Female Judo Athletes' Physical Test Performances Are Unrelated to Technical-Tactical Competition Skills

Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Practices of Judo Athletes and S&C Coaches: A Survey-Based Investigation

ABSTRACT

Weldon, A, Cloak, R, Kirk, C, Ruddock, A, Langan-Evans, C, Detanico, D, Loturco, I, and Kons, R. Strength and conditioning (S&C) practices of judo athletes and S&C coaches: A survey-based investigation. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): e160-e173, 2024-The benefits of strength and conditioning (S&C) for improving judo performance and reducing injuries have been widely studied. However, the S&C practices used and perspectives held by those delivering S&C have yet to be elucidated. Therefore, this study investigated the S&C practices and perspectives of judokas and S&C coaches working within judo. Forty-two judokas and 9 S&C coaches completed an online survey comprising 6 sections: (a) written informed consent; (b) background information; (c) education, qualifications, and prescription; (d) views on S&C; (e) exercise selection; and (f) issues and improvements. Frequency analysis was used to report responses to fixed-response questions and thematic analysis for open-ended questions. Results indicated that S&C coaches were primarily responsible for delivering S&C programs (60%), and S&C information was predominantly sourced from S&C coaches (43%). Strength and conditioning was deemed very important for randori (78-88%), overall judo performance (67-79%), and judo fitness (62-78%). Similarly, S&C was considered very important for the development of speed and power (76-89%), strength (71-89%), and injury reduction (69-78%). Novel findings were also observed, such as integrating judo-specific training within S&C practice, which may be partly explained by more S&C coaches holding judo belts (67%) than S&C qualifications (11%). This study supports practitioners delivering S&C in judo by offering a base of information to critique or align with their existing S&C practices and perspectives. Furthermore, our results may help identify potential gaps between methods used, proposed guidelines, and actual practice, facilitating the development of research and education resources tailored to the current climate.

Cadet and Junior Performance Is Associated With Senior's World Championship and Olympics Achievement in Judo

Purpose: We determined whether cadet and junior Judo World Championship participation and medal achievement would predict senior performance at World Championship (WC) and Olympic Games (OG). Methods: We analyzed retrospectively a total of 7780 athletes who competed at the OG and WC in the cadet, junior, and senior between 2009 and 2021. Results: There was an increase in the probability of winning a medal in the senior category (WC and OG, and only WC) ranged from 4.3 to 4.5 for medal-winning cadets compared to non-medalists and this probability remained around 3.3-3.8 for medalists in the male and 5.3-5.4 for the female medalists in cadet WC. Moreover, the chance of winning a medal in the senior category (WC and OG) was 8.1-8.5 times greater for medalists when compared to non-medalists in the junior WC. In turn, the probability of winning a medal in the senior (WC) was 1.5-1.7 times greater for athletes who did not compete in the junior WC. In the OG, the probability of winning a medal was 3.5 greater times for medalists when compared to non-medalists at cadet and junior WC. Conclusion: Thus, being a cadet or junior WC medalist increases the probability of winning a senior WC or an Olympic medal.

Effects of stretch-shortening cycle fatigue protocol on lower limb asymmetry and muscle soreness in judo athletes

This study aimed to analyse unilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ) performance and muscle soreness in lower limbs, as well as to compare lower limb asymmetry over 48h after a stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) fatigue protocol. Fourteen judo athletes performed unilateral CMJ on each leg before, and after the 5th and 10th sets over 24h and 48h of an SSC-fatigue protocol. The SSC protocol reduced CMJ performance after the 5th set and 10th sets, especially in the weaker limb (p < 0.05), but returned to the baseline values after 24h. Asymmetry increased for peak force, peak power, and mean power after the 5th set compared to the baseline (p < 0.05) and remained higher for peak force after the 10th set (p = 0.019), returning to the baseline values after 24h (p < 0.05). Soreness increased for the lower body at post, 24h, and 48h compared to the baseline (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a fatiguing SSC protocol can result in increased bilateral asymmetries in judo athletes, but after 24h and 48h of the protocol the bilateral asymmetry returned to the baseline values, with only muscle soreness still elevated.

