Karol Wałowski (A-F), Tatiana Poliszczuk (A-F), Dmytro Poliszczuk (A-F) The Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland

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1 ORIGINAL ARTICLE Journal of Combat Sports and Martial Arts MEDSPORTPRESS, 2016; 1(2); Vol. 7, DOI: / Manifestations of symmetry and asymmetry of the peak torque produced by the muscles responsible for rotational movements among Judo competitors, representatives of the National Teams of Poland and Belgium Karol Wałowski (A-F), Tatiana Poliszczuk (A-F), Dmytro Poliszczuk (A-F) The Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland Key words: spine rotation, symmetry and asymmetry of peak torque in trunk muscles, judo Summary Introduction. The problem of rotational movements generated by the human body when practicing various sport disciplines is becoming increasingly popular among researchers. However, the knowledge of peak torque symmetry in muscles responsible for these movements in the trunk area is still insufficient. Based on the measurement results, an attempt was made to compare peak torque values in muscles responsible for rotational movements of the trunk in the sample of Polish National Team representatives from Poland and Belgium. Material and methods. The study group comprised the male judo competitors of Polish (n=16) and Belgian National Teams (n=12), participating in the meeting at the Olympic Training Center in Zakopane, Poland. The values of peak torque generated during rotational movements of the trunk under static conditions were measured. For this purpose, a special device was constructed. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA test and t-test. Results. The peak torque values generated by the muscles responsible for trunk rotation did not significantly differ between groups. Significantly greater opportunities of generating peak torque were shown for selected angular positions. In both groups a slight asymmetry was found in the muscles responsible for trunk rotation. Conclusions. The analysis of specialist literature and results of the conducted study indicate that high levels of training in judo competitors correspond to slight differences in muscle strength of the muscles responsible for trunk rotation. Training directed at symmetrization of peak torque in muscles may compensate congenital asymmetry and should be conducted at every stage of training. Introduction Functional asymmetry only recently has been subject to complex studies [1,2]. Despite the long tradition of the symmetry and asymmetry measurements at research centers in many countries, the collected material pertains mainly to morphological asymmetry [3]. A huge progress in athletic performance, practically in all sport disciplines indicates that competitors are about to reach the limit of human potential [4]. In order to win the competitions of nowadays it is necessary to seek more perfect solutions and to implement innovative studies on human body diagnosing and potential. This can be achieved through the analysis of strength potential in the aspect of symmetry [5]. Judo is a discipline allowing such observations [6], therefore the analysis of symmetry of strength potential in judo elite competitors in Europe seems interesting. Bio me - chanical measurements of technique performance have been analyzed for many years, both in Poland and worldwide and are focused mainly on extension and flexion movements in multiple joints. However, no analysis of rotational movements, e.g. of the trunk, which are extremely important for technique implementation, has been reported to date. Sacripanti [7] in his paper mentions rotational movement of the trunk as the initial movement for throw performance with the movement in the iliac joint. In the aspect of biomechanics, throws in judo involve actions aimed at provoking rotational movement of the opponent, holding at the same time their uniform. Initially, the opponent loses balance, assuming the position enabling the easiest throw performance [8]. The goal of the study was 17

2 to compare the values of peak torque in the muscles responsible for rotational movements of the trunk in the representatives of the Polish and Belgian National Judo Teams. Material and methods The sample comprised male judo competitors, members of the Polish (n=16) and Belgian (n=12) National Teams. The measurements were performed during the training camp held at the Center of Olympic Preparation in Zakopane. The selection criterion was qualifying the competitors for the measurements at the training camp preceding the start in European Championships. The peak torque parameter was measured in the muscles responsible for spinal rotation using the system constructed for this purpose. Using the tests proposed by Starosta [9] and based on the interview the body side at which the competitors more readily perform combat techniques was determined. SRT1-KW device (developed by Zbigniew Staniak, M.Sc from the Institute of Sports in Warsaw) was used for the measurements of peak torque during trunk rotation under static conditions. The device consists of a tensometric torque transducer coupled with a computer by an USB-integrated amplifier. A specialist HMF_v_2.0.program, enabling measurements, recording, analysis and presentation of the generated peak torque was used for controlling the measurements. The measurements were taken in three angular positions, obtained through the alignment of the stabilized pelvis in relation to the shoulder girdle. To make the record and data readings easier, the angular positions and impact directions were marked. A figure (0 or 45) represents the angle of pelvic alignment towards the shoulder girdle while a letter (P or L) represents the right-sided or left-sided impact direction (Figure 4). Measurement symbols: 0P pelvic alignment towards the shoulder girdle at 0, angle, impact on the right side. 0L pelvic alignment towards the shoulder girdle at 0, angle, impact on the left side. 45P pelvic alignment towards the shoulder girdle to the right at 45 angle, impact on the left side. 45L pelvic alignment towards the shoulder girdle to the right at 45 angle, impact on the right side. The selection of angular positions during the measurements was adopted from W. Dega s scheme, published in Kapandji s paper [10]. Kapandji used the same angular positions during rotation measurements in forearm joints. Sta tis ti - cal analysis (ANOVA) of the values corresponding to the generated peak torque and anthropometric indicators was carried out using Statistica 10. program and Student s t-test with significance level set at p< Results The Tables 2-4 present the obtained peak torque values in the muscles responsible for trunk rotation in both groups of judo competitors. It is of note that in both groups there are more right-handed competitors. Uniformity of the groups in terms of body mass and body height was shown using Student s t-test at the significance level of p<0.001 (Table 4). It was found that the groups did not differ in terms of the generated peak torque and that the position in which the trial Table 1. Characteristics of the studied groups of Polish (PL) (n=16) and Belgian (BEL) (n= 12) judo competitors Photo 1. The system measuring peak torque in the muscles responsible for spinal rotation (baseline position) 18

