Affiliations: [a] Area 3, A Human Motion Lab, Alghero, Italy | [b] Scuola Regionale dello Sport della Sardegna, Italian
Regional Olympic Committee, Sardinia, Italy
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Fulvio Stradijot, Area 3, A Human
Motion Lab, SP 55 Porto Conte/Capo Caccia, Km 8.400 Loc.Tramariglio, 07041,
Alghero (SS), Italy. Tel./Fax: +39 079 998410; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Introduction: This project proposes the inclusion of functional
assessment as an essential branch of a training program applied to a group of
young elite judo and wrestling athletes to investigate for possible asymmetries
of lower limbs, a potential cause for future injuries. Methods: A group of young male elite Sardinian judo and wrestling athletes was randomly selected
and were functionally evaluated with three different tests. Strength and
balance abilities were measured while muscle power was assessed by measuring
jump height, flight time and maximum contraction speed. Subjects were compared
according to their right and left leg performance. Results: Generally, no
significant bilateral difference were indicated for any of the applied tests,
between right and left legs in all considered parameters concerning the three
utilized tests, with the exception of peak torque values of the knee extensors. Conclusion: This study indicates that judokas are distinguished by
general bilateral symmetry in certain functions. This should serve as an
important guideline for both clinicians and coaches.
Keywords: Functional assessment, injury prevention, training program, asymmetry, judo, wrestling
