Postural adaptations in preadolescent karate athletes due to a one week karate training cAMP

Finding Stability-A Case Report on the Benefits of Adapted Kata Training for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study investigated the efficacy of an Adapted Kata Training Program (AKTP) in enhancing balance for a 10-year-old child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), employing a mixed-model approach for data collection. Over 12 weeks, the AKTP demonstrated significant improvements in the child's balance abilities, with an 11% increase in static balance, 8% in proprioceptive, 12% in horizontal, and 14% in vertical balance performance. These improvements persisted in a follow-up assessment after four weeks. Observations by the child's mother corroborated the above findings. Consequently, this research suggests the AKTP as a valuable non-pharmacological intervention to improve balance in children with ASD. However, further studies are necessary to validate these results and explore the impact on additional developmental domains, such as cognitive and motor skills.

The Acute and Long-Term Effects of Olympic Karate Kata Training on Structural and Functional Changes in the Body Posture of Polish National Team Athletes

The aim of this study was to assess the acute and long-term effects of karate kata training on body posture (range of motion (ROM)) and musculoskeletal pain in elite karate athletes. Twelve kata athletes from the Polish national team participated in the study. A cross-sectional study protocol was used, with direct participatory observation (NMQ-7/6 questionnaire, spinal curvatures and spinal ROM testing, ROM of joints) and natural experiment (225 min of kata training) methods of assessment. Age and number of weekly kata sessions were found to correlate with ROM of the lumbar spine (R = (-0.6), p < 0.05). High increase in the prevalence of lumbar hypolordosis and posterior pelvic tilt was noted after karate training sessions. ROM of the inclination in the sagittal plane differed significantly between the first and second trials, by 10.0 degrees on average. Kata stances and their movement pattern seem to be related to the occurrence of disturbances in the ROM of the internal and external rotations of the hip joints and decreased depth of the lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and their ROM. The locations of the long-term musculoskeletal complaints (NMQ-6) seem to result from compensatory changes that occur in the musculoskeletal structures as a result of elite-level kata training.

Mediolateral Postural Control Mechanisms and Proprioception Improve With Kicking Sports Training During Adolescence

Sensorimotor stimulation during the sensitive period is crucial for proper brain development. Kicking sports (KS) training stimulates these sensorimotor functions. The purpose of this study was to investigate if incorporating specific sensorimotor stimulation in mediolateral axis and proprioceptive inputs during KS training will improve the specific sensorimotor performance in adolescents. We assessed stability limits in 13 KS practitioners and 20 control participants. Starting from an upright position, subjects were asked to lean as far as possible (forward, backward, rightward, and leftward). Three sensory conditions were tested: (1) eyes open, (2) eyes closed, and (3) eyes closed while standing on a foam mat. We analyzed the maximal center of pressure excursion and the root means square of the center of pressure displacements. Results showed that KS group had smaller root means square and larger maximal center of pressure excursions than those of control participants in mediolateral axis in all sensory conditions. Furthermore, the results also revealed a significant smaller root means square excursion in KS group under foam mat condition compared to control group ML axis. This study provides evidence that KS training improved the lateral balance control and proprioceptive integration.

Current and preservice teachers' views and beliefs regarding martial arts and the inclusion of martial arts in Australian school settings: A cross-sectional study

Purpose

This study investigates views and beliefs of current and preservice teachers regarding martial arts (MA) and the inclusion of martial arts in schools.

Methods

Participants completed an anonymous, 28-item questionnaire made available online via Qualtrics (August-November 2020). Data was analysed using SPSS software to compare mean scores by sex, and between qualified teachers and preservice teachers. Qualitative data in the form of quotes was drawn upon and used to complement the quantitative results.

Results

Results indicate teachers and preservice teachers view MA as a worthwhile and beneficial activity for school-aged students, and support the inclusion of MA into school settings.

Conclusion

These findings may be useful to inform policy and practice in schools, and the development of teacher education programs, professional development courses, and school-based education programs utilizing MA to meet physical education learning outcomes.

