Background & Study Aim: The aim of this study was to examine changes in postural stability (PS) after maximal anaerobic performance in elite junior and senior judo athletes. A secondary aim was to identify differences in PS due to visual control, limb preference and the type of the test used.
Material & Methods: Nineteen judo athletes (nine from the junior and ten from the men's category) participated in the study. The multi-sensorial platform was used for posturographic examination.
Anaerobic variables were detected using the Wingate test with a Monark 824E mechanical ergometer. Results: Senior judo athletes achieved significantly better values of PS in comparison to juniors (F(1,34) = 11.24, p = 0.00, η2 = 0.25).
In the one leg stance test, both groups produced significantly higher values than in the bipedal test (F(1,72) = 159.81, p = 0.000, η2 = 0.69). In the monitored groups, we found a significant effect of the physical load in the bipedal test (F(1,34) = 19.56, p = 0.00, η2 = 0.37), as well as in the one limb test (F(1,34) = 49.03, p = 0.00, η2 = 0.59).
Changes in PS after exercise are manifested more in the non-preferred limb than in the preferred one. Conclusions: The ability to maintain PS in variable conditions of judo randori is one of the most important determinants of a judoka's performance.
The anaerobic load showed a significant effect on changes in PS in senior and junior participants, and a greater effect was detected in the non-preferred leg than in the preferred leg.