Is Bilateral Deficit in Handgrip Strength Associated With Performance in Specific Judo Tasks?

Turnes, T, Silva, BA, Kons, RL, and Detanico, D. Is bilateral deficit in handgrip strength associated with performance in specific judo tasks? J Strength Cond Res 36(2): 455-460, 2022-The aim of this study was to identify the existence of bilateral deficit (BD) on maximal handgrip strength during standing and seated positions in judo athletes and to correlate this with judo-specific tasks. Nineteen male judo athletes (age 22.1 ± 4.6 years) performed unilateral and bilateral handgrip strength tests in seated and standing postures to calculate bilateral index (BI). Athletes then performed the Judogi Grip Strength Test (dynamic and isometric modes) and Special Judo Fitness Test. The comparisons between bilateral and unilateral handgrip strength for each position, weight categories, or training experience (novice <10 years and advanced >10 years) were made by paired and unpaired t-tests. The sum of bilateral forces was significantly lower than unilateral forces at standing (unilateral: 105 ± 20 vs. bilateral: 102 ± 21 kgf, BI: -3.0 ± 5.9%, p = 0.043), but not at seated position (unilateral: 100 ± 19 vs. bilateral: 98 ± 19 kgf, BI: -2.1 ± 7.3%, p = 0.230), indicating BD only at standing position. Pearson coefficient correlations were not significant between judo tests and BI, with similar performance in judo tests between athletes with BD and bilateral facilitation (p > 0.05). Significant BD was observed at standing position in advanced (-4.5 ± 7.1%, p = 0.049) but not in novice athletes (-0.9 ± 3.8%, p = 0.592). We concluded that BI in maximal handgrip strength test was not related with judo-specific tests. However, the BD occurred only at standing position, suggesting that postural stability may contribute for this phenomenon.