Bilateral deficit in the countermovement jump and its associations with judo-specific performance

This study aimed to describe the bilateral deficit (BLD) during the countermovement jump (CMJ) in judo athletes and determine the relationship between the BLD and judo-specific performance. Fourteen male judo athletes participated. Athletes performed three specific judo tests, Maximal Sprint Speed Judo Test, Maximal Aerobic Speed Judo Test and Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT), and double- and single-leg CMJ. The following CMJ variables were used: jump height (JH), mean (MPO) and peak (PPO) power output, peak force (PF), peak velocity (PV) and impulse (IMP). The Pearson's or Spearman's test were used (p < 0.05). The results show that the BLD is found in all CMJ parameters (20 to 31%). Negative correlations between first set of SJFTTT (total throws) and BLD in PF (r = -0.60; p= 0.022) and between the second set of SJFTTT and BLD in MPO (r= -0.74;p = 0.002), PV (r =-0.59;p = 0.025) and IMP (r =-0.55; p = 0.040) were found. Also, negative correlations between SJFTTT and the BLD in all CMJ parameters (r= -0.53 to -0.85; p < 0.05) were found. Higher values of BLD are related to poor SJFTTT performance.

Correlation of the Handgrip Strength and Body Composition Parameters in Young Judokas

Maximum isometric handgrip strength (MIHS) is a relevant parameter for judo performance and is related to health. Understanding the association between MIHS and MIHS relative (MIHSrel) and the absolute lean mass of the arm (LMarm) and the percentage of body fat (%BF) can provide important information for performance and health. The study aimed to investigate the correlation between MIHS and MIHSrel with the LMarm and the %BF of young judokas (sub-19, 15 males and 14 females). MIHS was measured using a multipurpose digital dynamometer with a load cell for computer. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The correlation between MIHS, MIHSrel with LMarm and %BF was verified through Pearson's correlation, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Correlation between MIHSrel and %BF was very high only in female judokas for both arms (right, r = -0.76; left, r = -0.75). Correlations between LMarm and MIHS of the right and left arms ranged from very high to almost perfect for both sexes (r = 0.74 to 0.94). These results highlight the importance of strengthening the arms in young judokas, and controlling body fat for performance and health, especially in female judokas.

The Effects of Various Work-to-Rest Ratios During High-Intensity Intermittent Exercises on Uchi-Komi Performance and Postexercise Heart Rate and Blood Lactate in Judo Athletes

ABSTRACT

Ceylan, B and Balci, SS. The effects of various work-to-rest ratios during high-intensity intermittent exercises on uchi-komi performance and postexercise heart rate and blood lactate in judo athletes. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2022-Uchi-komi exercises are the most important component of judo training. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different rest intervals during high-intensity intermittent uchi-komi exercises on total technique repetitions and physiological load in judo athletes. Twenty-two male judo athletes (mean age 19.0 ± 1.2 years, judo experience 7.6 ± 22.7 years) voluntarily participated in this study. Athletes' body composition and judo-specific performance were determined. The athletes randomly performed 20 seconds × 8 sets of high-intensity intermittent exercise using ippon-seoi-nage technique with 1:1/2, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 work-to-rest ratios on separate days. Before and 1, 7, 15, and 30 minutes after each exercise, athletes' heart rate (HR) and blood lactate were determined. The number of repetitions differed according to rest durations, when the rest duration decreased, the number of the repetitions decreased (F21, 441 = 7.09, p < 0.001). Blood lactate responses were similar during the exercises with different rest intervals (F3,63 = 2.15, p = 0.10). The shorter the rest duration, the higher the HR (F3,63 = 6.81, p < 0.001). The current study proposed that 1:2 and 1:3 work-to-rest ratios at high-intensity intermittent uchi-komi exercise are the most appropriate intervals to ensure a high number of technique repetitions and the continuity of the training.

Which Performance Tests Best Define the Special Judo Fitness Test Classification in Elite Judo Athletes?

