BackgroundThere is limited knowledge on epidemiological injury data in judo.ObjectiveTo systematically review scientific literature on the frequency and characteristics of injuries in judo.MethodsThe available literature up to June 2013 was searched for prospective as well as retrospective studies on injuries in judo. Data extraction and presentation focused on the incidence rate, injury risk, types, location and causes of injuries.ResultsDuring the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012, an average injury risk of about 11–12% has been observed. Sprains, strains and contusions, usually of the knee, shoulder and fingers, were the most frequently reported injuries, whereas being thrown was the most common injury mechanism. Severe injuries were quite rare and usually affected the brain and spine, whereas chronic injuries typically affected the finger joints, lower back and ears. The most common types of injuries in young judo athletes were contusions/abrasions, fractures and sprains/strains. Sex-differences data on judo injuries were mostly inconsistent. Some studies suggested a relationship between nutrition, hydration and/or weight cycling and judo injuries. Also, psychological factors may increase the risk of judo injuries.ConclusionsThe present review provides the latest knowledge on the frequency and characteristics of injuries in judo. Comprehensive knowledge about the risk of injury during sport activity and related risk factors represents an essential basis to develop effective strategies for injury prevention. Thus, the introduction of an ongoing injury surveillance system in judo is of utmost importance.

Negative effects of available antibiotics and the constant development of bacterial resistance motivate a search for new antimicrobial agents. Aromatics plants have traditionally been used as antibacterial agents and are well accepted today as a source of antioxidants. The present study evaluated the antibacterial activities and antioxidant capacity of eight aromatic plants, indigenous to the flora of the Balkan Peninsula, which are used as medicinal plants in traditional medicine. The plants studied were Hyssopus officinalis, Angelica pancicii, Angelica sylvestris, Laserpitium latifolium, Achillea grandifolia, Achillea crithmifolia, Artemisia absinthium and Tanacetum parthenium. The antimicrobial activities of methanolic extracts of the plant tissues against 16 bacterial isolates of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella sp., Proteus mirabilis, Acinetobacter sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis were investigated using a microwell dilution assay. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts ranged from 6.3 to 100 mg mL -1 , and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) ranged from 12.5 to 100 mg mL -1 . Antioxidant potential of the extracts was analyzed as contents of total phenols and flavonoids; radical scavenging activity by the ABTS • + and DPPH • methods, and reducing power by the iron (III) to iron (II) reduction assay, and the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP). Results of antioxidative activities from the 4 methods demonstrated similar sequence of activity: A. crithmifolia > A. grandifolia > H. officinalis > A. absinthium > T. parthenium > L. latifolium > A. pancicii > A. sylvestris. The total content of polyphenols and flavonoids in the methanol extracts of the studied species positively correlated with their antioxidant properties, confirming their major role in antioxidant activity of these species.

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The aims of this work were to compare the performances of male and female cadet and junior judo athletes and to develop classificatory tables to these judo-specific tests for international-level from these ages. Data collected during training camps of male and female cadet and junior judo teams from three nations (Brazil, Serbia, and Spain) were analyzed, totalizing 252 individual results of special judo fitness test (SJFT), and 222 and 208 of dynamic and isometric judogi chin-up tests, respectively. Juniors performed better than cadets in the SJFT, with higher number of throws in A, B, C, and total (P<0.001 for all comparisons), lower final heart rate (P=0.021), and lower index (P<0.001), as well as higher relative performance in the dynamic chin-up test (P<0.001). Furthermore, male athletes presented better performance compared to female athletes in the SJFT (higher number of throws in A, B and total, and lower index) and in the isometric and dynamic chin-up tests (higher absolute and relative performances) (P<0.001 for all comparisons). Considering these differences, tables were established by sex and age groups, using percentile values. Thereby, each of the parameters of the SJFT (number of throws, heart rate after and 1 min after the test, and SJFT index), as well as absolute and relative results in chin-up judogi tests, were classified by sex and age. These classificatory tables can be useful for judo coaches to monitor specific physical performance during different phases of periodization process.