Epidemiology, risk factors, injury mechanisms, and prevention strategies in judo-related head and neck injuries

Abstract

This review article’s objective was to report on the epidemiology of judo-related head and neck injuries, identify the risk factors and injury mechanism, explore the current prevention strategies, and address the direction of future research. Epidemiologic studies have reported that non-negligible numbers of severe head and neck injuries have been sustained from judo in Japanese school settings. However, the epidemiology of relatively minor injuries such as head concussions is still unknown. Judo-related head injuries often occur when young judo beginners are thrown backward with osoto-gari. In contrast, neck injuries more frequently occur when experienced judokas fall forward from the head in both offensive and defensive situations. Analysis of injury statistics suggests that coach education is the most effective strategy in decreasing judo-related head injuries. It has also proposed that breakfall skill improvement, neck strengthening, and rule/regulation changes may reduce the risk of head and neck injuries in judokas. However, the research evidence for these strategies preventing head and neck injuries remains limited. Future studies will need to investigate the epidemiology of judo-related head and neck injuries using a standardized format. The author also recommends developing effective breakfall coaching programs for better preventing the injuries from occurring in novice judokas.