Biomotor structures in elite female handball players

In order to identify biomotor structures in elite female handball players, factor structures of morphological characteristics and basic motor abilities of elite female handball players (N = 53) were determined first, followed by determination of relations between the morphological-motor space factors obtained and the set of criterion variables evaluating situation motor abilities in handball. Factor analysis of 14 morphological measures produced three morphological factors, i.e. factor of absolute voluminosity (mesoendomorph), factor of longitudinal skeleton dimensionality, and factor of transverse hand dimensionality. Factor analysis of 15 motor variables yielded five basic motor dimensions, i.e. factor of agility, factor of jumping explosive strength, factor of throwing explosive strength, factor of movement frequency rate, and factor of running explosive strength (sprint). Four significant canonic correlations, i.e. linear combinations, explained the correlation between the set of eight latent variables of the morphological and basic motor space and five variables of situation motoricity. First canonic linear combination is based on the positive effect of the factors of agility/coordination on the ability of fast movement without ball. Second linear combination is based on the effect of jumping explosive strength and transverse hand dimensionality on ball manipulation, throw precision, and speed of movement with ball. Third linear combination is based on the running explosive strength determination by the speed of movement with ball, whereas fourth combination is determined by throwing and jumping explosive strength, and agility on ball pass. The results obtained were consistent with the model of selection in female handball proposed (Srhoj et al., 2006), showing the speed of movement without ball and the ability of ball manipulation to be the predominant specific abilities, as indicated by the first and second linear combination.     

Biomotor structures in elite female handball players according to performance

In order to identify biomotor structures in elite female handball players, factor structures of morphological characteristics and basic motor abilities, and of variables evaluating situation motor abilities of elite female handball players (n = 53) were determined first, followed by determination of differences and relations of the morphological, motor and specific motor space according to handball performance. Factor analysis of 16 morphological measures produced three morphological factors, i.e. factor of absolute voluminosity, i.e. mesoendomorphy, factor of longitudinal skeleton dimensionality, and factor of transverse hand dimensionality. Factor analysis of 15 motor variables yielded five basic motor dimensions, i.e. factor of agility, factor of throwing explosive strength, factor of running explosive strength (sprint), factor of jumping explosive strength and factor of movement frequency rate. Factor analysis of 5 situation motor variables produced two dimensions: factor of specific agility with explosiveness and factor of specific precision with ball manipulation. Analysis of variance yielded greatest differences relative to handball performance in the factor of specific agility and throwing strength, and the factor of basic motoricity that integrates the ability of coordination (agility) with upper extremity throwing explosiveness and lower extremity sprint (30-m sprint) and jumping (standing triple jump). Considering morphological factors, the factor of voluminosity, i.e. mesoendomorphy, which is defined by muscle mass rather than adipose tissue, was found to contribute significantly to the players'performance. Results of regression analysis indicated the handball performance to be predominantly determined by the general specific motor factor based on specific agility and explosiveness, and by the morphological factor based on body mass and volume, i.e. muscle mass. Concerning basic motor abilities, the factor of movement frequency rate, which is associated with the ability of ball manipulation, was observed to predict significantly the handball players' performance.     

Influence of performance level on anaerobic power and body composition in elite male judoists

This study examined the relationship between 30-second anaerobic power and body composition by performance level in elite Judoists. During a 3-month period, 10 male Korean Judo national team athletes (NT), 26 male university varsity team athletes (VT), and 28 male junior varsity team athletes (JT) were assessed for 30-second anaerobic power and body composition at the Youngin University. Anaerobic power was measured using a 30-second Wingate test. Body composition was assessed via bioelectric impedance analysis in standardized conditions using BioSpace (Korean)-specific prediction formulas. All testing occurred at the beginning of the winter nonseason period but excluded a brief weight-loss period before the competition phase. Anaerobic power measures were significantly greater (p < 0.05) in NT and VT than in JT. Fat-free mass (FFM), muscle mass (MM), and total body water in JT were also greater than in VT and JT (p < 0.05). Muscle mass in VT was significantly lower than in NT (p < 0.05). Fat-free mass in NT was strongly correlated to mean and peak anaerobic power (r = 0.77, p = 0.009; r = 0.87, p < 0.001, respectively). Varsity team athletes also indicated a moderate association between FFM and peak and mean anaerobic power (r = 0.63, p < 0.001; r = 0.48, p = 0.013, respectively). However, relationship between FFM and anaerobic power was not statistically significantly correlated in JT (r = 0.14, p = 0.470; r = 0.23, p = 0.232, separately). In conclusion, our data indicated that anaerobic power is closely correlated with increase in FFM and MM and was different dependent among performance levels. Further research in the field is warranted to elucidate the Judo-specific relationship between FFM and performance.     

