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The purpose of this study was to examine morphological asymmetries in male youth judokas using an integrated assessment combining three-dimensional (3D) body scanning and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and to determine how these asymmetries relate to judo-specific performance. Twenty-seven competitive male youth judokas were evaluated for bilateral girth, segmental length, and lean mass asymmetries across upper- and lower-limb segments. The Absolute Asymmetry index, expressed as a percentage for individual body segments, and the average body symmetry across all variables were calculated, and associations with performance were assessed using the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT). Significant right-dominant asymmetries were found in elbow girth p < 0.001, forearm girth p < 0.001, thigh girth p = 0.028, and leg muscle mass p = 0.008. Upper-limb asymmetries were the primary contributors to total-body asymmetry, reflecting the unilateral gripping and rotational demands typical in judo. Only calf girth asymmetry was significantly associated with SJFT performance, with greater asymmetry linked to poorer outcomes, indicating a specific rather than general asymmetry–performance relationship (r = 0.405; p = 0.037). These findings underscore the importance of early detection of segment-specific asymmetries and suggest that rapid digital anthropometry is a practical tool for monitoring morphological development in youth judokas. Early targeted interventions may support balanced technical execution, enhance performance, and reduce the risk of uneven loading patterns as athletes progress to higher age categories and competition levels.

Sleep is critical for cognitive and psychomotor performance in demanding decision-making contexts such as sports officiating. Given the lack of research in the field, the cognitive complexity, and the high-pressure environment of judo refereeing, this study aimed to evaluate the sleep quality of active judo referees and examine differences based on gender, age, refereeing experience, and athletic background. This cross-sectional study included 73 active Turkish judo referees (42 male, 31 female; age = 29.8 ± 11.0 years). Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and data were analysed using t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, regression, and mediation analyses. Data showed a mean sleep time of 7:43 + 1:27 and a total PSQI score of 7.21 + 3.53, and participants had been referees for a mean of 6.58 + 8.12 years. The overall sleep quality was suboptimal, with female referees reporting significantly poorer sleep than males. No significant differences in PSQI scores were found across referee seniority levels or educational levels. Correlation analysis showed significant negative associations between PSQI scores and both age and refereeing experience. The final hierarchical regression model with the age, gender, and athletic background significantly predicted PSQI scores. Mediation analysis further revealed that referee qualification level indirectly influenced sleep quality through age. The study is the first one in this area of judo referring, and it highlights poor sleep quality among judo referees, regardless of experience or qualification level, with gender, age, and athletic background emerging as key predictors. The lack of sleep education in both athletic and refereeing careers suggests a need for targeted interventions, especially for younger and female referees, to improve performance and prevent health issues. Further research is needed to explore these relationships over time and in elite-level referees.

There are many studies on basketball players’ hydration in the literature. However, no studies have compared the hydration status of basketball players in different age categories. Therefore, this study aims to compare the hydration status and fluid intake of male basketball players of different age categories during a training session. A total of 70 athletes, actively competing in U14 (n = 30) and U21 (n = 40) teams, voluntarily participated. Urine samples were collected before and after the session to assess hydration status via urine specific gravity (USG). Fluid intake was also individually monitored during the training. Results showed a significant interaction between time and age group in terms of USG (F(1,68) = 23.72, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.083). While dehydration levels increased in U14 players during the session, U21 players showed improved hydration. The U21 group consumed significantly more fluid (1.16 ± 0.65 L) than the U14 group (0.72 ± 0.50 L; p = 0.003). No significant correlation was found between fluid intake and hydration change in either group. These findings suggest that younger athletes may require more guidance and education regarding proper hydration habits during training.

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.

Background: A massage is a tool that is frequently used in sports and exercise in general for recovery and increased performance. In this review paper, we aimed to search and systemize current literature findings relating to massages’ effects on sports and exercise performance concerning its effects on motor abilities and neurophysiological and psychological mechanisms. Methods: The review has been written following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) guidelines. One hundred and fourteen articles were included in this review. Results: The data revealed that massages, in general, do not affect motor abilities, except flexibility. However, several studies demonstrated that positive muscle force and strength changed 48 h after the massage was given. Concerning neurophysiological parameters, the massage did not change blood lactate clearance, muscle blood flow, muscle temperature, or activation. However, many studies indicate pain reduction and delayed onset muscle soreness, which are probably correlated with the reduction of the level of creatine kinase enzyme and psychological mechanisms. In addition, the massage treatment led to a decrease in depression, stress, anxiety, and the perception of fatigue and an increase in mood, relaxation, and the perception of recovery. Conclusion: The direct usage of massages just for gaining results in sport and exercise performance seems questionable. However, it is indirectly connected to performance as an important tool when an athlete should stay focused and relaxed during competition or training and recover after them.