Effects of Chinese Martial Arts on Motor Skills in Children between 5 and 6 Years of Age: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Children’s motor skills can be fully developed only by the appropriate stimulation of physical activities and the environment, and the poor development of motor skills greatly increases the risk of cognitive impairment, obesity, and movement coordination disorder. This study aimed to examine the effects of Chinese martial arts on the motor skills of preschool children aged 5−6 years through a randomized controlled trial. A total of 87 children aged 5−6 years served as participants in a martial arts sensory teaching group (MAST, n = 29), a martial arts traditional teaching group (MATT, n = 29), and a free activity group (FA, n = 29). The interventions were conducted twice weekly for a total of 10 weeks, with each session lasting 30 min. Children’s motor skills were assessed before and after the intervention using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2). The results indicated that the balance index scores in the MAST (p < 0.001) and MATT (p = 0.014) groups were significantly higher than those in the FA and that the MAST score was significantly higher than the MATT (p = 0.004). Meanwhile, the MAST was significantly higher in total scores on motor skills when compared to the FA (p = 0.039), and the MAST showed significantly higher scores on manual dexterity when compared to both the MATT (p = 0.021) and FA (p = 0.011). Chinese martial arts can significantly improve the balance ability of preschool children, and the MAST method was found to be better than that of the MATT. Meanwhile, the MAST had good potential for the development of preschool children’s manual dexterity and their overall level of motor skills.

Greater Star Excursion Balance Test Performance in Thai Khon Masked Dancers Versus Nondancer

The Khon masked dance drama is an authentic Thai classical performance that has been handed down for centuries. The performance has many unique choreographic patterns that are typical of the Southeast Asian performing arts. The Thai Khon masked dance consists of a combination of balance control and limb movement in different rhythms. The grace and beauty of Khon performances are dependent on the precision of the limb movement's curve, angle, and specific position. The connection between balance control and body movements during performance is crucial. The purpose of this study was to compare postural control between Thai Khon masked dancers and nondancers and explore bilateral asymmetry in postural control during single leg standing between the dominant and non-dominant legs using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Thai Khon masked dancers (n = 25) and nondancers (n = 25) were asked to identify their dominant leg and perform the SEBT using both legs. The reaching distances in different directions from the SEBT were converted to a normalized distance for comparison. A mixed model ANOVA and t-test were applied to determine the differences between directions in both the dominant and non-dominant legs. The interaction between dancer and nondancer groups was also verified. The results showed that dancers performed better on SEBT than nondancers in all directions (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Thai Khon masked dancers demonstrated a superior ability to maintain dynamic postural control during the SEBT. When considering all directions together, the dominant side was not a factor that affected postural control during the SEBT. This study adds further supporting evidence that Khon masked dance training improves dynamic balance control and can possibly be applied as a recreational exercise to promote balance performance.

Up in the air: the efficacy of weighted gloves in figure skating jumps

Successful performance of difficult, multi-revolution jumps is a critical aspect of singles and pairs figure skating. Key determinants of quality jumps include jump height, angular momentum at takeoff (L_BodyTO) and total body moment of inertia (I_Body). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of weighted gloves on L_BodyTO of figure skating jumps. Kinematic data was collected from thirteen skaters during on-ice testing sessions conducted before and after one week of training with weighted gloves. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare metrics from jumps performed pre-training without weights (PreNW), post-training without weights (PostNW) and post-training with weights (PostW). No significant differences were found between kinematics in PreNW and PostNW. Skaters did not pull their arms in as tightly while wearing the weighted gloves (distance from the wrists to the axis of rotation were 13.6% and 12.1% greater in PostW than PreNW and PreW, respectively). A post hoc simulation showed that the added mass affected I_Body in the air. While theoretical evidence supports the use of weighted gloves in figure skating jumps, compensations negated their effectiveness in jumps the skaters could already perform well. Optimal implementation may be when skaters are learning new jumps.

