Relationships between selected elements of physical and functional fitness and the competitive performance of judo athletes

Judo competitors at the highest sports skill level are characterized by a high level of physical fitness, mental toughness, and technical skills developed through years of training. The aim of this study was to reveal the relationship between selected elements of physical and functional fitness and the competitive performance of judo athletes from different age categories and competitive levels. Forty-six judokas aged 17 to 28 years took part in the study. For comparative purposes, the judokas were divided into two groups based on age (juniors and seniors) and sport level (medallists and non-medallists). Research tools were the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test and two muscle strength tests: the bench press and the barbell squat. Data on the sports performance of individual athletes was obtained from the official website of the Polish Judo Association and the European Judo Union. There were no statistically significant differences in the overall FMS score of the junior and senior athletes. Statistically significant differences in total FMS score were found between medallists and non-medallists – in favor of medallists. Statistically significant differences were observed in muscle strength tests between the younger and older age group athletes. Strength tests results relative to body weight showed no significant differences between medallists and non-medallists. Judo training should therefore consider dealing with the functional limitations of the musculoskeletal system and the improvement of movement quality.