Ursula Ferreira Julio

A comparison of time-motion performance between age groups in judo matches

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare time-motion indicators during judo matches performed by athletes from different age groups. The following age groups were analysed: Pre-Juvenile (13–14 years, n = 522), Juvenile (15–16 years, n = 353); Junior (19 years, n = 349) and Senior (>20 years, n = 587). The time-motion indicators included: Total Combat Time, Standing Combat Time, Displacement Without Contact, Gripping Time, Groundwork Combat Time and Pause Time. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) one-way and the Tukey test, as well as the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney (for non-parametric data), were conducted, using P < 0.05 as significance level. The results showed that all analysed groups obtained a median of 7 (first quantile - 3, third quantile - 12) sequences of combat/pause cycles. In total time of combat, the result was: for Total Combat Time, Standing Combat Time and Gripping Time: Pre-Juvenile and Senior were significantly longer than Juvenile and Junior. Considering Displacement Without Contact, Junior was significantly longer than all other age groups. For Groundwork Combat Time, Senior was significantly longer than all other age groups and Pre-Juvenile was longer than Junior. These results can be used to improve the physiological performance in intermittent practices, as well as technical-tactical training during judo sessions.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Simulated Competition Part II: Physical Performance, Time-Motion, Technical-Tactical Analyses, and Perceptual Responses.

Abstract Andreato, LV, Julio, UF, Gonçalves Panissa, VL, Del Conti Esteves, JV, Hardt, F, Franzói de Moraes, SM, Oliveira de Souza, C, and Franchini, E. Brazilian jiu-jitsu simulated competition part II: Physical performance, time-motion, technical-tactical analyses, and perceptual responses. J Strength Cond Res 29(7): 2015–2025, 2015—The aim of this study was to analyze performance, time structure, technical actions, and perceptual responses in Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes during a simulated competition. For this purpose, 10 athletes were analyzed in a simulated competition (4 matches of 10 minutes). Physical tests and scales of the perception of effort and recovery were applied. The matches were recorded for the purpose of technical-tactical analysis and to determine the time structure. The main results show that in the simulated competition, reaction time (F 2.5,17.6 = 2.7; p = 0.087; &eegr; 2 = 0.28) and flexibility (F 7,63 = 1.5; p = 0.172; &eegr; 2 = 0.15) were unchanged across the matches. An analysis of variance showed a significant difference for grip endurance using the kimono (F 2.0,15.9 = 8.1; p = 0.004; &eegr; 2 = 0.50), which was not confirmed by the Bonferroni test. Jump height indicated postactivation potentiation after match 2 (F 7,63 = 3.5; p = 0.003; &eegr; 2 = 0.28). The maximal isometric handgrip strength in the dominant hand (F 3.2,28.6 = 2.9; p = 0.049; &eegr; 2 = 0.24) and in the nondominant hand (F 7,63 = 3.8; p = 0.002; &eegr; 2 = 0.30) showed a decline after matches 3 and 4. Although these data indicate the onset of fatigue, the effort/pause ratio of the matches was not altered (F 3,12 = 0.6; p = 0.624; &eegr; 2 = 0.13). The perceptions of effort (F 3,27 = 0.9; p = 0.469; &eegr; 2 = 0.09) and recovery (F 1.9,17.0 = 2.4; p = 0.125; &eegr; 2 = 0.21) and the degree of fatigue reported (F 1.5,13.8 = 0.5; p = 0.588; &eegr; 2 = 0.05) did not change during the simulated competition. Thus, it may be concluded that the execution of successive matches causes a decline in maximal isometric handgrip strength. No changes in the time structure of the matches or in the perceptual responses were observed.

Objectivity of FRAMI-Software for Judo Match Analysis

The use of technology can greatly improve performance analysis in sport. The purpose of this paper is to present objectivity measures from the computer software for judo matches, called FRAMI. In order to verify objectivity measures, 573 matches of two different levels of championships (regional and state matches) were taped. Next, the data was assessed through intra and inter-observer testing procedures. In inter-observer comparison, the first expert selected 10 combats in a randomized form and had analyzed 20 athletes’ performances, the second expert analyzed the same 20 athletes and the third expert analyzed the same 20 athletes. After this procedure, the last expert analyzed the same sample two more times for intra-observer testing. The following groups of match variables were considered: time structure; penalties; execution, orientation and scores of attack techniques, and; gripping types. In order to verify concordance, means were compared and a quartile criteria of the confidence interval was established by  ≥ 0.70, where concordance was classified as strong (q ≤ 30%), moderate (30% < q ≤ 60%) or weak (q > 60%). The computer program showed a strong concordance between and within the evaluators’ comparisons, from a total of 42 criteria, since their replies were almost totally identical (86.11% are strong or absolute). Variables with weak classification will be grouped for better results. In conclusion, this software can clarify the understanding of technical and tactical judo match analysis with very good accuracy.