Endurance training and sprint performance in elite junior cross-country skiers

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between aerobic characteristics and sprint skiing performance, and the effects of high-intensity endurance training on sprint skiing performance and aerobic characteristics. Ten male and 5 female elite junior cross-country skiers performed an 8-week intervention training period. The intervention group (IG, n = 7) increased the volume of high-intensity endurance training performed in level terrain, whereas the control group (CG, n = 8) continued their baseline training. Before and after the intervention period, the skiers were tested for 1.5-km time-trial performance on roller skis outdoors in the skating technique. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO?max) and oxygen uptake at the ventilatory threshold (VO?VT) were measured during treadmill running. VO?max and VO?VT were closely related to sprint performance (r = ~0.75, both p < 0.008). The IG improved sprint performance, VO?max, and VO?VT from pre to posttesting and improved sprint performance and VO?VT when compared to the CG (all p < 0.01). This study shows a close relationship between aerobic power and sprint performance in cross-country skiing and highlights the positive effects of high-intensity endurance training in level terrain.     

Body size changes in elite junior rowers: 1997 to 2007

The aim of this study was to determine whether elite international junior rowers in 2007 were heavier and taller than those evaluated in 1997, and to compare this change among finalists and non-finalists, and sweep rowers and scullers. Body weight and height data obtained by a questionnaire from a total of 398 rowers (42% female, 58% male) at the Junior World Rowing Championships in Beijing, People's Republic of China, in 2007 (65.9% of all competitors), were compared with data from 603 rowers measured at the Junior World Rowing Championships in Hazewinkel, Belgium in 1997 (36.5% female, 63.5% male, representing 90% and 89% of all competitors, respectively, by gender). Male and female rowers in 2007 were significantly taller compared to those in 1997 (1.0 cm, p = 0.009 and 2.1 cm, p < 0.001, respectively; one-sample t-test). No statistically significant difference was found for body mass. The finalists and sweep rowers were taller and heavier compared to nonfinalists and scullers at both Championships respectively. The heights of elite level junior rowers increased significantly over the decade. The finalists at World Junior Rowing Championships were again taller and heavier compared to the nonfinalists.     

Anthropometric and performance variables discriminating elite American junior men weightlifters

The purpose of this study is to identify physical and performance variables that discriminate elite American junior-aged men weightlifters from nonelite performers. Using a cross-sectional design, multiple discriminant analysis was used to determine field tests identifying elite male junior weightlifters. Young men who were participants (n = 115) at the Junior National and Junior Olympics Weightlifting Championships volunteered as subjects (mean +/- SD age = 14.8 +/- 2.3 years). Elite weightlifters (n = 20) were identified as the top 17.5% of national-level competitors when weightlifting performances were adjusted for body mass using the Sinclair equation. All other weightlifters were classified as nonelite (n = 95). Test batteries were performed immediately upon completion of a national-level weightlifting competition. Variables measured included easily-administered field tests of physical dimensions and body composition, muscular strength and power, flexibility, and gross motor control. The resulting regression equations correctly classified 84.35% of the weightlifters as elite or nonelite. Five variables significantly contributed to the discriminant analysis (Wilks Lambda = 0.6637392, chi(2) = 44.880, df = 5, p < 0.0001, adjusted R(2) = 0.67). Body mass index accounted for 23.13% of the total variance, followed by vertical jump (22.78%), relative fat (18.09%), grip strength (14.43%), and torso angle during an overhead squat (0.92%). The use of these 5 easily administered field tests is potentially useful as a screening tool for elite American junior men weightlifters.     

