Bio-Banding in Judo: The Mediation Role of Anthropometric Variables on the Maturation Effect

Abstract

Young judo athletes are bio-banding based on age and body mass and compete in weight classes. The purposes of this study were to investigate the influences of maturation on physical performance in young judokas through controlling the chronological age and body mass, and to examine the mediating role of anthropometric variables. Sixty-seven judokas, aged 11.0–14.7, were measured for 11 anthropometric and seven physical performance variables. Pearson partial correlations were conducted to verify the relationship between the maturational indicator and the dependent variables. Mediation analyses were performed to identify the extent to which anthropometric variables mediate the relationship. The maturation effect remained on the aerobic capacity and handgrip strength (p < 0.05). Fat mass (b = 80.335, 95%CI 11.580–204.270) and fat-free mass (b = 108.256, 95%CI 39.508–207.606) totally mediated the effect on aerobic capacity. Fat mass (b = 0.023, 95%CI 0.004–0.057), fat-free mass (b = 0.029, 95%CI 0.011–0.058), stature (b = 0.031, 95%CI 0.008–0.061), arm span (b = 0.021, 95%CI 0.003–0.044), and inferior members length (b = 0.022, 95%CI 0.005–0.049) totally mediated the effect on handgrip strength. The effect of biological maturation is noticeable even after age and body mass control, being mediated by anthropometric variables related to body composition and size.

Maturity-associated variations in anthropometry, physical fitness, and sport-specific skills among young male and female futsal players

“…According to Figueiredo et al [34], variations in functional capacities of young soccer players may not be explained only by biological maturation but also by such predictors as chronological age, experience, and the test items administered. The result regarding the grip strength is in line with the findings of earlier examinations [35,36]. Greater values obtained by early maturing boys might be attributed to the level of serum testosterone and the body size [33,37].…”

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

“…The importance of body composition, namely with low fat mass and high fat-free mass, is well-established as being a determinant of successful judo performance [ 38 , 39 , 40 ]. However, grouping young judokas into weight categories using total body mass disregards body composition, which can vary significantly between weight categories [ 41 ], and seems to be relevantly related to biological maturation, as already been observed in a previous study [ 42 ], and evidenced in the present investigation. These findings may reinforce doubts about the effectiveness of the young athlete’s distribution in weight categories for equalization of competition conditions and training routines, evidencing the need to control the effect of maturation in judo with/bio-banding strategies, and raising the possibility of using other anthropometric characteristics as a categorization criterion, such as the APAS itself or components of body composition.…”

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

“…The current literature contains several studies on the effects of somatic maturity and growth on physical performance in young male athletes from team sports [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Most recently, studies have investigated the role of growth and maturity status on physical performance in young male judo athletes [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Years of formal judo training, growth, and somatic maturity can predict physical performance, when generalized upper and lower limb strength assessments (e.g., medicine ball throw test, handgrip strength, and jump tests) [ 8 , 10 ] and judo-specific tests (e.g., Special Judo Fitness Test and Judogi Grip Strength Test) [ 8 ] are considered.…”

“…Years of formal judo training, growth, and somatic maturity can predict physical performance, when generalized upper and lower limb strength assessments (e.g., medicine ball throw test, handgrip strength, and jump tests) [ 8 , 10 ] and judo-specific tests (e.g., Special Judo Fitness Test and Judogi Grip Strength Test) [ 8 ] are considered. Moreover, Giudicelli et al [ 11 ] found a positive relationship between maturity status and handgrip strength test as well as aerobic performance in young male judo athletes, even when chronological age and body mass were controlled. Thus, bearing in mind that judo athletes demand high levels of strength-related performance in the upper and lower limbs and both the aerobic and the anaerobic energy pathways [ 13 ], it is essential for coaches to understand the role of maturation during adolescence.…”