The normative values of the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) are used to evaluate judo athletes, and the question arises of which performance tests from crucial motor abilities best define the SJFT classification in elite judo athletes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between elite judo athletes’ physical performance and the evaluation using SJFT index norms. Nineteen judo athletes (11 females) (22.8 ± 2.5 years old) from the senior judo national team voluntarily participated in this study. Body composition, reaction time, balance, flexibility, agility, hand grip strength, 20 m sprint, vertical jump, SJFT, and Wingate tests were performed by athletes on four separate days at one-day intervals. Athletes were classified as regular and above (≥regular) or poor and below (≤poor) according to their SJFT index scores. Simple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate this classification’s consistency with performance test results. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals related to each possible factor and Wald test statistics were calculated. The SJFT index classification was associated with Wingate peak and mean power, vertical jump, and sprint performance results (p < 0.05), whereas it was not associated with body fat percentage, agility, reaction time, hand grip strength, flexibility, and balance performances (p > 0.05). SJFT index classificatory norms are mainly related to athletes’ anaerobic power. Higher anaerobic power increases athletes’ possibility of being classified as ≥regular.

Repeated Simulated Match-Induced Changes in Finger Flexor Force and Blood Acid-Base Balance in World-Class Female Judokas

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the time course of maximal isometric finger flexor force and blood acid-base balance during repeated simulated matches in world-class judokas.

METHODS

Seven 21- to 28-year-old world-class female judokas (including Olympic and World Championship medalists) repeated four 4-minute judo combats interspersed by 15 minutes of passive recovery. Maximal voluntary isometric finger flexor contraction (MVIC) force was measured in both hands after warm-up and immediately after each combat using a handgrip dynamometer. MVIC force was classified as MVIC hikite force (pulling hand) and MVIC tsurite force (lifting hand).

RESULTS

Blood lactate concentration, pH, bicarbonate concentration, partial pressure of oxygen, and oxygen saturation were measured between 3 and 5 minutes after each match. At completion of the fourth combat, mean MVIC hikite and tsurite force decreased by 18% and 12%, respectively (g = 0.23 and 0.29, respectively; P < .05), demonstrating that force production was substantial throughout repeated matches. Blood lactate concentration increased ∼5-fold from 2.69 (1.37) mmol·L-1 after warm-up to 13.10 (2.61) mmol·L-1 after the last match (g = 4.13, P = .018). Concurrently, blood pH decreased slightly from 7.44 (0.03) to 7.26 (0.05) (g = 2.34, P = .018), that is, by only 0.18 units. The decreased blood pH was significantly correlated with a decrease in bicarbonate concentration (R2 = .94, P < .001). Finally, partial pressure of oxygen and oxygen saturation remained unchanged during the judo contest.

CONCLUSIONS

Female world-class judokas were able to maintain a high level of grip strength in both hands and efficiently regulate blood acid-base balance during repeated simulated high-intensity matches.

Determining the optimal areas of effort in terms of force and force-velocity based on the functional state of the neuromuscular system in the training of elite female judokas

Background

The evaluation of the functional state of the neuromuscular system (NMS) in elite female judokas according to the muscular activity indices is influenced by the force (F) and force-velocity (F-V) efforts. The implementation of the individual correction plan in the elite female judokas' process of instruction and training must be based on the accurate determination of the force and force-velocity effort areas throughout the training and competitive periods.

Methods

The research involved 44 elite female judokas, divided in to two experimental groups (A, C) and two control groups (B, D). To diagnose the NMS, 21 elite female judokas were evaluated, belonging to different classification categories, divided into three groups: group I-category I (Cat. I), group II-candidates for Masters of Sports (CMS) and group III-Masters of Sports (MS).The evaluation of NMS was performed at the end of each two-week cycle, using 3 tests: T_max-time to reach the maximum muscle contraction, (msec); F_y -examination of elasticity indices in different muscles, (Hz); J-explosive muscular strength, (kg/s). Measurements were made for six muscle groups and 9 indices of fitness tests: 5 force tests (F) and 4 force-velocity tests (F-V). The research was carried out during 24 cycles, each one lasting two weeks: 12 training cycles and 12 competitive ones. Each cycle lasted two weeks. During the research, the model plan of training for F and F-V was used, determining the optimal areas of F and F-V training efforts in the preparation and competitive periods. In the experimental groups (A and C), according to the data of judokas' NMS functional state evaluation, the individual correction of the F and F-V efforts was performed every two weeks. As for the control groups (B, D), traditional methods of training were used.

