The Effects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Body Composition, Health Fitness, Functional Movement Screening in non-Elite Healthy Young Adults

Abstract

OBJECTIVES Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has grown massively in recent years, but its positive effects in non-elite population has not been analyzed. The purpose of current study was to exam the effects of BJJ on body composition, health fitness components, and functional movement screening (FMS) in healthy young adults. METHODS Combined exercise program was composed of aerobic and resistance exercises. All participants were randomly assigned either into BJJ exercise group (BJEG, n=10, 28.10±2.64 years) or combined exercise group (CEG, n=10, 28.20±3.43 years). Exercise intervention was conducted for ninety minutes per session, three times per week for twelve weeks. RESULTS Body fat (%) and muscle mass (kg) were significantly improved in both groups. Muscle strength in upper and lower extremity, muscle endurance, flexibility, power were significantly improved in both groups. Cardiorespiratory fitness in BJEG was significantly improved. Also, FMS total score and deep squat score showed significant improvement in both groups. CONCLUSIONS BJJ is an effective exercise for health and fitness management purpose in non-elite healthy young adults.

Keywords

• body composition
• brazilian jiu-jitsu
• functional movement screening