Never Too Late to Get a Black-Belt: Psychophysiological Impact of a Judo Grading Examination in Older Adults

Purpose:Successful aging is often exemplified by older individuals remaining actively engaged in sport and striving to achieve advancements. This study aims to investigate the psychophysiological impact of simulated and actual black belt grading evaluation on older judoka, profiling their levels of salivary biomarkers (alpha-amylase [sAA] and salivary cortisol [sC]), perceived anxiety, effort and enjoyment during the evaluation.Methods:The experimental group encompassed six brown belt examinees undergoing black belt examination (Tori, F=2, M=4; age=75.6±4.5 yr) and six 2nd-5th Dan black belt partners (Uke; M=6; age 36.5±10.8). In 3 conditions (rest, simulation, exam) and 5 samplings (T0–awakening, T1-pre, T2-post, T3-15’ recovery, T4-30’ recovery, T5-60’ recovery), saliva samples were collected using cotton swabs and tubes, stored at -80°C, and assayed in duplicate. Enzyme immunoassay kits measured cortisol, while kinetic enzyme assay kits measured α-amylase. Participants completed psychometric questionnaires individually, with an investigator available for assistance. The Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y) was administered 15 min before and after the experimental sessions and at a resting day 25 days before the experimental period for measuring the state and trait anxiety, respectively. Moreover, before and after the experimental sessions participants’ perceived effort and enjoyment were assessed with 10-point Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale and Visual-Analogue Scale (ENJ), respectively. ANOVAs for repeated measures with Bonferroni corrections were applied for both salivary and psychological assessments.Results:Differences emerged for sC sampling and condition (P<0.05). T2-post exercise sC levels were higher during black belt examination. No differences were found in psychometric variables between Tori and Uke. Trait and state anxiety were normal for age-reference population. Differences (P<0.05) in state anxiety were found between situations and conditions. ENJ scores were higher for Tori and during simulation. RPE was higher for Uke during simulation and test-taking conditions.Conclusions:High technical demands impose psychophysiological strain during testing evaluations in adults and older individuals. Ecological models are needed to correctly evaluate the actual impact of psychophysical efforts later in life. Future studies should expand sample size, female participants and athletic levels.