Isokinetic trunk parameters in elite judo athletes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between isokinetic trunk parameters in high performance judo athletes with anthropometric parameters and preference for specific throwing techniques. Cross-sectional study in a single center. Collected parameters: anthropometric data; preferred stroke; isokinetic evaluation of the spine (trunk) in flexion and extension with parameters of peak torque, total work and power. Isokinetic tests were performed by a single observer using a standardized methodology. The parameters were analyzed to determine the correlation between anthropometric parameters and blow/ techniques of preference. The study included 45 athletes (20 women), mean age 22.7 years, mean weight 81.3 kg and mean time of experience of 14.5 years. Practice and age did not correlate with isokinetic parameters. A positive correlation between trunk strength and weight was observed (p <0.001). In multivariate analysis, it was possible to observe that the addition of the male gender to the highest weight showed a strong or very strong correlation (R between 0.797 and 0.921; p <0.001) with higher values in flexion and extension. Within the preferred strokes, De-ashi-harai correlated with a lower touch on extension of the trunk (p = 0.034), Ko-uchi-gari with a higher touch with extension torque (p = 0.033, respectively), Sasae with a lower touch on extension (p = 0.024), and Kata-otoshi with greater touch and flexion work, respectively (p = 0.024 and 0.034 respectively). In the group of elite judokas studied in this work it was possible to observe that the weight was directly related to the strength of the trunk, with additive effects of the male gender. Weak and isolated correlations were found between isokinetic data and some specific throwing techniques, thus it may not be a direct relationship between trunk strength and sporting gesture preference.