Simple strategy to prevent severe head trauma in Judo.
To determine whether the use of an under-mat has an effect on impact forces to the head in Judo, a Judo expert threw an anthropomorphic test device using the Osoto-gari and Ouchi-gari techniques onto a tatami (judo mat) with and without an under-mat. Head acceleration was measured and the head injury criterion (HIC) values with or without under-mat were compared. The use of an under-mat significantly decreased (p = 0.021) the HIC values from 1174.7 ± 246.7 (without under-mat) to 539.3 ± 43.5 in Ouchi-gari and from 330.0 ± 78.3 (without under-mat) to 156.1 ± 30.4 in Osoto-gari. The use of an under-mat simply reduces impact forces to the head in Judo. Rule changes are not necessary and the enjoyment and health benefits of Judo are maintained.
Department of Sports Science, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine.
Haruo
H
Murayama
Masahito
M
Hitosugi
Yasuki
Y
Motozawa
Masahiro
M
Ogino
Katsuhiro
K
Koyama
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019416:Head Movements / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D016139:Martial Arts / Q000293:injuries* / Q000502:physiology; D011482:Protective Devices