normal G-8 and HGST), vulnerable (abnormal G-8 or HGST), or frail (abnormal G-8 and HGST). Statistically significant differences were found in 4-year OS between the fit, vulnerable, and frail groups (70% vs. 46% vs. 25%, p = 0.04), as well as between the normal and abnormal G-8 groups (69% vs. 39%, p = 0.02). In a multivariable analysis of OS, being vulnerable with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.03 or frail with an HR of 3.80 indicated poorer OS, but this did not reach statistical significance. This study suggests that there might be a benefit of adding a physical test to the G-8 for more precisely predicting overall survival in SBRT-treated patients with localized NSCLC. However, this should be confirmed in a larger study population.

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Muscular Strength Spurts in Adolescent Male Basketball Players: The INEX Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18020776 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 776

Author(s):

Eduardo Guimarães ◽

José A. R. Maia ◽

Mark Williams ◽

Filipa Sousa ◽

Eduardo Santos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Muscular Strength ◽

Handgrip Strength ◽

Height Velocity ◽

Adolescent Male ◽

Strength Development ◽

Maximal Velocity ◽

Countermovement Jump ◽

Basketball Players ◽

Squat Jump ◽

Medicine Ball

Although successful performance in basketball requires high levels of muscular strength during adolescence, its development is confounded by the effects of normal growth. We examine the timing, intensity and sequence of muscular strength according to biological age (years from peak height velocity (PHV)) and hypothesize that young basketball players attain their peak muscular strength spurts around PHV. A total of 160 adolescent male basketballers, aged 11–15 years, were followed bi-annually over 3 consecutive years. The years from attainment of PHV and peak weight velocity (PWV) were estimated and five muscular strength measures (sit-ups, handgrip, seated medicine ball throw, squat jump and countermovement jump) were aligned to years from PHV in 3-month intervals. Strength velocities were estimated using a non-smooth mathematical model. The mean ages at-PHV and at-PWV were 13.90 ± 1.40 years and 13.90 ± 1.79 years, respectively. Maximal velocity in sit-ups was attained 6 months prior to attainment of PHV (intensity = 10.69 repetitions·year−1), whereas maximal velocity in squat jump occurred 6 months after-PHV (intensity = 3.93 cm·year−1). Handgrip strength, seated medicine ball throw and countermovement jump maximal velocity peaked at-PHV (intensity = 8.47 kgf·year−1, intensity = 0.75 m·year−1, intensity = 5.59 cm·year−1, respectively). In general, maximal velocity spurts did not differ in their timing, with the velocities reaching a peak concurrent with PHV and PWV or within 6 months of its attainment. Basketball coaches, as well as strength and conditioning trainers, should consider individual differences in strength development and be aware of rapid periods of growth in stature when planning and designing muscular strength training regimes.

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