Effects of a Judo Training on Functional Fitness, Anthropometric, and Psychological Variables in Old Novice Practitioners

• Published in: Journal of aging and physical activity Vol. 27; no. 4; p. 831
• Main Authors: Ciaccioni, Simone, Capranica, Laura, Forte, Roberta, Chaabene, Helmi, Pesce, Caterina, Condello, Giancarlo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.12.2019
• Subjects: combat sports; physical health; quality of life; mental health; successful aging
• ISSN: 1543-267X
• DOI: 10.1123/japa.2018-0341

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 4-month judo training (1 hr session, biweekly) on physical and mental health of older adults (69.7 ± 4.2 years). Participants (  = 30) were assigned to a judo novice practitioners group (  = 16) or a control group (  = 14), which did not receive any training. Before and after the program, they underwent anthropometric (body mass index and waist and hip circumferences); functional fitness (upper and lower body flexibility and strength, coordination); and psychological assessments (perceived physical and mental health, body image, and fear of falling). The judo group showed reductions of waist circumference (Δ = -1%,  = 0.2) and improvements for lower and upper body flexibility (Δ = +69%,  = 0.4 and Δ = +126%,  = 0.5, respectively) and strength (Δ = +12%,  = 0.6 and Δ = +31%,  = 1.6, respectively). The control group showed a decline in lower body strength (Δ = -12%,  = 0.8). Psychological variables did not reveal statistically significant effects. Judo seems beneficial for improving anthropometric and functional fitness variables, relevant aspects of successful aging.