Maximal isometric handgrip strength: comparison between weight categories and classificatory table for adult judo athletes

Abstract

The aims of this study were to compare the maximal isometric handgrip strength of judo athletes from different weight categories and to create a classificatory table for this test. A total of 406 athletes had their maximal isometric handgrip strength measured, following standardized recommendations. Absolute and relative values were calculated for each hand and for the sum of both hands. Weight categories were compared through a one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey test. The effect size was determined by partial eta squared, and the relationship between variables was determined using Pearson correlation coefficient. There was a large effect of weight category in absolute handgrip strength for each hand and for the sum of both hands, with lower values for the lighter categories. Conversely, when the relative strength was considered higher values were found for the lighter categories (P<0.001). Very large and significant positive correlations (P<0.001) were found between right and left for absolute (r=0.886) and relative (r=0.883) handgrip values. Overall, there was an increase in absolute and a decrease in relative handgrip strength across weight categories. These differences found in grip strength in weight categories are probably linked to differences in muscle mass between them. There was a high correlation between each hand for absolute and relative values, which suggests that assessing only one hand may be enough, and therefore a faster way of evaluation. Finally, the normative classificatory table created may serve as a reference for different purposes.

The ratio standard is not adequate for scaling handgrip strength in judo athletes and nonathletes

“…Allometry has been commonly used in physical assessment, but it is still neglected when HGS is analyzed. Some studies have investigated the use of allometry in HGS data (Karavelioglu et al, 2017;Pua, 2006;Vanderburgh et al, 1995), especially in athletes, but many others studies have been using the ratio standard (Branco et al, 2018;Franchini et al, 2018;Franchini et al, 2020). Vanderburgh et al (1995) was one of the first to investigate the use of allometry in HGS data and found an allometric exponent of 0.54 for male university students, a value very close to what was found in the present study (b=0.56).…”

“…Recently, a classificatory table for adult judo athletes was proposed according to the HGS magnitude in absolute and relative terms (ratio standard) (Franchini et al, 2018); however, our data suggest that ratio standard is not the best scaling method because it does not remove adequately the BM effect. In this sense, the normative values should be analyzed with caution when comparing judo athletes with different BM categories.…”

“…An important parameter that should be considered in the HGS assessment is the influence of body mass (BM), mainly when using absolute values in comparative approaches. In this sense, the HGS has been commonly scaled for BM using the ratio standard (i.e., HGS/BM) (Branco et al, 2018;Franchini et al, 2018;Franchini et al, 2020). However, this scaling method assumes a direct or linear relationship between HGS and BM (Tanner, 1949), i.e., to admit that any variation of HGS is due exclusively to BM variation (Jaric, 2002;Marković and Sekulić, 2006;Nevill et al, 2009).…”

Performance characteristics of top-level youth judokas in light- and heavy-weight categories

“…Our assumption is that light-weight judokas will score higher on short high-intensity movements, and the heavy-weight judokas will have absolute higher scores on maximal strength. 13,23 No differences in psychological performance characteristics are expected. If there are clear differences between light-and heavy-weight judokas, the training of judokas can be adapted to these specific performance characteristics in order to increase performance development towards the elite level.…”

Absolute and Relative Strength, Power and Physiological Characteristics of Indian Junior National-Level Judokas

“…A plethora of research is now available investigating the physical and physiological factors differentiating more (i.e., medal-winning), from less (i.e., non-medallists) successful athletes in various individual and team-based field sports [6,[8][9][10][11][12], and even across weight divisions [13]. In combat sports, recent evidence has demonstrated that physical performance qualities contribute to success in Brazilian jiujitsu [14], taekwondo [10] and mixed martial arts [15].…”