The Effects of Short-Term Visual Feedback Training on the Stability of the Roundhouse Kicking Technique in Young Karatekas

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of using real-time visual feedback (VF) during a one-week balance training intervention on postural sway parameters in young karatekas. Twenty-six young male karatekas (age = 14.0 ± 2.3 years) were randomly divided into two groups: real-time VF training (VFT; n = 14) and control (CTRL; n = 12). Their center of pressure (COP) displacement (path length, COPpl; distance from origin, COPod) was assessed pre- and post-training on a Wii Balance Board platform in two positions (Flex: knee of the supporting leg slightly bent, maximum hip and leg flexion of the other leg; Kick: knee of the supporting leg slightly bent, mawashi-geri posture for the kicking leg). Both groups trained twice a day for seven days, performing a one-legged stance on the non-dominant limb in the Kick position. During the training, VFT received real-time VF of COP displacement, while CTRL looked at a fixed point. No interaction effect was found (p > 0.05). VFT exhibited greater changes pre- and post-training in Flex COPpl (-25.2%, g = 1.5), Kick COPpl (-24.1%, g = 1.3), and Kick COPod (-44.1%, g = 1.0) compared to CTRL (-0.9--13.0%, g-range: 0.1-0.7). It is possible that superimposing real-time VF to a week-long balance training intervention could induce a greater sport-specific balance-training effect in young karatekas.

The Effects of Aquatic Versus Kata Techniques Training on Static and Dynamic Balance in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The present study aimed to compare the effect of a land-based and a swimming-based exercise program on balance abilities in children with autism. Thirty children were voluntarily selected and randomly assigned to karate exercise, aquatic training and control groups. Participants practiced for 10 weeks, 2 sessions of 60 min per week. Before and after the 10-week intervention, static and dynamic balance tests were administered. The results showed that both interventions had a significant effect on balance abilities (p < 0.001); interestingly, we found the greater improvement in balance performance in kata techniques group. Due to the importance of balance performance on daily functions, communication and interaction skills, karate and swimming exercises can be the valuable interventions added to autism's daily programs. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials number: IRCT20180626040242N1.

Gender Differences in Postural Stability among 13-Year-Old Alpine Skiers

This experiment examined changes in body sway after Wingate test (WAnT) in 19 adolescents practicing alpine skiing, subjected to the same type of training load for 4–5 years (10 girls and nine boys). The postural examinations were performed with eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC), and sway reverenced vision (SRV) in the medial-lateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) planes. The displacement of center of foot pressure (CoP), range of sway (RS), mean sway velocity (MV), way length, and surface area were measured in bipedal upright stance before and after the WAnT to assess the influence of fatigue on postural balance. There were no significant differences in WAnT parameters between girls and boys. Relative peak power (RPP), relative total work (RWtot) were (girls vs. boys) 8.89 ± 0.70 vs. 9.57 ± 1.22 W/kg, p < 0.05 and 227.91 ± 14.98 vs. 243.22 ± 30.24 W/kg, p < 0.05 respectively. The fatigue index (FI) was also on similar level in both genders; however, blood lactate concentration (BLa) was significantly higher in boys (10.35 ± 1.16 mM) than in girls (8.67 ± 1.35 mM) p = 0.007. In the EO examination, statistically significant differences between resting and fatigue conditions in the whole group and after the division into girls and boys were found. In fatigue conditions, significant gender differences were noted for measurements in the ML plane (sway path and RS) and RS in the AP plane. Comparison of the three conditions shows differences between EO vs. EC and SRV in AP plane measured parameters, and for RS in ML plane in rest condition in girls. The strong correlations between FI and CoP parameters mainly in ML plane in the whole group for all examination conditions were noted. By genders, mainly RS in ML plane strongly correlates with FI (r > 0.7). No correlation was found between BLa and CoP parameters (p > 0.06). The presented results indicate that subjecting adolescents of both genders to the same training may reduce gender differences in the postural balance ability at rest but not in fatigue conditions and that girls are significantly superior in postural balance in the ML plane than boys. It was also shown that too little or too much information may be destructive to postural balance in young adolescents.

Postural control in karate practitioners: Does practice make perfect?

BACKGROUND

Karate training likely leads to enhanced postural control, however, previous studies did not always include a healthy, physically active comparison group and the findings are inconsistent.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Will the postural control of experienced karate practitioners be better than that of experienced swimmers, i.e., athletes with similar characteristics who do not practice under conditions that require upright postural control?

