Abstract

Background: Judo has a higher risk of traumatic injuries during training. Thus, efficient training programs should be accomplished to decrease injury risk and improve performance. Objectives: Given the necessity of developing injury prevention approaches in programming the training, this study aimed at investigating the effect of an Injury Prevention Program on Traumatic Factors and Athletic Performance in junior Judokas. Methods: 46 subjects were randomly classified into 2 groups of experimental (N: 23) and control (N: 23) groups. For eight weeks, the experimental group attended a specific Judo functional training program designed by the researchers. The control group participated in the usual judo training program presented by the coaches. The exercises were accomplished 3 times per week for 90 minutes each session. The subjects participated in pre-and post-tests. To approve the data normality and compare the variables, Shapiro-wilk, ANCOVA analysis was implemented at the significant level of p<0.05 using SPSS (version 21). Results: The outcomes showed that the scores of functional movement screening (p = 0.001), upper extremity Y balance test (p = 0.001), vertical jump (p = 0.001), and special judo fitness test (p = 0.001) significantly increased among the experimental group. Conclusions: This intervention can modify or decreases the injury risk factors and improves athletic performance and offers more efficiency and effectiveness rather than the common judo training programs.