Male Judo athletes with higher body fat percentage continue to have high skin temperatures after the match

Abstract

  It’s reported that body fat percentage increases with increasing weight class, with an especially rapid increase in ≥ 90kg classes. The purpose of this study was to compare changes of core temperature and skin temperatures before and after a Judo match between men < 90 kg and ≥ 90 kg. This study included 13 men who were divided into 2 groups: “< 90 kg” and “≥ 90 kg”. Body fat percentage was measured before the match, while heart rate, core temperature and skin temperature (Thigh, Tsurite, and Hikite temperatures) were measured before and 1, 10, and 20 min after the match. Body fat percentage in ≥ 90 kg was significantly higher than < 90 kg (p < 0.01). Heart rate and core temperature showed no significant difference. Thigh, Tsurite, and Hikite temperatures measured 10 min after the match were significantly higher in ≧90 kg than < 90 kg (p < 0.05). There was significant correlation between body fat percentage and rate of change of Thigh (r_s = 0.69, p < 0.01), Tsurite (r_s = 0.41, p < 0.05), and Hikite (r_s = 0.49, p < 0.01) temperatures between 1 and 10 min after the match. The results of this study demonstrate that male Judo athletes with higher body fat percentage continue to have high skin temperatures after the match.