INJURIES IN JUDO PRACTITIONERS AND PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC REHABILITATION: THE NARRATIVE REWIEW

Abstract

Objective: The present study aims to analyze the main factors related to musculoskeletal injuries in judo practitioners, identify the most affected body regions, and discuss the role of physiotherapy in the prevention and rehabilitation of these injuries. The choice of this topic is justified by the high incidence of injuries in this sport and the lack of systematic reviews specifically addressing physiotherapy in the context of judo. Materials and Methods: This work is characterized as a narrative review conducted through searches in the PEDro, PubMed, and Scielo databases. Inclusion criteria considered articles published between 2015 and 2025, focusing on studies that address biomechanical, epidemiological, and therapeutic aspects related to injuries in judo and the role of physiotherapists. The following descriptors were used: “physiotherapy in judo,” “injuries in judo,” “sports rehabilitation,” and “injury prevention.” Theoretical Framework: Judo presents a high prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries, especially in the shoulders, knees, ankles, and lumbar spine. Sports physiotherapy contributes with preventive and rehabilitative approaches, utilizing multidisciplinary strategies, motor control, proprioceptive training, and functional biomechanics to restore performance and reduce risks in athletes. Conclusion: The study concludes that judo, although a sport of great technical and educational value, presents a high risk of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in the joints and spine. The lack of studies related to rehabilitation of injuries in judo highlights the importance of future research in this area.