A comparison of time-motion and technical–tactical variables between age groups of female judo matches

Abstract The aim of the study was to verify differences between age groups of female judo matches in time-motion and technical–tactical analysis. The sample was composed of pre-cadet (13–14 years, n = 148), cadet (15–16 years, n = 228), junior (17–19 years, n = 104) and senior (>20 years, n = 237) groups. The time-motion indicators consisted of total combat time, standing combat time, displacement without contact, gripping time, total time of techniques, groundwork combat time and pause time, per match and by each combat/pause cycle. Technical and tactical variables were also collected. The one-way analysis of variance and a post hoc test were conducted, P ≤ 0.05. Cadets, with a median of 7 (2, 12), had a number of combat/pause cycles different from junior, with 3 (1, 8.5). Regarding time-motion per match and per cycle, senior had longer total combat time, standing combat time and gripping time than other groups. Senior presented lower frequency of leg techniques than pre-cadet, cadet and junior. Time-motion and technical–tactical variables effects in female judo athletes emphasise the difference between seniors and other groups.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Simulated Competition Part I: Metabolic, Hormonal, Cellular Damage, and Heart Rate Responses

Abstract Andreato, LV, Julio, UF, Panissa, VLG, Esteves, JVDC, Hardt, F, de Moraes, SMF, de Souza, CO, and Franchini, E. Brazilian jiu-jitsu simulated competition part I: Metabolic, hormonal, cellular damage, and heart rate responses. J Strength Cond Res 29(9): 2538–2549, 2015—The aim of this study was to analyze physiological responses in Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes during simulated competition. To this end, 10 athletes (age: 28 ± 4 years, body mass: 81.8 ± 7.4 kg, body fat: 13.0 ± 4.8%, systematic practice: 11 ± 4 years) were analyzed in simulated competition (4 matches of 10 minutes). Blood samples were taken to assess energy demand, hormonal responses, and cell damage. Additionally, the heart rate variability (HRV) response was analyzed. The main results show that in simulated competition, during the last matches, athletes had lower lactate (p < 0.001), epinephrine (p < 0.001), norepinephrine (p < 0.001), and insulin (p = 0.002) concentrations. Increases observed in creatine kinase (p < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.007), and creatinine (p < 0.001) seen, especially, in the last matches are indicative of possible cell damage. The HRV reflected a decrease in the RR medium (average of the normal R-R intervals) (p = 0.001) during the competition. Thus, it is concluded that successive matches from competition generate a gradual decrease of adrenergic and glycolytic activities, which is accompanied by a gradual increase in cell damage markers and decrease in the RR medium of the HRV.

Home advantage in judo: A study of the world ranking list

Abstract In 2009, the International Judo Federation established a ranking system (RS) to classify athletes and to distribute the competitor quotas of the Olympic Games. However, the RS does not consider the home advantage. This issue has not been studied in judo, and its implications for the RS have not been determined. The objective was to verify the home advantage in judo in terms of winning a medal or the number of matches won. Therefore, 25 competitions that computed points for the RS in 2009 were analysed. Logistic regression analysis and the Poisson generalised linear model were used for the analyses, which included the relative quality of the athletes. The sample was composed only of athletes who had competed both at home and away. The odds ratio for winning medals was higher for athletes who competed at home for both males and females. The association between the number of matches won and competing at home was significant only for the male athletes. The home advantage was observed in the competitions that used the judo RS. Thus, it is likely that athletes from countries that host competitions using the RS have an advantage in terms of obtaining their Olympic classification.

Physiological and performance responses to intermittent Uchi-komi in Judo.

Abstract Franchini, E, Panissa, VLG, and Julio, UF. Physiological and performance responses to intermittent uchi-komi in judo. J Strength Cond Res 27(4): 1147–1155, 2013—The objective of this study was to compare the physiological and performance responses with different judo techniques and time structure uchi-komi (technique entrance) protocols. Ten judo athletes (25 ± 6 years old, 73 ± 9 kg, 173 ± 5 cm, and 15 ± 6 years of judo experience) were submitted to 9 all-out uchi-komi sessions. Three techniques (o-uchi-gari, seoi-nage, and harai-goshi) and 3 different time structures (18 × 10 seconds/10 seconds, 9 × 20 seconds/20 seconds, and 6 × 30 seconds/30 seconds) were randomly assigned. Two-way and 3-way analyses of variance with repeated measurements and the Bonferroni test were used. The significance level was fixed at 5%. There was no effect of the time structure or the technique on the absolute energy expenditure (p > 0.05), which can be attributed to the all-out characteristic of the exercise. However, more repetitions were executed during the o-uchi-gari protocol (F = 19; p < 0.001; &eegr;2 = 0.32) compared with harai-goshi and seoi-nage (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). Oxygen consumption differed over time during the activity (F = 767; p < 0.001; &eegr;2 = 0.904), with lower values during the first minute (32.51 ± 3.21 ml·kg−1·min−1) compared with the second (41.47 ± 4.20 ml·kg−1·min−1) and third minutes (42.96 ± 4.29 ml·kg−1·min−1), and lower values were recorded in the second minute compared with the third minute (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). There was also an effect of technique on the total energy expenditure per repetition (F = 6; p = 0.001; &eegr;2 = 0.128), with o-uchi-gari resulting in lower values compared to seoi-nage (p = 0.003), as the former technique does not involve torso rotation and knee flexion, while the latter technique does. These training protocols resulted in similar oxygen uptake and heart rate responses compared to match simulations, and they can be used to simulate the match demand.