3 Table 2. The results obtained from the male Polish National Team judo competitors Table 3. The results obtained by the Belgian National Team judo competitors (n=12) was performed had an impact on the generated peak torque values. These values are higher in angular positions: R45 P and R45 L. Moreover, a slight predominance was shown in peak torque values generated by the muscles responsible for trunk rotation in favor of the right side in both Polish and Belgian judo competitors (Figures 2-4). It was noticed that the effects of strength training conducted in the members of the Polish and Belgian National Teams in the aspect of different strength potential of the spinal muscles responsible for rotation were similar. A dominance was shown in favor of Polish competitors, however, it turned out statistically insignificant. Also a lower than the previously determined (pilot study) prevalence of peak torque values was found in the muscles responsible for trunk rotation to the right side. The analysis of this issue, based on the measurements performed in the groups of less advanced competitors let us conclude that the differences in strength potential of the muscles responsible for rotational movements of the trunk are smaller in well trained competitors. Discussion 19

4 Table 4. Between group comparison of body mass and body height It is obvious that strength is important in combat sports [11]. Even the most perfect punch, grip or throw without strength will Figure 1. The differences in the obtained peak torque values in the muscles responsible for spinal rotation between the groups of Polish (PL) and Belgian (BL) judo competitors in both positions Figure 2. Differences between the peak torque generated by the muscles responsible for spinal rotation between the groups of Polish (PL) and Belgian (B) judo competitors in angular positions (1 angle 90o, 2 angle 45 ) 20

5 Figure 3. Differences in the obtained values of peak torque in the muscles responsible for spinal rotation between the groups of Polish (PL) and Belgian (B) judo competitors to the right(1) and to the left (2) side in both positions be only a spectacular show, but not an effective technique. Numerous researchers dealing with this issue believe that a high strength potential is a very important factor contributing to success in sport [12,13,14]. However, with equal levels of strength, winning probably depends on other factors, such as: technique, tactics or symmetry of the above mentioned potential [15]. The slight asymmetry noted in this study may be explained by performing the preferred techni ques more often at one side. Even a slight asymmetry can contribute to a decrease in the ability of a comprehensive performance of judo techniques, making the competitor less effec tive [15]. In such cases, technical training, providing opportunities of bilateral workout seems helpful in eliminating the existing differences in strength. Attempts to assess the impact of body position on strength potential to be achieved were made in Japan by Nakamura et al. [17]. Their measurements were carried out using a system allowing changing pelvic alignment in relation to the upper limb every 20. The authors noted an increased strength potential for body torsions and this finding was confirmed by the results of the measurements of angles similar to R45 position. Body alignment in this position is similar to the position assumed by competitors during throw performance. Thus, it seems justifiable to control strength potential for this position so as to be sure at which stage of preparation the competitor is, which, in consequence, can lead to an increased chance of winning the competition [18]. Peak torque symmetry may be a sort of warranty for performing techniques by the competitor, both to the right and left side, with equal strength [19]. This information is not likely to change combat style, preferred techniques or habits. However, it will allow the competitor, feeling more self-assured as far as their performance during competition is con cerned. In case of high-ranked competitions with all the competitors representing similar levels of training, such apparently modest elements can help winning [20]. Increasingly, the re searchers dealing with this issue indicate the necessity of training actions aimed to eliminate asymmetry [21,22,23]. Still, the sparse reports on strength potential in muscles responsible for spinal rotation and the techniques applied to shape these muscles, encourage the researchers to undertake further studies on this problem. Conclusions 1. The strength potential of muscles responsible for spinal rotation is similar in the competitors of the National Teams of Poland and Belgium. This finding indicates the necessity of searching other ways of training to make the competitor win, than developing strength potential. 2. The proven effect of body position on the achieved strength potential indicates that a trained optimal body position de - termines the quality and strength during throw technique performance in judo. 3. Slightly higher values corresponding to strength of the mus cles responsible for rotational movements of the trunk to the right in both studied groups of competitors allow concluding that technical training aimed to compensation of the differences in strength at every stage of advancement. Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank the authorities of Polish Judo Association for enabling the research during the period of preparation of the National Team for European Cham pion ships. 21

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