Differences Between Sports Medicine in Europe and Japan

Abstract

Sports medicine originates from Europe, and Japan is a developing country in this field. YS experienced medical support as a team physician, both in Japan and Europe. Several differences were observed between sports medicine in Europe and Japan. Firstly, the background of team physicians is different; team physicians in Japan are orthopedists, while they are sports physicians in Europe. Secondly, sports participants have to do periodic health evaluations before they start sports, even at amateur levels, but this is voluntary in Japan. Thirdly, surveillance of injuries and illnesses and injury prevention strategies are well-developed in Europe compared to Japan. Lastly, emergency systems are more advanced in Europe than Japan. Here, we describe these differences based on personal experience and a review of the literature.