Internationally, Body Language Is Similar After A Win

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - We don't think much about body language but there are researchers who have.

In a study just released, researchers photographed the moment that judo athletes were told of their victory. These were 84 athletes from 34 countries in both 2004 and 2008 as well as 76 blind athletes from 25 countries in 2004.

Here is the interesting point. Whether the competitors were blind or from different parts of the world, familiar movements were associated with displays of triumph.

Movements like arms raised above the shoulders, arms held away from body, big smiles, holding the chest out and displays involving fists. Interestingly, winners and losers showed no difference between mouth position, gaze or the way in which their eyes were closed.