Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between isokinetic trunk strength and competitive ability in collegiate heavyweight judoka (judo athletes). Twenty-five male collegiate judoka in the heavyweight category participated in this study. The subjects were divided into three groups of high, middle and low competitive ability, as determined by the five coaches of the judo teams to which the subjects belong and by a former All Japan Judo Federation coach. We measured the peak torque during trunk extension and flexion using the CYBEX 770-Norm dynamometer system. Peak torque was measured at angle velocities of 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 degree/s.
The following results were obtained.
1) The rank correlation coefficient between trunk extension torque at 120 degree/s and competitive ability was 0.762 (P < 0.05) in the high-ranking group.
2) The rank correlation coefficient between trunk extension torque at 150 degree/s and competitive ability was 0.905 (P < 0.01) in the high-ranking group.
These results suggest that demonstrating trunk extension strength during rapid movement relates to competitive ability in collegiate heavyweight judoka with higher competitive ability. We consider that enhancing trunk extension strength during rapid movement is effective in strengthening competitive ability in collegiate heavyweight judoka with higher competitive ability.