Results

The NMS evaluation of the female judokas was made every two weeks and the level of correlation of T_max, F_y and J indices was determined. The value of the F_y index at F effort is 32% in group I, 30% - in group II, 27% - in group III, 28-30% at the effort of F-V. The total number of corrections in group A: 79 negative corrections and 59 positive corrections, while in group C: 65 negative corrections and 89 positive ones. Within the F-V effort, the number of effort corrections in group A was: 68 negative corrections and 92 positive; in group C - 81 positive and 78 negative corrections. The female judokas' results in the final stage of EG-A were significantly improved in F indices by 52.15%, F-V by 6.22% and 6.18%. In the EG-C, the F increased considerably by 7.52%, F-V by 5.67% and 7.20%. These results characterize the level of physical training.

Conclusion

The functional state of the NMS in elite judokas, determined according to the temporal indices of reaching the maximal muscular contraction, the muscle explosive strength and the muscles elasticity, is subjected to dynamics under the influence of force effort and force-velocity effort.

Effect of Rapid Weight Loss on Hydration Status and Performance in Elite Judo Athletes

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of 5% rapid weight loss on hydration status and judo performance in highly trained judo athletes. Methods: Eighteen male judo athletes participated in the study and were divided into two groups: control and rapid weight loss (RWL). RWL athletes were given 48 h to cut 5% of their body mass while the control group followed their routines. Athletes performed three measurements, including hydration, body mass and three consecutive special judo fitness tests (SJFTs). At the 1st and 6th minutes following each SJFT and 1st, 6th and 15th minutes following the last SJFT, blood lactate and heart rate (HR) was monitored. Results: The effect of RWL on variables was tested with split-plot ANOVA. RWL significantly affected urine specific gravity with a higher value following weight loss compared to baseline and recovery (F2-32 = 13.2, p < 0.001). In addition, athletes’ SJFT total throw numbers differed among measurements (F2-32 = 7.70, p < 0.001). Athletes presented worse SJFT index after weight loss (F2-32 = 8.05, p = 0.01; F1-16 = 6.43, p = 0.02, respectively). HR changed significantly among measurements days and times (F28-448 = 143.10, p < 0.001). Conclusion: RWL induced dehydration and impaired heart rate recovery in highly trained judo athletes, and they could not rehydrate between competition simulated weigh-in and 15 h of recovery.

Body Size Measurements and Physical Performance of Youth Female Judo Athletes with Differing Menarcheal Status

Purpose: To compare body size measurements and physical performance among female youth judo athletes with differing menarcheal status and to identify indicators of physical performance in post-menarcheal girls. Methods: Nineteen young female judo athletes (age 13.9 ± 2.3 years) were divided into a pre-menarche (n = 7) and a post-menarche (n = 12) group. The athletes were evaluated through neuromuscular tests, including standing long jump (SLJ), medicine ball throw (MBT), and handgrip strength (HGS), and judo-specific assessments, including the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) and the Judogi Grip Strength Test (JGST_ISO). Furthermore, years of experience in judo and the age at menarche were determined. Results: The main results showed higher performance for the post-menarche group for most variables (p < 0.05) compared to the pre-menarche group. A multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that age at menarche, chronological age, and body mass explained close to 70% of JGST_ISO, while training experience, chronological age, and age at menarche explained close to 59% of SLJ. Additionally, chronological age and age at menarche explained 40% of MBT, and chronological age and height explained 52% of HGS. Conclusions: Age at menarche and somatic growth variables explained moderate proportions of the variance of physical performance, thereby providing evidence that these parameters are the primary indicators of physical performance in young female judo athletes.

Data Mining Algorithm for Physical Health Monitoring of Young Students Based on Big Data

With the continuous improvement of living standards, the level of physical development of adolescents has improved significantly. The physical functions and healthy development of adolescents are relatively slow and even appear to decline. This paper proposes a novel data mining algorithm based on big data for monitoring of adolescent student's physical health to overcome this problem and enhance young people's physical fitness and mental health. Since big data technology has positive practical significance in promoting young people's healthy development and promoting individual health rights, this article will implement commonly used data mining algorithms and Hadoop/Spark big data processing. The algorithm on different platforms verified that the big data platform has good computing performance for the data mining algorithm by comparing the running time. The current work will prove to be a complete physical health data management system and effectively save, process, and analyze adolescents' physical test data.

Effects of successive judo matches on interlimb asymmetry and bilateral deficit

OBJECTIVE

To verify the effects of successive judo matches on interlimb asymmetry and bilateral deficit in judo athletes.

