Injury Symmetry in Judo

Background: Each combat sport carries different risks of injury due to the specifics of the sport (including the weight categories and sex) and the fighting techniques used according to different sports regulations. The purpose of this study is to examine injury symmetry in judo. Methods: Injuries recorded in 195 people (93 women, 102 men) suffered during top-level judo tournaments were verified. Using the European Judo Union medical questionnaire, information on injuries was obtained from each injured athlete. Results: Based on the analysis of the results, it can be concluded that injuries are almost evenly distributed on the left and right sides of the body in both men and women. In women, there were 129 injuries to the left side (41.2%), 134 injuries to the right (42.8%), and 50 (16.0%) to the middle part of the body. Conclusions: injuries in judo are evenly distributed and slightly more common on the right side. Injuries occur at a greater rate during defending maneuvers than attacking maneuvers in judo. Identification and monitoring of who (tori or uke) and which side of the body sustains an injury are crucial and important in injury prevention. This knowledge makes it possible to modify existing sports regulations by eliminating behaviors (e.g., certain types of defense) to improve the safety of athletes participating in top-level competitions and the training process in terms of ensuring safety in both attack and defense.