AUTHOR=Ciaccioni Simone , Guidotti Flavia , Palumbo Federico , Forte Roberta , Galea Envic , Sacripanti Attilio , Lampe Nuša , Lampe Špela , Jelušić Toma , Bradić Slaviŝa , Lascau Maria-Loredana , Rodica-Borza Alina , Camacho Pérez Raúl , Diéguez Rodríguez-Montero Fernando , Kapan Mesut , Gezeker Kaya , Capranica Laura , Tessitore Antonio 

TITLE=Judo for older adults: the coaches' knowledge and needs of education

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

VOLUME=Volume 6 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2024.1375814

DOI=10.3389/fspor.2024.1375814

ISSN=2624-9367

ABSTRACT=This study aimed to explore the views of judo coaches on their perceived knowledge (PK) and needs for education (NE) for training older practitioners. In total, 470 international (Europe=48%, Americas=22%, Africa=23%, Asia=5% and Oceania=2%) judo coaches (IJF: level 1=55,3%, level 2=33%; judo black belt: 3,4±1,7 dan; F=15%; university education: 68% >BA) responded an online survey encompassing demographic information and 35 items relevant to training older adults (Aging process; Safety and First Aid; Organization & Environment; Physiology and Fitness; Psychology & Mental Health; Teaching & Training) to be rated on a 7-point Likert scale for PK and NE. Non parametric statistics (p>0.05) was applied to ascertain differences and relationships between PK and NE, respectively. A bivariate go-zone plot was used to highlight items with the lowest PK and the highest NE mean values. The coaches reported high PK (4.5±0.3 pt) and NE (4.7±0.1 pt) values, with significant higher PK values emerging for high education levels and judo experience. In considering their unique needs and special role, the judo coaches presented valuable insights to develop a sustainable educational curriculum tailored to train older judo practitioners.