Isokinetic Profile of Elite Serbian Female Judoists

Abstract

Elite judo athletes undergo vigorous training to achieve outstanding results. In pursuit of achieving competitive success, the occurrence of injuries amongst judo athletes is not rare. The study aimed to perform a knee flexors and extensors isokinetic torque analysis in elite female judo athletes. Fifty-eight elite female judo athletes of the Serbian national team (21.02 ± 3.11 years; 62.36 ± 11.91 kg, 165.04 ± 10.24 cm, training experience 12.72 ± 2.98 years) volunteered to participate in this study. The range of motion (ROM) was set at 90⁰. Testing was performed in a concentric–concentric mode for the testing speed of 60 ⁰/s. Five maximal voluntary contractions of knee extensors and knee flexors muscle groups were measured for both legs. The obtained data showed a statistically significant difference in absolute torque values among different categories as heavier athletes demonstrated higher values. Post hoc analysis showed a significant difference between weight categories, as heavier athletes demonstrated higher values, while no significant differences in normalized torque values for different weight categories were observed. The implementation of new elements and training modalities may improve performance and prevent lateral asymmetry, thus reducing the risk of injury.

Monitoring of Eccentric Hamstring Strength and Eccentric Derived Strength Ratios in Judokas from a Single Weight Category

“…Strength ratios showed significant bilateral asymmetries favouring the right (attacking) leg. Our study is the first to report the ipsilateral HEC ratio for hamstrings in judokas; only the second one [ 15 ] in judo to use eccentric isokinetic measurements in the knee joint and only the 3rd one [ 12 , 27 ] to conduct a study with isokinetic testing on a sample of a selected weight category.…”

“…It was reported that isokinetic dynamometry could provide beneficial information regarding the detection of the strength of a particular muscle group as well as the timely detection of imbalance between muscle groups in judo [ 11 ] and as an injury prevention tool [ 12 ]. Isokinetic testing has been used in judo mainly to test knee [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ], shoulder [ 19 ], elbow [ 20 ], trunk [ 21 ], hip [ 17 ] and ankle [ 14 ] muscle strength and strength ratios.…”

“…Therefore, drawing conclusions from a mixed weight category sample to a particular weight category could be questionable. In addition, only two studies involving isokinetic testing in judo were done with the sample divided by the weight categories [ 12 , 27 ]. The first research was done by Callister et al [ 27 ] on men’s category −95 kg and women’s −56 kg; however, weight categories changed since the 90s and the second research was done by Blach et al [ 12 ] on all women weight categories.…”

“…In addition, only two studies involving isokinetic testing in judo were done with the sample divided by the weight categories [ 12 , 27 ]. The first research was done by Callister et al [ 27 ] on men’s category −95 kg and women’s −56 kg; however, weight categories changed since the 90s and the second research was done by Blach et al [ 12 ] on all women weight categories. This shows the lack of research done in individual weight categories in male and female judo despite the research showing athletes have different performance characteristics.…”

Determining the optimal areas of effort in terms of force and force-velocity based on the functional state of the neuromuscular system in the training of elite female judokas

“…The isokinetic analysis of the knee pair of flexors and extensors in the elite judo female athletes can prevent lateral asymmetry, thus reducing the risk of injury ( e.g. , Blach et al, 2021 ). The changes in the toes strength as a result of judo successive attacks and their relationship to the lactate production were also analyzed ( e.g.…”