DESIGN

Repeated measures; SETTING: University Judo center.

PARTICIPANTS

Fourteen male judo athletes.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Four simulated matches consisting of 4-min. Before the first match and after each match athletes were submitted to single leg tests - Countermovement Jump (SL_CMJ) and Standing Long Jump (SL_SLJ), and handgrip strength (HGS) in the dominant and non-dominant limbs. Interlimb asymmetry was calculated in both jumps and handgrip strength tests.

RESULTS

Most jump-derived variables did not change the magnitude of asymmetry throughout the matches (p > 0.05), with the exception of jump height asymmetry in SL_CMJ, that increased after the second match (p = 0.001). The HGS decreased in both hands from the first match (p < 0.001), without asymmetry. The highest bilateral strength deficit was observed in post-match 1 and post-match 2 (close to 10%).

CONCLUSION

Four-successive judo matches did not change the magnitude of interlimb asymmetry, with exception of SL_CMJ height, which increased after the second match. The handgrip strength decreased throughout the matches, but similarly in both hands. Finally, the direction of asymmetry showed consistency throughout the matches only for SL_CMJ height.

Physical Performance in Young Judo Athletes: Influence of Somatic Maturation, Growth, and Training Experience

Purpose: To determine the individual contributions of chronological age, somatic maturation, body size and composition, and training experience as indicators of performance in neuromuscular and judo-specific assessments in young athletes. Methods: Sixty-six youth judo athletes performed anthropometric measurements, neuromuscular tests-standing long jump test (SLJ), medicine ball throw test (MBT), handgrip strength test (HGS), and judo-specific tests-Special Judo Fitness test (SJFT) and Judogi Grip Isometric Strength Test (JGST_ISO). A multiple linear regression was used with the level of significance set at 5%. Results: The main results showed age-peak height velocity (PHV), body fat and training experience explained close to 20% of SJFT performance. Chronological age, age-PHV, height, body mass and body fat accounted for 42% of variance in JGST_ISO. Chronological age, body fat and training experience explained 35% of the variance in SLJ, while chronological age, body mass and body fat explained 53% of the variance in MBT. Finally, age-PHV, body mass and height explained 54% of the variance in HGS. Conclusion: Estimated age-PHV and growth variables explained moderate to large proportions of the variance in neuromuscular tests (with exception of SLJ), while both estimated age-PHV, training and growth variables were predictors of judo-specific performance.

The ratio standard is not adequate for scaling handgrip strength in judo athletes and nonathletes

This study aimed to analyze if the ratio standard or the allometry is the best scaling methods of handgrip strength (HGS) for body mass (BM) in judo athletes and nonathletes, and to verify if the HGS mean values are higher in judo athletes than nonathletes when the BM effect is removed. One hundred forty-two individuals, being 88 judo athletes and 54 non-athletes participated in this study. The maximal isometric HGS was measured in judo athletes and nonathletes in the preferred hand. Only the allometry method was able to remove the BM effect of HGS. The al-lometric exponents found for athletes was b=0.68 and b=0.563 for non-athletes. A common allometric exponent was identified as (b=0.64) for comparing judo athletes and nonathletes. However, neither was able to allow for the comparison between groups due to a distortion of (bias; P<0.01). Thus, an index (HGS_INDEX) was proposed to allow within-group (judo athletes and nonathletes) and between-group (judo athletes vs. nonathletes) comparison, removing the effect of BM. In summary, the allometric exponent based on the theory of geometric similarity (b=0.67) was able to remove the BM effect of HGS in judo athletes. An index (HGS_INDEX) is suggested for classification (or rank) of the judoka in relation to the expected average of HGS.

Tracking 25 years of judo results from the World Championships and Olympic Games: Age and competitive achievement

We quantified the peak age of judokas during the World Championships (WC) and Olympic Games (OG) according to sex, weight category and competitive achievement and determined the relationship between competition year and athlete age. A retrospective study including 12,005 athletes who took part in the last 16 WC and 6 OG. Athletes were divided by sex, weight category and competitive achievement. Overall, females were younger than males, and older athletes competed at the OG compared to the WC. A weight category effect was also observed, with lighter athletes being younger than heavier athletes (p < 0.05). A competitive achievement effect was found for females, with athletes being defeated in the eliminatory phases being younger than those advancing further in the competitions (p < 0.05). Significant associations (p < 0.05) were shown between competition year and age category for males at the WC and for females at both the WC and OG. In general, lighter athletes are younger than heavier ones (p < 0.05). No difference in age was found  between males concerning their competitive achievement in WC and OG, whereas younger females are defeated in the eliminatory phases (p < 0.05).

