Weight cycling in combat sports: revisiting 25 years of scientific evidence

Background: As combat sports are classified by body mass, many athletes engage in rapid weight loss (RWL) prior to competition so they can gain an advantage over lighter opponents. Following the weigh-in, athletes engage in rapid weight gain (RWG), whereby some athletes have been able to compete up to three weight categories greater than the official division weighed in at. Results: Although the impact of weight cycling on performance remains equivocal, robust scientific evidence indicates serious acute and chronic negative consequences on physiological and health-related parameters. Still, weight cycling remains highly prevalent in combat sports, and interventions to limit or stop this cultural norm are recommended. Conclusions: Weigh-ins for combat sports should be transitioned to take place closer to the start of competition. This reduced time and access to engage in RWG will cut down, if not completely prevent, weight cycling. These rule changes that aim to benefit athlete’s health and promote fairness must be made at the international level, which will promote them at those levels below, as well, given qualification protocols

The Role of Psychological Factors in Judo: A Systematic Review

(1) Background: Psychological parameters are relevant in the practice of judo. Previous studies have shown that parameters such as anxiety or motivation can have a negative or positive impact on the athlete\u2019s performance and general well-being, depending on the athlete\u2019s perception. This systematic review aimed to summarize the studies examining the influence of various psychological parameters on well-being and performance in judo athletes; (2) Methods: We followed preferred reporting elements for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We searched the Web of Science database for studies that explained the role of these parameters in elite athletes. Of the 286 articles initially identified, 17 met our eligibility criteria and were included in the review. In total, we analyzed data from 721 judo athletes; (3) Results: The studies found have demonstrated the impact of various psychological parameters during high-level performance and how these parameters can influence and lead an athlete to win or lose a competition. The feelings of tension, anger, anxiety, and nervousness were significantly increased in athletes who were facing defeat, while a decrease in the same segments and an increase in motivation among athletes who were experiencing better performance was observed. Further research under standardized conditions is needed to better understand the effects of these parameters on judo athletes; (4) Conclusions: Considering the athlete\u2019s psychological state can affect performance, and it is therefore important to monitor and train these factors

The effects of rapid weight loss on skeletal muscle in judo athletes

Objective: To observe the effect of rapid weight loss (RWL) methods over 3 days on muscle damage in judokas. Methods: Eighteen judokas participated in this crossover study, meaning that judo athletes were subjected to exercise-only phase (4 days) and RWL phase (3 days). Subjects were tested for myoglobin, creatine kinase, aldolase, hemoglobin, and hematocrit values on seven consecutive days. These biomarkers served as indicators of acute muscle damage. Results: During the exercise-only phase, no significant changes were observed. Myoglobin (Mb) (p < 0.001), creatine kinase (CK) (p < 0.001) and aldolase (ALD) (p < 0.001) significantly increased only during the RWL phase, as well as hemoglobin (Hb) (p < 0.001) and hematocrit (Hct) (p < 0.005) values. It was detected that peak values for muscle damage biomarkers were reached on the sixth day, while Hct and Hb values were the highest on the seventh day of the study. Conclusion: Our study showed significant muscle damage induced by RWL. The prevalence of RWL use by judokas is high but firm scientific evidence is lacking in the evaluation of the current practice of it. Therefore, further knowledge must be gained to evaluate the effectiveness of RWL on performance and its impact on judokas' wellbeing

Effects of a nine-month physical activity intervention on morphological characteristics and motor and cognitive skills of preschool children

(1) Background: Regular physical activity (PA) plays an important role during early childhood physical and psychological development. This study investigates the effects of a 9-month PA intervention on physiological characteristics and motor and cognitive skills in preschool children. (2) Methods: Preschool children (n = 132; age 4 to 7 years) attending regular preschool programs were nonrandomly assigned to PA intervention (n = 66; 60 min sessions twice per week) or a control group (n = 66; no additional organized PA program) for 9 months. Exercise training for the intervention group included various sports games, outdoor activities, martial arts, yoga, and dance. Anthropometry, motor skills (7 tests), and cognitive skills (Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices and Cognitive Assessment System) were assessed before and after an intervention period in both groups. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. (3) Results: Body weight significantly increased in both groups over time. Compared to the changes observed in the control group, the intervention group significantly increased in chest circumference (p = 0.022). In contrast, the control group demonstrated an increase in waist circumference (p = 0.001), while these measures in the intervention group remained stable. Participants in the intervention group improved running speed (p = 0.016) and standing broad jump (p = 0.000). The flexibility level was maintained in the intervention group, while a significant decrease was observed in the control group (p = 0.010). Children from the intervention group demonstrated progress in the bent-arm hang test (p = 0.001), unlike the control group subjects. Varied improvements in cognitive skills were observed for different variables in both intervention and control groups, with no robust evidence for PA-intervention-related improvements. (4) Conclusions: Preschool children’s participation in a preschool PA intervention improves their motor skills

