Judo-Specific Tests: A Narrative Review With Recommendations for Physical Assessment

Abstract

ABSTRACT This narrative review aims to describe and provide usage directions for different types of judo-specific assessments based on the physical demands required by athletes during training and competition. Several judo-specific tests have been developed to test different physical capacities (e.g., aerobic and anaerobic capacities, strength endurance, etc). Judo skills or techniques are used to identify variables involved in performance, such as uchi-komi (technique repetition or repetition training), throws, displacements, grips on the judogi, and the like. Although all the tests can be used to identify the physical profile of each athlete and monitor training effects (acute, subacute, or chronic), some can also be used to prescribe training loads. The judo-specific tests analyzed in this study are a valid and accessible alternative to assess the physical performance of judo athletes, regardless of sex or weight category. These tests are recommended at different times (over the season) to monitor training effects or to prescribe training loads (when possible). Future studies could investigate other methods of validity (e.g., construct validity) in differentiated groups, as well as the sensitivity of the tests to detect changes (even if small) in performance.