This study investigated the relationship between psychological skills and fitness levels among elite taekwondo athletes. A total of ten Iranian male elite taekwondo athletes (mean age of 20.6±2 years, BMI 18.78±0.62 kg/m 2 , and fat percentage of 8.87±1.46%) participated in the study. The Sports Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire, Sports Success Scale, Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire, and Mindfulness Inventory for Sport were used to assess psychological factors. The Wingate test was used to determine anaerobic power, and the Bruce test to determine aerobic fitness. Descriptive statistics and Spearman rank correlation coefficients were utilised to examine any relationships between subscales. Statistically significant correlations were recorded between the evaluation of feelings (EI scale) and VO 2 peak (ml/kg/min) (r = -0.70, p = 0.0235) and between social skills (EI scale) and relative peak power (W/kg) (r = 0.84, p = 0.0026). Also, between optimism (EI scale) and VO 2 peak (ml/kg/min) (r = -0.70, p = 0.0252) and between optimism (EI scale) and HR-MAX (r = -0.75, p = 0.0123); and, finally, between control (mental toughness scale) and relative peak power (W/kg) (r = 0.67, p = 0.0360). These findings demonstrate relationships between psychological factors and the advantages of good anaerobic and aerobic capabilities. Finally, the study also demonstrated that elite taekwondo athletes have high mental performance abilities that are interrelated with anaerobic and aerobic performance.

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.

Background: The present study investigated highly trained male judo athletes and how a 5% body mass dehydration affects their judo-specific performance and physiological responses. Methods: Nine highly trained international-level male judo athletes who are weight-cyclers voluntarily participated in the study. The study had a controlled crossover design in nature. Athletes completed three sessions, including a familiarisation session and two experimental sessions (dehydration (DEHY) and control (CON)) with judo-specific tests, including maximal handgrip strength test (HGS), judogi grip strength tests (JGST), and the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT). Results: Intergroup analysis revealed a significant increase in urine specific gravity (USG) and decreased body mass following DEHY condition compared to CON. Furthermore, significant decreases were determined in HGS, JGSTs, and a number of throws in the first and third series of SJFTs, as well as higher heart rate (HR) responses in the second and third series of SJFT and worse SJFT index in DEHY condition (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We concluded that 5% dehydration of body mass led to impairment in dynamic and isometric strength in upper limbs and in judo-specific performance, as well as elevated HR during the SJFT.

Background/Objectives: The preschool period plays an essential role in shaping a child’s overall development, which influences physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth. At this stage, establishing proper postural habits is essential, as it can have lasting effects on health, well-being, helps to prevent future issues, and supports overall development. Therefore, the present work aims to determine the differences in postural status between boys and girls of preschool age. Methods: The sample of participants consisted of 92 children (n = 46 boys and n = 46 girls); the average age for girls was 5.41 ± 0.30 years and for boys it was 5.53 ± 0.31 years. Data were collected using licensed state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, Contemplas 3D Posture Compact, using 16 variables to assess postural status with a Mann–Whitney U test. Results: The results of this study indicate that boys have more pronounced deformities in the following variables: shoulder displacement (p = 0.047), pelvic obliquity (p = 0.000), sag. distance cervical spine–sacrum (p = 0.029), sag. distance thoracic spine–sacrum (SDTS) (p = 0.016), and sag. distance lumbar spine–sacrum (SDLS) (p = 0.005). Conclusions: This study confirmed gender differences in postural characteristics in preschool children. Boys showed a greater tendency towards postural deviations, indicating the necessity for specific interventions and programs to improve their posture. On the basis of the results of this research, it is recommended to carry out cross-cultural research that would enable the comparison of results among children from different environments and cultural contexts in order to determine possible differences and particularities in the development of postural characteristics. Future research should include larger and more diverse samples of participants, including children from rural and urban areas, in order to ensure the representativeness and generalizability of the results. In addition, conducting a longitudinal study that would monitor the postural characteristics of children through different developmental stages is suggested, aiming to identify critical periods for intervention and to determine, more precisely, development trends within the context of gender differences.

The aim was to investigate the impact of a specific structured movement activities (SMA) program compared to free play activity (FRP) on the strength, speed, agility, coordination, and balance of motor fitness (MF) in 6-year-old boys and girls. A total of 53 children (24 boys, 29 girls) were randomly allocated to either the SMA group or the FRP group. Both group activities were administered three times a week over a 6-month period. MF variables were assessed before (pre-) and after (post-) using tests: the flamingo balance (FLA), the standing long jump (SLJ), plate tapping (PTT), the obstacle course backwards (OCB), and the shuttle run 4 × 5 m (SRT). At the post-test, the SMA program resulted in significant (p < 0.05) improvements in OCB, PTT, SLJ, and SRT tasks. For FRP, a noteworthy improvement was observed only in OCB (ES = 0.45, p < 0.05). An ANCOVA revealed a significant group × time interaction (F = 21.71–52.41, η2 = 0.258–0.512, p < 0.01) for OCB, PTT, and SRT, favoring SMA over FRP. The present findings suggest that SMA may be more effective than FRP when aiming to develop motor coordination, agility, and speed of movement in children.