Effects of Judo Training on Bones: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide a systematic literature review on the osteogenic effects of judo (PROSPERO: CRD42016041803). The online search was conducted according to the inclusion criteria: observational studies and clinical/interventional trials in English from inception to June 2016; bone health, mineral density (BMD), diameters, impact force and turnover markers (BTM) outcomes. Thirty-four studies were included and graded for their methodological quality ("fair" quality: 79.4%). The most used assessment method (44.1%) was X-ray absorptiometry. A positive association between judo and bone health/status emerged. Findings support site-specific BMD accrual in children, adolescents, adult athletes, and in pre- and post-menopausal women practitioners. BTM revealed a hypermetabolic status in high-level judo athletes. The osteogenic stimuli of judo seem to protect athletes from alterations in bone metabolic balance due to weight loss cycling. Sexual dimorphism was found between judoka in bone diameters and mass, and significant differences in bone breadths emerged between elite and non-elite judoka. The fall techniques reduced bone impact force and velocity respect 'natural' fall. Further longitudinal, cross-sectional and interventional researches are required. This paper provides useful information on bone for health sport scientists, coaches, and practitioners, stimulating future research lines on judo. In particular, coaches and physical trainers should consider to introduce judo fall techniques in their training plans to prevent fall-related injuries, especially relevant in the older population. Conversely, coaches are urged to carefully control weight cycling dietary habits of their athletes, which can produce serious metabolic responses on bones.

Categorizing 10 Sports According to Bone and Soft Tissue Profiles in Adolescents

“…The higher aBMD values at the upper limbs in judo participants compared to karate, kung fu and swimming has been debated in the literature in a recent systematic review (30) and the results showed the judo as beneficial sport for site-specific BMD accrual in children and adolescents, including the upper limbs (30). Ito et al ( 27) for example, found significantly higher aBMD for upper limbs in judokas compared to the control group and attributed these results to the movements performed during the practice of the modality and fall techniques.…”

“…However, the core movements of the body do not differ considerably among sports which may justify the similarity between the groups. In contrast, during participation in judo, volleyball and soccer there is a high weight-bearing load (jumps, running, fast short movements, changes of directions and falls on the ground) applied to the core body part and therefore lumbar spine which might improve this skeletal site (8,30,31).…”

Methodology Adapted to the Practice of Judo for Older Men

“…Studies show that the regular practice of martial arts and combat sports produce beneficial effects for BMD in adolescents of both sexes [28], this shows that this type of exercise can be adapted for older adults and elderly of both sexes. A systematic review demonstrated that judo can enhance bone mass and metabolism in individuals of all ages and both sexes [29]. Furthermore, the study recommends that break fall techniques should be used in other sports and training regimes to protect against sprains and fractures, especially in the older and senior population with osteoporosis [29].…”

“…A systematic review demonstrated that judo can enhance bone mass and metabolism in individuals of all ages and both sexes [29]. Furthermore, the study recommends that break fall techniques should be used in other sports and training regimes to protect against sprains and fractures, especially in the older and senior population with osteoporosis [29]. Study that also assessment QoL indicated that groups who engaged in adapted judo showed less fear of falling and avoidance of daily activities that could lead to falls when compared to resistance training, water aerobics and control groups.…”

Determining the optimal areas of effort in terms of force and force-velocity based on the functional state of the neuromuscular system in the training of elite female judokas

“…The presence in the professional sports of women in the pre-involution period reveals and updates, for the physiology of age and the sports practice, the functional capacity of female body’s cardiovascular system to adapt to an intense physical activity at such a mature age. It is necessary to take into consideration the osteogenic effects of judo in the female practitioners during the premenopausal and postmenopausal period ( Pogodina & Aleksanyants, 2017 ; Akhmetov et al, 2018 ; Ciaccioni et al, 2019 ).…”