A 10-week judo-based exercise programme improves physical functions such as balance, strength and falling techniques in working age adults

Abstract

Background Falls and fall-related injuries are major threats not only for older adults but also for younger age groups such as working-age adults. It has been shown that it is possible to reduce the risk of falls and fall-related injuries, to some extent. However, interventions aiming at reducing both the risk of falls and mitigating fall-related injuries through teaching safe falling techniques are still sparsely investigated. The aim with this study was to investigate the effect of a 10-week workplace-based judo inspired exercise programme (Judo4Balance). The measures in the study include physical functions, fall-related self-efficacy and safe falling techniques. Methods A total of 142 working-age adults participated in this non-randomised controlled study. The participants were allocated to the Judo4Balance group (n = 79), or to a waiting list control group (n = 63). The mean age was 47 years (18–68). The recruitment period was from May 2018 to October 2019. A total of 128 participants were included in the analysis. Logistic Regression models were used to analyse the outcomes: physical function, balance and fall-related self-efficacy as well as falling techniques (backwards and forwards). Results At the 10-week follow-up, the results displayed significant differences between the two groups in all measurements, except for the fall-related self-efficacy with OR = 1.8. Techniques for falling forwards and backwards displayed the highest OR = 124.1 and OR = 98.9. Physical function and balance showed OR = 3.3 and OR = 6.4. Conclusions This exercise programme under study displayed significant differences in strength, balance and safe falling techniques between the groups. It is suggested that these functions, which were studied here, can effectively be trained in working-age adults by using the Judo4Balace exercise programme. Thus, it may be beneficial to further investigate and include training in proper falling techniques when designing fall prevention exercise programmes. Furthermore, it may be a novel way of addressing fall-related injuries, which are of utmost importance to prevent in near future. Trial registration NCT04294342. Registered 4 March 2020 - The Impact of Specifically Adapted Judo-based Training Program on Risk Factors for Falls Among Adults - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov

Falls Are the Leading Cause of Injuries among Farmers—Limitations of Practicing Judo in Preventing These Incidents

“…On the basis of the evidence for the complementary influence of the innovative methods, the conclusion offered by Arkkukangas et al [38] seems exaggerated. It was suggested that, as verified by the authors, a 10-week judo-based exercise program may be a novel way of addressing fall-related injuries.…”

“…There is a lack of deeper analysis of the limitations of judo as a method of preventing body injuries resulting from falls [37,38]. The observation made by Arkkukangas et al [38] that "interventions aiming at reducing both the risk of falls and mitigating fall-related injuries through teaching safe falling techniques are still sparsely investigated" is only partially true. The authors performed a very superficial analysis of available papers.…”

Judo training program improves brain and muscle function and elevates the peripheral BDNF concentration among the elderly

“…Thus, judo participants have shown elevated anaerobic and aerobic capacity 18 , 21 . Moreover, judo training programs include safe fall techniques that can protect against injuries 19 , 22 . The fall rate among the elderly is frequently a direct consequence of diminishing physical function, whereas exercise programs focusing on strength and balance, such as judo, reduce falls and fear of falling in older age groups 22 .…”

“…Moreover, judo training programs include safe fall techniques that can protect against injuries 19 , 22 . The fall rate among the elderly is frequently a direct consequence of diminishing physical function, whereas exercise programs focusing on strength and balance, such as judo, reduce falls and fear of falling in older age groups 22 . Judo techniques should also be performed with accuracy, a factor that stimulates motor cortex and sensorimotor control mechanisms 18 , 19 , 22 .…”

“…The fall rate among the elderly is frequently a direct consequence of diminishing physical function, whereas exercise programs focusing on strength and balance, such as judo, reduce falls and fear of falling in older age groups 22 . Judo techniques should also be performed with accuracy, a factor that stimulates motor cortex and sensorimotor control mechanisms 18 , 19 , 22 . Additionally, judo exercise could involve more cognitive loads and demands than other so-called “closed skills exercise”, like walking, jogging, or swimming.…”