Head injuries prevention in judo; evidence and practical aspects

Abstract

Judo is a modern Olympic sport, a physical, intellectual and moral education and a way of life that was crystallised from the martial arts and ways of Japan. Today the International Judo Federation encompasses more than 200 nations globally with some estimates of over 20 million individual participants worldwide. As a combat sport the safety of participants is of great importance, and research into the epidemiology of judo injuries seeks to understand the causation factors that might inform prevention strategies. In this 40-minute workshop internationally renowned researchers will collaborate to explore strategies to lead to injury reduction and prevention. Dr Callan is the President of the International Association of Judo Researchers, and he will consider injuries from a Safeguarding perspective, suggesting prevention strategies. Dr Malliaropoulos, the Chief Medical Officer for the Hellenic Team at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, will outline his research into a warm-up protocol designed to reduce lower leg injuries. The WORKSHOP will conclude with a discussion informing future prevention strategies to reduce injuries in judo.