Training leading to repetition failure enhances bench press strength gains in elite junior athletes

The purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of training leading to repetition failure in the performance of 2 different tests: 6 repetition maximum (6RM) bench press strength and 40-kg bench throw power in elite junior athletes. Subjects were 26 elite junior male basketball players (n = 12; age = 18.6 +/- 0.3 years; height = 202.0 +/- 11.6 cm; mass = 97.0 +/- 12.9 kg; mean +/- SD) and soccer players (n = 14; age = 17.4 +/- 0.5 years; height = 179.0 +/- 7.0 cm; mass = 75.0 +/- 7.1 kg) with a history of greater than 6 months' strength training. Subjects were initially tested twice for 6RM bench press mass and 40-kg Smith machine bench throw power output (in watts) to establish retest reliability. Subjects then undertook bench press training with 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks, using equal volume programs (24 repetitions x 80-105% 6RM in 13 minutes 20 seconds). Subjects were assigned to one of two experimental groups designed either to elicit repetition failure with 4 sets of 6 repetitions every 260 seconds (RF(4 x 6)) or allow all repetitions to be completed with 8 sets of 3 repetitions every 113 seconds (NF(8 x 3)). The RF(4 x 6) treatment elicited substantial increases in strength (7.3 +/- 2.4 kg, +9.5%, p < 0.001) and power (40.8 +/- 24.1 W, +10.6%, p < 0.001), while the NF(8 x 3) group elicited 3.6 +/- 3.0 kg (+5.0%, p < 0.005) and 25 +/- 19.0 W increases (+6.8%, p < 0.001). The improvements in the RF(4 x 6) group were greater than those in the repetition rest group for both strength (p < 0.005) and power (p < 0.05). Bench press training that leads to repetition failure induces greater strength gains than nonfailure training in the bench press exercise for elite junior team sport athletes.     

Kinematical analysis of the snatch in elite male junior weightlifters of different weight categories

The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences in the technical pattern of the snatch in elite junior weightlifters of different weight categories. The sample was a group of 33 men weightlifters from different weight categories. The comparative study included 2 groups, taking into account weight categories. Group A included 17 weightlifters from the lightest categories, 56 and 62 kg; group B included 16 weightlifters from the heaviest categories, 85 and 105 kg. Three-dimensional photogrammetry technique was utilized. Regarding group differences, we can conclude that lifters belonging to heavier categories are more efficient, as they manage to have longer barbell propulsion trajectories, which allows them to exert actions on the barbell for a longer period, especially in the initial lifting phase. They attain greater barbell vertical velocity (p = 0.029), a longer vertical bar trajectory normalized on first pull (p = 0.011), and a greater, although limited, bar height loss on the catch (p = 0.008). Besides, intergroup differences evidence that heavier category lifters observe a different temporal organization of the movement based on a longer first pull (p = 0.000), a shorter transition (p = 0.030), and a longer turnover (p = 0.049). No significant differences were found in the analyzed angular parameters during the first and second pull. We believe the intergroup differences found not to be determining enough to consider a technical model adapted to the characteristics of each body weight category. This confirms that a successful lift is multifactor based and individual dependent. Given its transcendence, this evidence should be taken into account in the technical training of young lifters.     

Physiological and anthropometric correlates of tackling ability in junior elite and subelite rugby league players

This study investigated the tackling ability of junior elite and subelite rugby league players, and determined the relationship between selected physiological and anthropometric characteristics and tackling ability in these athletes. Twenty-eight junior elite (mean ± SD age, 16.0 ± 0.2 years) and 13 junior subelite (mean ± SD age, 15.9 ± 0.6 years) rugby league players underwent a standardized 1-on-1 tackling drill in a 10-m grid. Video footage was taken from the rear, side, and front of the defending player. Tackling proficiency was assessed using standardized technical criteria. In addition, all players underwent measurements of standard anthropometry (stature, body mass, and sum of 7 skinfolds), acceleration (10-m sprint), change of direction speed (505 test), and lower body muscular power (vertical jump). Junior elite players had significantly greater (p < 0.05) tackling proficiency than junior subelite players (65.7 ± 12.5 vs. 54.3 ± 16.8%). Junior elite players tended to be taller, heavier, leaner, and have greater acceleration, change of direction speed, and muscular power, than the junior subelite players. The strongest individual correlates of tackling ability were acceleration (r = 0.60, p < 0.001) and lower body muscular power (r = 0.38, p < 0.05). When multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine which of the physiological and anthropometric characteristics predicted tackling ability, fast acceleration was the only variable that contributed significantly (r2 = 0.24, p < 0.01) to the predictive model. These findings demonstrate that fast acceleration, and to a lesser extent, lower body muscular power contribute to effective tackling ability in junior rugby league players. From a practical perspective, strength and conditioning coaches should emphasize the development of acceleration and lower body muscular power qualities to improve tackling ability in junior rugby league players.     

