Correlating movement asymmetry with competition performance and competition volume in youth male judokas

Technical-tactical capacity and competition performance of athletes could be increased with greater symmetry of movement actions. Aim of this study is to study correlations between Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) performed on the dominant and non-dominant side with competition performance and competition volume. Methods. SJFT was used to compare movement patterns of the dominant and non-dominant body side on a sample of 12 youth judokas (age 12.97 ± 0.59, height 162.23 ± 10.27 cm, weight 52.32 ± 11.05 kg, years of training 6). We used Spearman’s correlation coefficient and set statistical significance at p ≤ 0.05 to determine correlation between variables. Results. Accumulated points very strongly and positively correlate with the number of competitions (p ≤ 0.01, r = 0.844), strongly corelate with the non-dominant side SJFT’s 2nd throwing stage (p ≤ 0.01, r = 0.737) and with total number of throws (p ≤ 0.01, r = 0.785) and moderately correlate with non-dominant side SJFT’s 3rd throwing stage (p ≤ 0.05, r = 0.592). Points are also associated with strong negative correlation with SJFT index in non-dominant side (p ≤ 0.05, r = 0.683). Additionally, positive and strong correlation was found between the number of competitions and SJFT’s 1st throwing stage (p ≤ 0.05, r = 0.652), SJFT’s 2nd throwing stage (p ≤ 0.01, r = 0.748) and the total number of throws (p ≤ 0.01, r = 0.749). Conclusion. The study presents statistically significant associations between competition performance and volume of competitions with SJFT in general, and its components in particular, for the non-dominant body side. It highlights the importance of bilateral movement development and good execution of the throwing techniques also in non-dominant body side of youth judokas for a greater competition performance. The SJFT test results may serve in creation of normative values of SJFT for youth male judo competitors.