Specific fitness of elite and novice judoists
Article (PDF)
Authors
Sterkowicz S., Franchini E.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare elite and novice judoists in the performance of a specific judo fitness test (SJFT) (Sterkowicz, 1995). The subjects were 80 judoists from Brazil and Poland, grouped according to age: younger (n = 50) – up to 21 years old, older (n = 30) – over 21 years old; competition achievement: elite (n = 33) – Brazilian or Polish National medallists or International medallists, novice (n = 47) – non medallists in National or International Championships; weight categories (60 kg, 66 kg, 73 kg, 81 kg, 90 kg, 100 kg and over 100 kg). Groups were compared by means of a two-way ANOVA for repeated measurements and MANOVA. The main results indicate: elite judoists performed a greater number of throws during the 3 series of the SJFT compared with novice judoists, demonstrating a higher anaerobic capacity in a specific setting. Elite judoist also had a lower heart rate after the SJFT and a lower index, interpreted as a better anaerobic-aerobic performance. These results indicate the capability of the SJFT to correctly differentiate elite from novice judoists and could be used in a control of training and talent identification process.
DOI
Key words
judo, anaerobic performance, specific fitness test, elite athletes