Anthropological determinants of success in young judoists

There is an evident lack of experimental studies dealing with the anthropological determinants of success in judo, especially concerning young athletes. In this paper we have attempted to establish some of the anthropological factors potentially related to judo competition achievement in 15-16 year old athletes. A set of 14 anthropometric and 12 motor-endurance variables was tested on the best young judoists in Croatia (all males, N = 34). All the subjects had competed on the National Championship (NC), and the criterion was defined according to their final NC achievement. Factor analysis and discriminant canonical analysis (DISCRA) were calculated separately on the motor-endurance and anthropometric status variables. DISCRA showed the successful judoists as dominant in strength and endurance status. In contrast, there were no significant differences in the anthropometric dimensions regarding any differentiation between the more and less successful athletes. Possible explanations are discussed.     

Anthropometric and motor features of young judoists in Vojvodina

The aim of the study was to identify differences between trained and untrained subjects with respect to body composition and motor abilities. Two groups of subjects participated in the study: young judoists (110 boys and 56 girls) and their untrained mates (115 boys and 60 girls), aged 11 to 16 years, all from the Province of Vojvodina, Serbia. Young male judoists proved significantly better than their untrained mates in repetitive and static strength exercises, running speed, whole-body coordination, and had lower subcutaneous fat tissue of the upper arm. Young female judoists were significantly better in repetitive strength, whole-body coordination and plate tapping, chest girth and stretched upper arm, and also had lower subcutaneous fat tissue of the upper arm and back.     

Biomotor development in 1992 and 2002 samples of seven-year-old children

The aim of the study was to determine quantitative and qualitative differences in the morphological-motor status between elementary school first-graders of both sexes in 1992 and 2002. A standard set of 11 variables currently used in the Croatian school system to evaluate the morphological, motor and functional status of school children was employed at the beginning of academic years in a sample of 635 children (325 male and 310 female) in 1992 and a sample of 850 children (430 male and 420 female) in 2002. The mean age of study children was 7 years (+/- 2 months). Results of canonic discriminative analysis revealed the male children enrolled in elementary school first grade in 2002 to show better performance on the tests of aerobic endurance, static strength and explosive strength, and to have greater mass of muscle tissue and less adipose tissue, while achieving poorer results on the test of movement frequency than their 1992 counterparts. Female children tested in 2002 showed better results on the test of aerobic endurance and all tests of strength factors, with greater mass of muscle tissue and less adipose tissue, while yielding poorer results on the tests of flexibility, coordination and movement frequency as compared with their 1992 counterparts. Factor analysis in the morphological-motor system isolated three varimax factors each in children of both sexes tested in 1992 and 2002. First factor showed a pattern of a general morphological factor predominantly defined by body weight and volume in the children of both sexes from both study years. Second factor showed a pattern of a general motoricity factor predominantly defined by explosive strength, coordination and speed in children tested in 1992, whereas in their 2002 counterparts the general motoricity factor was predominantly defined by the factors of strength and endurance. Third factor was defined by flexibility in both 1992 and 2002 children. In female children tested in 1992, second factor mostly defined energy regulation with predominance of explosive and static strength, followed by coordination, whereas third factor was defined by movement frequency and aerobic endurance. In female children tested in 2002, second factor mostly defined energy regulation with predominance of explosive and repetitive strength, followed by aerobic endurance and coordination, whereas third factor was defined by movement frequency followed by muscle tone regulation.     

Depressed humoral immunity after weight reduction in competitive judoists

We studied changes in serum opsonic activity (SOA) in male judoists who were engaged in active weight reduction. Serum immunoglobulins, complements and SOA, measured by neutrophil‐associated chemiluminescence responses, were investigated 20 days, 7 days and 1 day before a competition and 5 days after the competition. In addition, muscle strength and anaerobic work capacity, as well as body composition, were also determined. A dietary survey was conducted daily during the observation period. Body weight decreased by 4.2 kg over 19 days. SOA significantly decreased 5 days after the competition, as well as the concentrations of serum immunoglobulins, complements and total proteins. These trends were noted in the marked weight reduction group (i.e. reduction weight of body fat/body fat weight before weight reduction ≧25%) more than the slight reduction group (<25%). Depressed SOA was closely correlated with the decreased concentrations of immunoglobulins and complements. These results suggest that the decrease in immunoglobulins and complements following weight reduction is associated with reduced SOA, which might cause susceptibility to infections. This study demonstrated that such immunosuppression appeared in the recovery period after the competition rather than immediately before the competition. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Standard anthropometric, body composition, and strength variables as predictors of jumping performance in elite junior athletes

