Carlos Montero-Carretero

Trunk Stability, Trunk Strength and Sport Performance Level in Judo.

Although trunk muscle function has been suggested to be a determinant of judo performance, its contribution to high-level performance in this sport has been poorly studied. Therefore, several tests were used to assess the differences in trunk muscle function between 11 international and 14 national level judo practitioners (judokas). Trunk strength and endurance were assessed using isokinetic tests and core stability was assessed using two protocols: 1) sudden loading, to assess trunk responses to unexpected external perturbations; 2) stable and unstable sitting, to assess the participants’ ability to control trunk balance. No differences between groups were found for trunk flexor isokinetic strength, trunk responses against lateral and posterior loading and trunk control while sitting. However, international level judokas showed significantly higher trunk extensor isokinetic strength (p <0.05) and lower trunk angular displacement after anterior trunk loading (p <0.05) than national level judokas. Few and low (r < 0.512) significant correlations were found between strength, endurance and stability parameters, which suggests that trunk strength and endurance are not limiting factors for trunk stability in competitive judokas. These results support the importance of trunk extensor strength and trunk stability against forward perturbations in elite judo performance.

Promotion of autonomy for participation in physical activity: a study based on the trans-contextual model of motivation

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of a school-based intervention to promote physical activity, utilising the postulates of the trans-contextual model of motivation. The study examined two separate classes of elementary school students (mean age 11.28 years), one of which served as the control group (n = 26) and the other as the experimental group (n = 21). The intervention in the experimental group consisted of showing videos related to physical activity participation, conducting discussions and doing tasks related to the content presented in the videos and conducting family discussions. Autonomy support from teachers, peers and parents; motivation in physical education and leisure time physical activity; the different variables of theory of planned behaviour; and physical activity, were measured before and after the intervention. Results showed an increase in teacher autonomy support, identified regulation in physical education, autonomy support from parents and peers, integrated and identified regulation in leisure time physical activity, control, subjective norm, intention and physical activity in the experimental group. Furthermore, this increase resulted in post-intervention differences across groups in such variables. Results are discussed in relation to the important role of families in the promotion of physical activity participation.

Are active video games associated with less screen media or conventional physical activity

This study analyzed the time adolescents spend on active video games, sedentary screen media, and conventional physical activity as well as the interrelationships between these variables. Data were collected from 570 Spanish adolescents (15–16 years old) who completed a self-report questionnaire. A path analysis was carried out to analyze the relationships among the different variables. Time in television, video games, and physical activity were higher in males than in females. The use of television and video games positively predicted the use of active video games, which positively predicted physical activity participation. The findings of this study show that sedentary screen media and physical activity are behaviors that can coexist. The promotion of active video games as part of general strategies for the promotion of physical activity could be desirable, but it is likely to contribute to physical activity levels in only a small way. This article finishes with some recommendations related to the use of active/inactive screen media and the promotion of physical activity.

Correction: Trunk Stability, Trunk Strength and Sport Performance Level in Judo

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156267.].

Report on the First International Symposium Science in Judo (ISSJ)

espanolEl presente informe muestra un resumen del I Seminario Internacional Ciencia en Judo (SICJ), organizado por el Departamento de Psicologia de la Salud de la Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche (Espana), celebrado los dias 12, 13 y14 de octubre de 2017. Durante este seminario se presentaron los resultados de algunos de los proyectos de investigacion mas interesantes que se estan llevando a cabo actualmente en relacion al judo como disciplina deportiva. Se trataron una gran variedad de tematicas tales como biomecanica de la tecnica, salud, psicologia, nutricion, entrenamiento deportivo, educacion y perspectivas de futuro. Se llevaron a cabo cinco ponencias plenarias, seis mini-ponencias, una mesa redonda y dos workshops desarrollados “in situ” en el tatami. El seminario, en el cual participaron investigadores relevantes a nivel nacional e internacional, estuvo dirigido a una gran variedad de colectivos relacionados con el judo, desde estudiantes del Grado en Ciencias del Deporte, hasta entrenadores y deportistas de alto nivel, reuniendo en total a mas de 70 participantes. El objetivo fundamental fue acercar la evidencia cientifica a los diferentes profesionales del judo. EnglishThis report resumes the First International Symposium Science in Judo (ISSJ), organized by the Department of Health Psychology, Miguel Hernandez University, Elche (Spain), and held from October 12 to 14h, 2017. During this symposium some of the most relevant research projects related to judo as a sport were presented. There were a wide variety of topics, including biomechanics of technique, health, psychology, nutrition, sport training, education and future prospects. Five plenary sessions, six mini-sessions, one panel discussion and two workshops on tatami were developed. The symposium was an event where important national and international researchers participated. It was intended for groups related to judo, such as Sports Sciences students, judo coaches and high level judo athletes. More than 70 people participated in the symposium whose main aim was to provide scientific evidence on judo to judo professionals. portuguesEste relatorio sintetiza o Primeiro Simposio Internacional Ciencia no Judo (SICJ), organizado pelo Departamento de Psicologia da Saude, Universidade Miguel Hernandez, Elche (Espanha) e realizado de 12 a 14 de outubro de 2017. Durante este simposio, foram apresentados os resultados de alguns dos mais interessantes projetos de pesquisa que estao sendo realizados em relacao ao judo como disciplina esportiva. Uma grande variedade de topicos foi tratada, como biomecânica da tecnica, saude, psicologia, nutricao, treinamento esportivo, educacao e perspectivas futuras. Cinco apresentacoes plenarias, seis mini-apresentacoes, uma mesa redonda e dois workshops no tatami foram realizados. O simposio foi um evento onde participaram importantes pesquisadores nacionais e internacionais. Destinava-se a grupos relacionados ao judo, como estudantes de Ciencias do Esporte, treinadores de judo e atletas de judo de alto nivel. Mais de 70 pessoas participaram do simposio cujo principal objetivo foi mostrar evidencias cientificas sobre o judo aos profissionais do judo.