Global Consensus Statement; How Can Judo Contribute to Reducing the Problem of Injurious Falls in Older Adults?

The Global Consensus Statement on judo-based interventions for older adults addresses the potential of judo techniques, particularly ukemi (safe falling techniques), in minimising the risk and impact of falls among the elderly. Falls represent a significant health challenge for the ageing population, contributing to injuries and high healthcare costs. The statement outlines best practice and recommendations for implementing judo-based fall prevention programmes globally. These programmes leverage judo's multi-faceted approach, incorporating strength, balance, co-ordination, and safe landing skills to reduce the severity of falls and minimise the fear of falling. Research indicates that older adults can learn and retain these motor skills, enhancing their ability to fall safely and reduce injury risks. The consensus also highlights the importance of collaboration between judo federations, healthcare providers and community organisations to scale these interventions effectively. By promoting judo-based exercise programmes, the consensus aims to improve physical, psychological and social wellbeing among older adults, ultimately enhancing their independence and quality of life.Peer reviewe

The Effects of Judo Rule changes on Contestants' Performance: Paris Grand Slam Case Study

The International Judo Federation (IJF) has changed the rules many times to protect athletes, increasethe intensity of the contest, provide equal opportunities for all athletes, and encourage greater media coverage. This research aims to determine the effects of changes in judo rules on contestants' performance via time, techniques, penaltydistribution and attack efficiency indexes at the Paris Grand Slam between 2020 and 2022. The sample is comprised of (n=295) male fights from Paris GS 2020 and (n=152) female fights from Paris GS 2022, as well as (n=427) femalefights from Paris GS 2020 and (n=175) male fights from Paris GS 2022 encompassing contestants in all seven weight categories for each gender. The results have shown some specific differences in female and male senior contestantsin individual penalties and in senior contestants' technique subgroups. However, regarding the overall attack index, no specific effects were discovered, as well as the attacking efficiency index in individual throwing and ground techniques. For senior female contestants, yoko shiho gatame, uchi mata and ōuchi gari have remained the top three most efficienttechniques but exhibited different efficiency indexes in the two competitions. In senior male contestants, the most successful techniques in Paris GS 2020 were seoi nage, sumi otoshi and uchi mata, while in Paris GS 2022 they were sodetsurikomi goshi, ōuchi gari and uchi mata. Based on the results, one can notice specific effects on contestants' performances, indicating that coaches and contestants must adapt quickly to the new rules during training and competitions.Peer reviewe