Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine muscle strength and flexibility of Judoka with and without visual impairments. A total of 32 male national judoka volunteered to participate in this study. There were 20 male judoka without visual impairments (mean±SD; age: 19.20±5.76 years, body weight: 66.45±11.09 kg, height: 169.60±7.98 cm, sport age: 6.20±1.15 years). There were 12 male judoka with visual impairments (mean±SD; age: 24.50±4.06 years, body weight: 75.58±22.49 kg, height: 173.50±7.23 cm, sport age: 8.08±1.44years). Judoka were also assessed on several strength measurements including standing long jump, right hand grip, left hand grip, vertical jump, leg strength, sit-up and push up, and flexibility with sit and reach. We found significant differences between with and without visual impairments in leg strength, left and right hand grip and push-up (p<0.05). On the other hand, there was no significant difference between with visual and without impairments in vertical jump, sit-up, flexibility, and standing long jump (p>0.05). In conclusion, it is considered that visual impairment issue does not have negative effects on physical development and muscle power performance levels for ones doing judo sport because elite active athletes’ training levels are close to each other.

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