Photobiomodulation Therapy Does Not Attenuate Fatigue and Muscle Damage in Judo Athletes: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Fatigue and muscle damage negatively affect performance in lower limb exercises involving the stretch-shortening cycle in judo athletes during competition and training sessions. Photobiomodulation therapy has emerged as an effective non-invasive strategy to attenuate fatigue and muscle damage when applied before different types of exercises. Our objective was to investigate the effects of photobiomodulation therapy on fatigue and muscle damage in judo athletes. Sixteen judo athletes participated in the study (23.1 ± 3.8 years, 77.9 ± 14.9 kg, 173.1 ± 8.9 cm, 17.5 ± 7.3 body fat%, 12.9 ± 5.0 years of practice). Each participant received, in a randomized manner, photobiomodulation in one limb and placebo in the contralateral limb on the same day. Thereafter, subjects performed a stretch-shortening cycle protocol to induce muscle fatigue and damage. Countermovement jump (impulse, peak power, peak velocity, and peak force), echo intensity (rectus femoris and vastus lateralis), and muscle soreness were assessed at different time points before, during, immediately post, and 24 and 48 h after the protocol. Muscle fatigue was detected due to reductions in countermovement jump impulse (14.7 ± 9.8 and 15.9 ± 15.5%), peak power (12.9 ± 8.5 and 11.9 ± 6.9%), peak velocity (8.6 ± 8.1 and 6.5 ± 6.0%), and peak force (7.0 ± 5.3 and 8.0 ± 6.1%) after the protocol (p < 0.001), for placebo and photobiomodulation therapy, respectively. Muscle damage was detected due to reductions in countermovement jump impulse (−6.1 ± 19.2% and −4.5 ± 9.2%, p < 0.05), increases in echo intensity (rectus femoris, 21.0 ± 11.9 and 20.8 ± 9.0%; and vastus lateralis, 22.4 ± 23.2%; and 16.7 ± 23.8%; p < 0.001), and quadriceps muscle soreness (3.6 ± 1.6 and 3.5 ± 1.7 a.u; p < 0.011), 48 h after the protocol, for placebo and photobiomodulation therapy, respectively. No differences were observed between photobiomodulation therapy and placebo at any time points for any variables (p > 0.05), indicating no positive effect favoring photobiomodulation therapy. In conclusion, our findings suggest no effect of photobiomodulation therapy applied before exercise to reduce lower limb muscle fatigue and damage during and following a stretch-shortening cycle protocol in judo athletes.

Anthropometric and Physiological Profile of Mixed Martial Art Athletes: A Brief Review

The aim of this review was to analyze the existing knowledge of the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of MMA (mixed martial arts). A computerized search was performed in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases for English-language, peer-reviewed investigations using the term "mixed martial arts" or "MMA" alone and in combination with "physiological characteristics", "physiological profile", "body composition", "strength", "power", "endurance", "aerobic", and "anaerobic". The main findings of this review suggested an overall profile of low body fat, high flexibility, muscle strength, muscle endurance, and anaerobic power, and average cardiovascular endurance. Nevertheless, no differences in anthropometric and physiological characteristics by performance level of the athletes were observed. Based on the studies analyzed in this review, several limitations were reported. First, the subjects in each paper were limited in number, as is MMA literature itself, and it is impossible to make a generalization regarding the anthropometric and physiological profile for male athletes. Second, no studies included female MMA athletes; therefore, there was no evidence for what their profiles might be. Last, the majority of the above-mentioned studies used different tests, or the same tests with different protocols, and as a result, it is difficult to compare their results. The similarity observed between the levels of the athletes might be a result of the different tests and protocols used by the researchers or might be evidence that the anthropometric and physiological profile of an MMA athlete did not vary among high-level athletes. Considering the increasing number of those engaging in MMA training and sport events, the findings of the present study provided strength and conditioning trainers working with MMA athletes a valuable tool for monitoring training and performance.