Judo injuries during high-level competitions in Poland

Background: The aim of the study was to collect statistical data on injuries occurring during Polish judo competitions. Epide miological data on the prevalence and anatomical locations of injuries, type of injury, gender of the injured athletes, and causes of injury were collected. Method: Between 2009 and 2016, there were 28 top senior and junior tournaments ( Polish Cups, Polish Open Cups, Polish Championships). The students of the University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw, together with the local physician in charge, they filled in the EJU Injury Registration Form. This form registers the judoka’s sex and weight category, anatomical loca tion and the type of injury, the tissue involved, the side of the lesion, and whether the athlete is able to take part in the competition or needs hospitalization. Results: Between 2009-2016, 101 injuries occurred in 2,985 competitors during 28 top-level competitions. It means that 3.4% of all competitors needed medical assistance. Injuries of the knees (16.8%), shoulders (13.8%), and elbows (12.9%) were most common. Sprains (43.6%) were by far the most frequent type of injury, followed by contusions (22.8%). Of all competitors, 0.4% suffered injuries which needed hospitalization. No statistically significant differences in the incidence of individual types of injuries were found between male and female participants. Furthermore, significantly more elbow injuries were noted in women (p<0.01). Conclusion: During the registration period an injury incidence of only 3,4% was registered. An ongoing injury registration can help prevent injuries in judo competitors.