Isokinetic profile of Elite Serbian female judoists

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\u2010eight elite female judo athletes of the Serbian national team (21.02 \ub1 3.11 years; 62.36 \ub1 11.91 kg, 165.04 \ub1 10.24 cm, training experience 12.72 \ub1 2.98 years) volunteered to participate in this study. The range of motion (ROM) was set at 90\u2070. Testing was performed in a concentric\u2013concentric mode for the testing speed of 60 \u2070/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

Effects of rapid weight loss on judo athletes: A systematic review

Rapid weight loss (RWL) is commonly practiced among judo athletes. Although it helps them to gain the advantage over their lighter opponents, previous studies have shown that RWL can have a negative impact on the athlete\u2019s performance and overall well-being. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence that examines the influence of rapid weight loss on physiological parameters, biomarkers, and psychological well-being in judo athletes. We followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. We searched for studies on Web of Science and PubMed that elaborate on the influence of 655% RWL achieved over 647-day period in judokas. Out of 52 studies initially found, 14 studies met our eligibility criteria and were included in the review. In total, we examined data from 1103 judo athletes. Retrieved studies showed conflicting data concerning physiological parameters and biomarkers, while psychological well-being parameters were more consistent than physiological and biomarkers. The feeling of tension, anger, and fatigue significantly increased while a decrease in vigor was demonstrated among athletes who lost weight rapidly. The evidence on the impact of RWL on performance remains ambiguous. More studies under standardized conditions are needed in order to provide firm evidence. Considering the harmful effects of RWL outlined in the existing literature, it is important to determine and monitor athlete\u2019s minimal competitive weight to prioritize the health and safety of the athlete, emphasize fairness, and ultimately benefit the sport

Patterns of rapid weight loss in elite sambo athletes

Background: Rapid weight loss (RWL) is commonly practiced in combat sports. Both magnitude and methods used to induce RWL are largely similar among combat sports, but currently, there is no data on RWL methodology used by sambo athletes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine RWL procedures sambo athletes apply to lose weight rapidly. Methods: The sample consisted of 199 participants, of which 132 males and 67 females who participated in the World Sambo Championship 2020 held in Novi Sad, Serbia. Each participant received RWL questionnaire that was available in multiple languages, and every participant was instructed how to fill it out. Results: Almost 87% of sambo participants declared to have intentionally cut their weight prior to the competition, whereby 5.27 kg (SD: ±7.57) was lost. Gradual dieting, sauna use and skipping meals were the most dominant methods used to reduce weight prior to competition while more extreme methods of RWL such as the use of laxatives, diuretics, diet pills and vomiting were also implemented but by much smaller fragment of the participants involved. Conclusions: Findings from our study largely match with previously conducted RWL studies in terms of prevalence, magnitude and methods used by combat sport athletes, especially in judo and wrestling. Knowing the hazardous consequences of RWL, alternative methods of sustainable weight loss should be considered

Health implications of judo training

Although current physical activity (PA) guidelines regarding aerobic and anaerobic training are helpful for the population at large, many individuals prefer to engage in alternative forms of PA such as combat sports. As both a martial art and sport, judo is a physically demanding form of PA that potentially offers a novel experience, consequently leading to greater PA adherence. This study aimed to thoroughly search the existing literature to determine the health benefits of judo-specific training. PubMed and Web of Science were searched for original research studies. Only peer‐reviewed studies that examined the effects of judo training in males and females aged 18–35 were included in the study. Out of 507 potentially relevant studies, 84 studies met our inclusion criteria and were further analyzed. Data showed that judo athletes and recreational judo practitioners show above‐average VO2max, improved body composition, increased bone mineral density, and bone mineral content. Judo is associated with a sequence of adaptations in cardiac structure, function, and blood pressure changes. More research is needed to discover if these changes are maladaptive

Cardiac response to Nage no Kata in judo

The first world judo Kata competition was held in October 2007 in Tokyo, Japan. The Nage no Kata was developed in 1884 and 1885 at the Kodokan. by Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, who developed Kata to demonstrate the principles of judo and to provide a type of training which emphasized performing techniques under controlled setting. According to Kano, to fully develop judo skills, it is essential to involve both Randori and Kata techniques [1]. Most highgrade Japanese judo teachers emphasize the importance of Kata performance for judokas’ development, in particular Nage no Kata [2]. Results of the study conducted by Canestri et al. [3] suggested that session-RPE and HR monitoring is a simple and practical tool to quantify training loads in judo in different conditions. To date, no studies have investigated on possible association between HR and RPE related to Nage no Kata in judo athletes. Also, empirical evidence shows no studies that have researched correlation between Tori and Uke in any segment of judo performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyse the changes in HR and RPE of male and female judo athletes who performed Nage no Kata in a competitive setting