Injuries and training variables in Filipino judo athletes

Study aim: The aim of this study was twofold: first, to compare the incidence of injuries between male and female athletes in the junior and youth divisions during competition, as well as to identify body parts commonly injured and the types of injury frequently incurred; second, to assess overall incidence of injuries in relation to the frequency and duration of training as well as supplemental training.

Material and methods: Subjects were Filipino judokas (n = 192) competing in 4 major divisions at a national competition in Manila in 2009. Injury rates are expressed per 1,000 athlete-exposures, and the confidence intervals around the rates were computed.

Results: There was no difference in injury rate between boys (84.03/1,000 athlete-exposures (A-E), 95% CI: 47.20–120.86) and girls (37.04/1,000 A-E, 95% CI: –14.29–88.37). Although the boys were at a higher risk than the girls, the difference was not significant (OR = 3.13, 95% CI: 0.62–15.76). The junior women were at a higher risk than the girls (OR = 6.30, 95% CI: 1.26–31.66). Neither training frequencies of ≤2, 3, and ≥4 sessions per week nor training durations of ≤2 and >2 hours were significant predictors of injury. Supplemental training was not found to be related to the occurrence of injuries.

Conclusion: Judo is a relatively safe physical activity for young adults and children. Training variables, such as frequency and duration, and supplemental training do not influence the occurence of injury.