Tracking 10-year competitive winning performance of judo athletes across age groups.

Little information is available concerning early specialization and competitive success in judo across the early training years. Thus, the present objective was to verify the stability of individual competitive performance of a state-level championship for judo athletes who had been previously successful. For this, 406 athletes from six age groups (9 to 20+ years old) of each sex were followed for 10 years. Using recorded data from the São Paulo State Judo Federation beginning in 1999, the scores and standings for these judo players were analyzed. The proportion of medal winners during this period was not constant, differing from the grand mean in all groups of both 204 males and 202 females. At the end of this period, only 7% of the male and 5% of the female athletes had maintained their competitive levels. Successful competitive performance in early judo competition was not associated with success later in adulthood.

Energy-System Contributions to Simulated Judo Matches

PURPOSE To estimate the contribution of the 3 energy systems to simulated judo matches. METHODS Twelve judo athletes (18 ± 1 y, 175.1 ± 5.3 cm, 74.3 ± 10.5 kg, 11.7% ± 1.5% body fat, 8 ± 2 y of practice) performed 5 combats with different durations (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 min), against the same opponent, on different days and blinded to the duration. The estimated energy contributions for the oxidative, glycolytic, and ATP-PCr systems were calculated based on oxygen uptake (V̇O2) during activity, Delta of lactate, and the fast phase of excess V ̇ O2, respectively. Analysis of mixed models for repeated measures was used to compare the contribution of the 3 energy systems and different durations of judo matches, followed by a post hoc Bonferroni test. RESULTS The oxidative systems contribution (70%) was higher than those of the glycolytic (8%; P < .001) and ATP-PCr (21%; P < .001) energy systems (in all durations), and the ATP-PCr contribution was higher than that of the glycolytic energy system (up to 3 min). In addition, during the match there was an increase in the oxidative (from 50% to 81%; P < .001), a decrease in the ATP-PCr (from 40% to 12%; P < .001), and maintenance of the glycolytic contributions (between 6% and 10%). CONCLUSIONS There is a predominance of the oxidative system to supply the energy cost of judo matches from the first minute of combat up to the end, compared with the anaerobic systems.

Acute Effect of High-Intensity Aerobic Exercise Performed on Treadmill and Cycle Ergometer on Strength Performance

Abstract Panissa VLG, Tricoli VAA, Julio UF, Ribeiro N, de Azevedo Neto RM, Carmo EC, and Franchini E. Acute effect of high-intensity aerobic exercise performed on treadmill and cycle ergometer on strength performance. J Strength Cond Res 29(4): 1077–1082, 2015—Concurrent training (i.e., combination of endurance with strength training) may result in negative interference on strength performance. Moreover, there are indications that the magnitude of this interference is dependent on endurance exercise mode. Thus, this study aimed to verify the acute effects of previous running and cycling on strength endurance performance. After the determination of the maximum intensity reached (Imax) during treadmill running and cycle ergometer pedaling and half-squat maximum strength (1 repetition maximum [1RM]), 10 physically active men were submitted to 3 experimental conditions: control condition (S) comprised of 4 sets of maximum repetitions at 80% 1RM, intermittent running (RS), and cycling (CS) conditions (15 × 1 minute:1 minute in the Imax) followed by the strength exercise (S). Maximum number of repetitions (MNR), total session volume (TV), and vastus lateralis electromyographic signal (VLRMS) were analyzed. It was observed that MNR and TV performed in set 1 in the S condition was superior to that performed in set 1 in the RS (p < 0.001) and CS (p < 0.001) conditions; and set 2 in the S condition was superior to set 2 only in the CS for the MNR (p = 0.032) and TV (p = 0.012). For the VLRMS, there was a main effect for repetition, with higher values in the last repetition compared with the second one (p < 0.01). In conclusion, an aerobic exercise bout before strength exercise impairs the subsequent strength endurance performance. In addition, the magnitude of the interference effect was higher after the aerobic cycling exercise.