Prevalence of knee dysfunction in young judokas of different weight categories

Judo, one of the Japanese traditional martial art, is now widely practiced in the world. It includes different throwing, Grappling, and Striking techniques. This leads to injury in any part of the body, but the knee seems to be the most injured part.

As the prevalence of knee injuries is very high in judokas, the study will give a basic idea about the overall prevalence of knee dysfunction and prevalence in different weight categories in judo. And will help in developing further preventive strategies.

An observational study was conducted on 103 young (10–25 years) judokas of Gujarat selected by convenience sampling. Players with >2 years of active judo playing. Participants (76 male; 27 female) are categorized into 3 weight categories according to standard Olympic criteria (group1 lower weight <60 kg; group 2 middleweight 60–80 kg; group 3 higher weight >80 kg). A self-reported knee outcome survey scale was taken to measures the prevalence of knee dysfunction. Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft excel.

The overall prevalence of knee dysfunction is 70% (72/103). Highest prevalence is seen in 60–80 kg weight category 86% followed by 84% in >80 kg weight category and 40% in <60 kg weight category. Total 34% (35/103) participants are having past history of knee injury. The highest number of players with past history of knee injury 51% (18/35) are also found in 60–80 kg weight category.