Impact of one year judo training on body symmetries in youth judokas

Background and Study Aim: Anthropometric status of youth judokas is an important factor in the process of maturation and sport development from cadet to senior judo athletes. Training process influences the body in different proportions, therefore a regular screening is recommended to monitor the youth athlete development and to give regular feedback to coaches about their training plans. The aim of present study was the status of the body symmetries in youth judokas during one year training period. Material and Methods: Youth Slovenian male judokas (n = 7), age: 14.33 ±0.64 years; height: 171.01 ±9.69 cm; weight: 62.99 ±8.97 kg were recruited for this study. 3D anthropometric measurement of the judokas’ bodies was performed by the 3D body scanner NX-16 ([TC]2, Cary, North Carolina). With software, we extracted values of 17 paired variables. Shapiro-Wilk`s test was used to check the data for normality of distribution. Afterword’s for determination of differences in symmetries we used a paired t-test with statistical significance set at p≤0.05. Results: Body asymmetries in year 2015 showed 3 statistically significant differences; forearm girth t(6) = 3.41, p = 0.01, mid-thigh girt t(6) = 3.26, p = 0.02, calf girth t(6) = 3.73, p = 0.03. In year 2016 we found two statistically significant differences; elbow girth t(6) = 2.76, p = 0.03, forearm girth t(6) = 3.05, p = 0.02. From year 2015 to 2016 the youth judokas body dimensions from 17 paired variables (total of 34 variables) were statistically greater in 18 variables. Conclusions: One year of intense training has a big impact on a youth judokas body. With the help of the modern technology and sports testing we can use the acquired data and guide the training process in the way that can lower the occurrence of injuries but still develop the aimed goals, which are connected with better agility, power and better technique. But if we intentionally disregard the acquired data the occurrence of body asymmetries that can lead to injuries is imminent. Therefore, the usage of sports testing and especially useful interpretation of data is necessary in combination with additional education of judo coaches.