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 20 experienced, male karate practitioners and 20 experienced, male swimmers, ages 20-50, performed four standing postural control tasks of increasing difficulty: (a) two-legged stance with eyes open; (b) one-legged stance with eyes open; (c) one-legged stance with eyes closed, and (d) a dual-task, one-legged stance with eyes closed and a verbal fluency challenge. The primary outcome measure was a functional, behavioral measure that reflects the loss of balance. Specifically, in tasks that included one-legged stance, every touch of the raised foot to the floor was counted. Center-of-gravity movements were measured using a wearable sensor.

RESULTS

Task-related differences were seen in all of the postural control measures. In the OneLegEyesClosed task, the median number of touches was 0.00 in the karate group and 6.50 in the swimming group (p < 0.001). In the OneLegEyesClosedWords task, the median number of touches was 0.00 in the karate group and 5.00 in the swimming group (p < 0.001). Shannon entropy, a measure of the complexity of the sway of the center-of-gravity, was lower in the karate group (p = 0.002), compared to the swimmers.

SIGNIFICANCE

Karate training is associated with a higher level of postural control, even when compared to a physically active age-matched comparison group. In addition to supporting the specificity of exercise training principle, these findings raise the intriguing possibility that karate may be useful as a form of pre-habilitation, potentially aiding in the prevention of age-associated declines in balance control.

Analysis of static balance performance and dynamic postural priority according to playing position in elite soccer players

BACKGROUNDS

Balance performance and postural priority are important components of motor skill development. No published reports have investigated the differences in static balance abilities and postural priority among professional soccer players according to field position.

RESEARCH QUESTION

We hypothesized that static balance as well as dynamic postural priority is influenced by playing position in professional soccer players.

METHODS

The study covered a group of 101 elite professional soccer players who were divided into six subgroups according to playing positions: goalkeepers (G) (n = 10), central defenders (CD) (n = 15), external defenders (ED) (n = 15), central midfielders (CM) (n = 23), external midfielders (EM) (n = 15) and forwards (F) (n = 23). All participants completed the Delos Postural System Test using the standard protocol. The tests were performed unilaterally on non-dominant (NL) and dominant leg (DL) under static conditions (with open and closed eyes) standing on a stable platform and under dynamic conditions on an unstable base.

RESULTS

In the static test with open eyes (ST OE) there were no statistically significant differences between the legs and positions. In the static test with closed eyes (ST CE), the differences are statistically significant only between positions. Players on the CM position have significantly higher differences than G. In the dynamic postural priority test (DPPT) there is a difference between positions and legs. In fact, the statistically higher differentiation refers to players in the CM position relative to ED, CD, EM and F. We noticed a significantly greater difference in the NL compared to the DL.

SIGNIFICANCE

Static balance performance and postural priority varied with playing position in elite soccer players. Midfield players have better postural priority than players in other positions. Professional soccer players present greater balance postural priority on the non-dominant leg.

Body composition and performance variables differences in female volleyball players by agegroup and playing position

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the age and inter- and intra-position differences in the anthropometric variables and physical performance in young female players of Brazilian women's volleyball. Fifty-eight female volleyball players participated, divided into 3 age groups: (a) 14 and under (n=20; mean age = 12.6±0.7 years), (b) between 14 and 17 (n=31; mean age = 15.6±1.2 years), and (c) over 17 (n=7; mean age = 18.9±0.9 years). In addition, the players were also divided according to their positions: setters (n=7), opposites (n=13), passer-hitters (n=17), middle blockers (n=12) and liberos (n=9). Anthropometric characteristics, flexibility, strength / resistance abdominal muscles, pushups, explosive power of the arms, jumping abilities, shuttle run and 20-m sprint tests were evaluated. Analyses showed differences among age and playing positions for the height and bone mass (p<0.05). In the fitness assessment, no differences were found between playing positions (p>0.05). However, differences were found among for age groups horizontal jump, shuttle run and 20-m sprint, with players >17 performing better than <14 and between 14-17 years of age (p<0.05). These results demonstrated that the height, bone mass and horizontal jump, shuttle run and 20-m sprint are age dependent, while physical performance independent on the playing positions.