The aim of the study was to investigate whether variables routinely assessed while testing athletes can also predict movement performance. The relation between jumping performance and standard strength, anthropometric, and body composition variables was examined in elite junior basketball players. The 33 males were tested for maximal vertical jump, as well as for maximal isometric voluntary force and rate of force development of hip and knee extensors. Standard anthropometric and body composition measures (body height, lean body mass, as well as the percentage of fat and muscle tissue) were also taken. Except for maximal isometric forces (0.38 and 0.52 N.kg(-1) for hip and knee extensors, respectively), all correlation coefficients between the selected variables and jump height were insignificant. As a consequence, the corresponding multiple correlation coefficient, R = 0.71, also suggested a moderate predictability of jumping performance by the standard strength tests and anthropometric and body composition variables. The results obtained dispute the use of the examined tests in sport performance assessment, and also question applying the tests for other purposes such as evaluation of training procedures or selection of young athletes. Therefore, the results are in line with the concept that a reliable performance assessment in homogeneous groups of athletes requires predominantly movement-specific testing.     

Salivary hormonal responses and performance changes during 15 weeks of mixed aerobic and weight training in elite junior wrestlers

ABSTRACT: Passelergue, PA and Lac, G. Salivary hormonal responses and performance changes during 15 weeks of mixed aerobic and weight training in elite junior wrestlers. J Strength Cond Res 26(11): 3049-3058, 2012-To prepare efficiently for competition, wrestlers usually train physically for a period of approximately 12-20 weeks. Numerous physical qualities must be developed during this period of preparation: aerobic fitness, maximal strength, muscular endurance, power, and speed. However, numerous studies have concluded that it is difficult to concurrently develop strength and aerobic fitness for several reasons, in particular antagonistic endocrine variations. The study involved 15 elite junior wrestlers who trained at a sports training school for 15 weeks. To investigate the effects of long-term training and to assess the relationships between hormonal concentrations (salivary testosterone [T] and cortisol [C]) and performance changes during simultaneous strength and aerobic fitness training, 6 saliva samples and 3 physical tests and 2 measures of body composition were made during the training period. Wrestlers had a significant increase (+1.5 kg) in body weight without changes in percentage body fat. Apart from the 20-m maximal shuttle speed, all performances increased significantly during the 15 weeks of training: maximum mechanical power output (Pmax: +12.8%), mean power during 30 seconds (Pmean: +10.8%), bench press (+5.7%), squat (+23.1%), power clean (+6.1%), time to 3,000- and 30-m sprints (-3.6, -1.3% respectively). During the period that the C increased, there was no significant variation for the T. The T/C ratio followed a variation pattern contrary to that of the C. We found strong correlations between salivary T, C, and T/C and the variation in explosive strength. Our results suggest that data about subjects' salivary C, T, and T/C may be employed to optimize the training process for sports people who need to develop strength and aerobic fitness simultaneously.     

Effect of glutamine supplementation on neutrophil function in male judoists

Glutamine is an important amino acid for immune function. Though high intensity and prolonged exercise decreases plasma glutamine concentration and causes immune suppression, the relationship between neutrophil functions and glutamine has not yet been found. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impacts of glutamine supplementation on neutrophil function. Twenty‐six male university judoists were recruited. Subjects were classified into glutamine and control groups. The glutamine group ingested 3000 mg of glutamine per day and the control group ingested placebo for 2 weeks. Examinations were performed at the start of preunified loading exercise (pre‐ULE), then 1 and 2 weeks after ULE (post‐ULE). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, phagocytic activity, serum opsonic activity and serum myogenic enzymes were measured. Differences between the levels obtained in pre‐ULE and post‐ULE for the two groups were compared. In the glutamine group, ROS production activity increased 1 week after ULE, whereas it was not observed in the control group (P < 0.001). Though myogenic enzymes increased significantly after ULE (P < 0.001), the glutamine group remained unchanged by supplementation during ULE. Glutamine supplementation has prevented excessive muscle damage and suppression of neutrophil function, especially in ROS production activity, even during an intensive training period. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Performance analysis of elite Rugby League match play using global positioning systems

