title: Injuries in judo: a systematic literature review including suggestions for prevention.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is limited knowledge on epidemiological injury data in judo.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To systematically review scientific literature on the frequency and characteristics of injuries in judo.
  
  
  METHODS
  The available literature up to June 2013 was searched for prospective as well as retrospective studies on injuries in judo. Data extraction and presentation focused on the incidence rate, injury risk, types, location and causes of injuries.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012, an average injury risk of about 11-12% has been observed. Sprains, strains and contusions, usually of the knee, shoulder and fingers, were the most frequently reported injuries, whereas being thrown was the most common injury mechanism. Severe injuries were quite rare and usually affected the brain and spine, whereas chronic injuries typically affected the finger joints, lower back and ears. The most common types of injuries in young judo athletes were contusions/abrasions, fractures and sprains/strains. Sex-differences data on judo injuries were mostly inconsistent. Some studies suggested a relationship between nutrition, hydration and/or weight cycling and judo injuries. Also, psychological factors may increase the risk of judo injuries.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present review provides the latest knowledge on the frequency and characteristics of injuries in judo. Comprehensive knowledge about the risk of injury during sport activity and related risk factors represents an essential basis to develop effective strategies for injury prevention. Thus, the introduction of an ongoing injury surveillance system in judo is of utmost importance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, , Innsbruck, Austria.
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pocecco
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ruedl
authors.forename: Nemanja
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Stankovic
authors.forename: Stanislaw
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sterkowicz
authors.forename: Fabricio Boscolo
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Del Vecchio
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gutiérrez-García
authors.forename: Romain
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rousseau
authors.forename: Mirjam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wolf
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kopp
authors.forename: Bianca
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Miarka
authors.forename: Verena
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Menz
authors.forename: Philipp
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Krüsmann
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Calmet
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Malliaropoulos
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Burtscher
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002648:Child; D003288:Contusions / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005121:Extremities / Q000293:injuries; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D016139:Martial Arts / Q000293:injuries*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Injury Prevention; Judo; Martial Arts; Sporting Injuries