Immunological Modulation in Long-Term Karate Practitioners

Karate is a Japanese martial arts system with potential physical and psychological benefits. However, karate has been scarcely investigated from a psychobiological perspective, and its effects on the immune system remain virtually unknown. We designed the present study with the aim of analyzing the effects of karate practice on immunological parameters. 27 healthy male volunteer subjects participated in the study, 15 in the experimental group and 12 in the control. Experimental subjects were all karate players who had practiced this martial art for a minimum of three years attending regular lessons at a karate training center, in the evening, two to three days per week. Blood samples for the quantification of immunological parameters (total leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, IgG, IgA, and IgM) were taken in both groups. A t-test for independent groups was performed in each dependent variable; a value of p<0.05 was considered to be significant. Karate practitioners exhibited a significantly higher number of total leukocytes (p<0.02), monocytes (p<0.01), and lymphocytes (p<0.01), a higher percentage of monocytes (p<0.01), and greater serum concentrations of IgG (p<0.02) and IgM (p<0.01). Our findings show that long-term karate practice is related to a broad modulation of immune parameters, including total and specific leukocyte counts, as well as immunoglobulin concentrations. This peculiar immunomodulatory profile, apart from its psychobiological relevance, may have noteworthy clinical implications.

Youth Participation and Injury Risk in Martial Arts

The martial arts can provide children and adolescents with vigorous levels of physical exercise that can improve overall physical fitness. The various types of martial arts encompass noncontact basic forms and techniques that may have a lower relative risk of injury. Contact-based sparring with competitive training and bouts have a higher risk of injury. This clinical report describes important techniques and movement patterns in several types of martial arts and reviews frequently reported injuries encountered in each discipline, with focused discussions of higher risk activities. Some of these higher risk activities include blows to the head and choking or submission movements that may cause concussions or significant head injuries. The roles of rule changes, documented benefits of protective equipment, and changes in training recommendations in attempts to reduce injury are critically assessed. This information is intended to help pediatric health care providers counsel patients and families in encouraging safe participation in martial arts.

Anthropometric and physical characteristics allow differentiation of young female volleyball players according to playing position and level of expertise

The aim of our study was to determine the differences in some anthropometric and physical performance variables of young Croatian female volleyball players (aged 13 to 15) in relation to playing position (i.e., independent variable) and performance level within each position (i.e., independent variable). Players were categorized according to playing position (i.e., role) as middle blockers (n=28), opposite hitters (n=41), passer-hitters (n=54), setters (n=30), and liberos (n=28). Within each position, players were divided into a more successful group and a less successful group according to team ranking in the latest regional championship and player quality within the team. Height and body mass, somatotype by the Heath-Carter method, and four tests of lower body power, speed, agility and upper body power (i.e., dependent variables) were assessed. Players in different positions differed significantly in height and all three somatotype components, but no significant differences were found in body mass, body mass index or measured physical performance variables. Players of different performance level differed significantly in both anthropometric and physical performance variables. Generally, middle blockers were taller, more ectomorphic, less mesomorphic and endomorphic, whereas liberos were shorter, less ectomorphic, more mesomorphic and endomorphic than players in other positions. More successful players in all positions had a lower body mass index, were less mesomorphic and endomorphic, and more ectomorphic than less successful players. Furthermore, more successful players showed better lower body power, speed, agility and upper body power. The results of this study can potentially provide coaches with useful indications about the use of somatotype selection and physical performance assessment for talent identification and development.