The aim of this study was (a) to examine the physiological demands of competitive Rugby League match play using portable Global Positioning Systems (GPSs) to monitor players' movement patterns and heart rate (HR) and (b) examine positional comparisons to determine if players' physiological requirements are influenced by their playing position during Rugby League match play. Twenty-two elite male Rugby League players were monitored during 5 regular season competition matches using portable GPS software. There was no difference in the total distance traveled between backs (5,573 ± 1,128 m) and forwards (4,982 ± 1,185 m) during match play. Backs and forwards had an average HR of approximately 80% of their maximum (162 ± 11 and 165 ± 12 b · min(-1), respectively) throughout each match. Backs achieved greater maximum running speed (8.6 ± 0.7 m · s(-1)), completed a greater number of sprints (18 ± 6), had less time between sprints (3.2 ± 1.1 minutes), achieved a greater total duration of sprinting (44.7 ± 9.1 seconds), and covered more distance sprinting (321 ± 74 m) than forwards did (6.8 ± 0.7 m · s(-1), 11 ± 5, 5.2 ± 2.2 minutes, 25.8 ± 9.2 seconds, and 153 ± 38 m, respectively). The GPS successfully provided real-time feedback to identify significant positional differences in distances covered, running speed characteristics, and the physiological demands of competitive Rugby League match play.     

A systems model of training responses and its relationship to hormonal responses in elite weight-lifters

A systems model, providing an estimation of fatigue and fitness levels was applied to a 1-year training period of six elite weight-lifters. The model parameters were individually determined by fitting the predicted performance (calculated as the difference between fitness and fatigue) to the actual one. The purpose of this study was to validate the systems model by comparing the estimated levels of fatigue and fitness with biological parameters external to the model calculation. The predicted and the actual performances were significantly correlated in each subject. The calculated fitness and fatigue levels were related to serum testosterone concentration, testosterone: cortisol and testosterone: sex hormone binding globulin ratios. The best results were obtained by the comparison between fitness and testosterone levels, which varied in parallel in each subject. In two subjects this correlation was significant (r = 0.91, P less than 0.05, and r = 0.92, P less than 0.01). The fitness changes calculated in each subject between the 15th and the 51st weeks of training were significantly correlated with the changes in serum testosterone concentration measured in the same period (r = 0.99, P less than 0.001). For the whole group testosterone and fitness variations were also significantly intercorrelated (r = 0.73, P less than 0.001). Correlations, less homogeneous and less significant, were calculated also for other hormones and ratios. These results suggest that (1) the relationships between training and performance can be described by the systems model, (2) the estimated index of fitness has a physiological meaning. The fatigue index remains to be clarified.     

Effects of weight reduction on neutrophil phagocytic activity and oxidative burst activity in female judoists

This study investigated the effects of short‐term weight reduction on neutrophil functions in female judoists. Sixteen actively competing female judoists were divided into two groups. Eight who required weight reduction were de?ned as the weight reduction group, and the remaining eight were used as the control. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after and 8 days after the match. Phagocytic activity and oxidative burst activity of neutrophils were measured by ?ow cytometry. In the weight reduction group, the phagocytic activity per cell decreased signi?cantly at the end of weight reduction compared with the control group. The rate of neutrophils producing reactive oxygen species and the oxidative burst activity per cell increased signi?cantly at the end of weight reduction in both the control and the weight reduction groups. We concluded that weight reduction, consisting of both intense exercise and energy restriction, might possibly cause both an increase in oxidative burst activity and decrease in neutrophil phagocytic activity in female judoists. However, although exercise increased oxidative burst activity, it did not affect neutrophil phagocytic activity alone. Therefore, to avoid this problem, female judoists are recommended to keep their weight within those limits determined by their class, and which can be reduced by exercise. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Postural adaptations specific to preferred throwing techniques practiced by competition-level judoists.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the judoists' postural regulation adopted to accommodate their favorite throwing technique (tokui-waza). The tokui-waza is a technique performed in bipodal or monopodal stance. Twenty three judoists aged between 16 and 20 took part in the protocol. All had a minimum regional sportive level. They were separated into two groups: the one performed a tokui-waza in bipodal stance (BS group) and the others performed a tokui-waza in monopodal stance (MS group). The medio/lateral and antero/posterior dynamic balance was evaluated on one-leg and two-leg support with a seesaw platform laid on a force platform. On two-leg support, the BS group judoists were more efficient than the MS group judoists. On the contrary, on one-leg support, the MS group was more efficient than the BS group. The different movements practiced on one or two-leg induce specific postural adaptations in competition-level judoists. Therefore, the present study shows that the different movements practiced in a given sport can induce particular postural adaptations. This phenomenon must therefore also be taken into account in the protocols used for evaluating postural control in sportsmen.