Masseter Muscle Activity in Track and Field Athletes: A Pilot Study

Teeth clenching has been shown to improve remote muscle activity (by augmentation of the Hoffmann reflex), and joint fixation (by decreased reciprocal inhibition) in the entire body. Clenching could help maintain balance, improve systemic function, and enhance safety. Teeth clenching from a sports dentistry viewpoint was thought to be important and challenging. Therefore, it is quite important to investigate mastication muscles' activity and function during sports events for clarifying a physiological role of the mastication muscle itself and involvement of mastication muscle function in whole body movement. Running is a basic motion of a lot of sports; however, a mastication muscles activity during this motion was not clarified. Throwing and jumping operation were in a same situation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence or absence of masseter muscle activity during track and field events. In total, 28 track and field athletes took part in the study. The Multichannel Telemetry system was used to monitor muscle activity, and the electromyograms obtained were synchronized with digital video imaging. The masseter muscle activity threshold was set 15% of maximum voluntary clenching. As results, with few exceptions, masseter muscle activity were observed during all analyzed phases of the 5 activities, and that phases in which most participants showed masseter muscle activity were characterized by initial acceleration, such as in the short sprint, from the commencement of throwing to release in both the javelin throw and shot put, and at the take-off and landing phases in both jumps.

Multi-segmental movements as a function of experience in karate

Karate is a martial art that partly depends on subjective scoring of complex movements. Principal component analysis (PCA)-based methods can identify the fundamental synergies (principal movements) of motor system, providing a quantitative global analysis of technique. In this study, we aimed at describing the fundamental multi-joint synergies of a karate performance, under the hypothesis that the latter are skilldependent; estimate karateka's experience level, expressed as years of practice. A motion capture system recorded traditional karate techniques of 10 professional and amateur karateka. At any time point, the 3D-coordinates of body markers produced posture vectors that were normalised, concatenated from all karateka and submitted to a first PCA. Five principal movements described both gross movement synergies and individual differences. A second PCA followed by linear regression estimated the years of practice using principal movements (eigenpostures and weighting curves) and centre of mass kinematics (error: 3.71 years; R2 = 0.91, P ≪ 0.001). Principal movements and eigenpostures varied among different karateka and as functions of experience. This approach provides a framework to develop visual tools for the analysis of motor synergies in karate, allowing to detect the multi-joint motor patterns that should be restored after an injury, or to be specifically trained to increase performance.

Exergaming (XBOX Kinect™) versus traditional gym-based exercise for postural control, flow and technology acceptance in healthy adults: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The use of exergaming is a potential alternative to traditional methods of balance training, which can be repetitive and somewhat monotonous. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of exergaming using XBOX Kinect™ versus traditional gym-based exercise with no virtual stimuli (TGB) on postural control, technology acceptance, flow experience and exercise intensity, in young healthy adults.

METHODS

Fifty healthy active adults (age: 33.8 ± 12.7 years, height: 172.9 ± 11.9 cm, weight: 75 ± 15.8 kg) were recruited; 44 completed both baseline and post-intervention data collection. Participants were randomised (blind card) allocation to one of two groups: (1) received balance training using the XBOX Kinect™ and (2) performed traditional gym-based exercise. Exercises were matched for intensity, duration and movement patterns across groups. All participants completed three, 30-minute, exercise sessions a week for four weeks. Postural sway was measured using a Kistler™ Force platform during unipedal standing. Mean heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected during each exercise session to determine and verify that intensity of exercise was matched between groups. Technology acceptance was measured with the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and flow experience with the Flow State Scale (FSS).

RESULTS

Heart rate was matched between groups and BORG RPE was significantly lower in the Kinect™ group. There were significant between-group differences in postural sway in the medial-lateral direction and CoP. There were also significant differences in technology acceptance between groups for performance expectancy, social influence and behavioral intention, with higher values in the Kinect exercise group. The flow state scale showed significant differences between the groups on several dimensions, with higher values in the Kinect exercise group.

CONCLUSION

Objective physiological demand of exercise (HR) was matched across groups, but the exergaming group perceived it as being less demanding and of lower intensity. This suggests that exergaming may offer an alternative method of rehabilitation exercise through improved concordance. Balance training in healthy adults using the Kinect is both accepted and intrinsically motivating.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered on 27th July 2016. Trial number NCT02851017.

Day-time effect on postural stability in young sportsmen

BACKGROUND

stabilometry is commonly used from clinicians and posturologists for stability and postural assessment of patients. In the daily practice a large number of posturologists are usual to control the effect of their treatments on the same subject through stabilometry but tests are not always performed at the same time, so it is necessary to be sure that data are not influenced by the time-of-day. The aim of this study was to evaluate the time-of-day effect on stabilometric parameters and theirs variation.

METHODS

for this aim 61 healty sportsmen performed on four repetitions of the stabilometric test during the same day (morning - evening). Data collected from each test were: centre of pressure sway path length, Naiperian logarithm of the ellipse of confidence area, of the x mean and of the y mean, eccentricity of the ellipse area.

RESULTS

no significant difference was found in any parameter at any time of the day. Intra-class Correlation Coefficient value confirmed the reliability of the stabilometric evaluation in healty subjects (sway path length 0.836 and 0.816 for open and closed eyes, respectively).

CONCLUSION

these findings suggest that stabilometry evaluation is not affected by a time-of-day, therefore the test and retest in different time of day is reliable to assess postural sway.

Reliability of the Wii Balance Board in kayak

BACKGROUND

the seat of the kayaker represent the principal contact point to express mechanical Energy.

METHODS

therefore we investigated the reliability of the Wii Balance Board measures in the kayak vs. on the ground.

RESULTS

Bland-Altman test showed a low systematic bias on the ground (2.85%) and in kayak (-2.13%) respectively; while 0.996 for Intra-class correlation coefficient.

CONCLUSION

the Wii Balance Board is useful to assess postural sway in kayak.

Motor and cognitive development: the role of karate

BACKGROUND

regular physical activity has an effect on biological responses in both muscles and organs that, in turn, alter the structure and functions of the brain. Therefore, this study aims at comparing motor (sprint, coordination ability and explosive legs strength skills) and cognitive abilities (working memory, attention, executive functioning) in children.

METHODS

39 children with average chronological age of 9 years were divided in: Karatekas (n=19) and Sedentary (n=20) groups. Their abilities were measured by motor and cognitive tests. Motor skills were assessed through a battery composed by the 20 mt Sprint test, the Agility test and the Standing board jump Test. Cognitive profile was assessed by a battery of tests derived from BVN 5-11, "Batteria di Valutazione Neuropsicologica per l'Et à Evolutiva": Visual discrimination test, Reaction time test, Forwards and Backwards Digit Span Tests, Corsi Block-Tapping test and Tower of London.

RESULTS

our results reveal significant differences between two groups (p < 0.05). Karate children show better speed times, explosive legs strength and coordination skills. They scored better on working memory, visual selective attention and executive functions.

CONCLUSION

karate exercise training shows global benefits resulting in physiological and psychological gains in children.

Visual feedback training in young karate athletes

BACKGROUND

the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a Visual Feedback Training (VFT) of the centre of pressure (COP) on postural sway in young karate athletes.

METHODS

38 young male karate athletes were recruited and randomly in 2 groups: experimental group (SG; n=19, age =16.54 ± 2.00 yrs) and the control group (CG; n= 19, age 16.45 ± 1.53 yrs). The SG performed a battery test of VFT on stabilometric platform screening in a monitor of COP in a real time. During 10-min of the test, athlete tries to bring his own body to the centre of COP. CG followed the same procedure of SG without receiving any feedback of their COP.

RESULTS

ANOVA revealed an interaction training for type × F(1,360)=78.892 at p<0.001 (η(2)=33.178) and for training × time F(1,36)=7.479 with p<0.010 (η(2)=13.432). The results showed that VFT improved COP in SG of the 83% (p<0.0001) and decreased of the 26% in the CG (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

performing VFT improve stability and balance control and therefore greater ability to acquire motor control of the body in young karate athletes.

The construct validity of session RPE during an intensive camp in young male Karate athletes

BACKGROUND

the aim of this study was to assess the validity of the session rating of perceived exertion (RPE) method and two objective HR-based methods for quantifying karate's training load (TL) in young Karatekas.

METHODS

eleven athletes (age 12.50±1.84 years) participated in this study. The training period/camp was performed on 5 consecutive days with two training session (s) per-day (d). Construct validity of RPE method in young Karate athletes, was studied by correlation analysis between RPE session's training load and both Edwards and Banister's training impulse score' method.

RESULTS

significant relationship was found between inter-day (n-11 × d-5 × s-2 = 110) sessions RPE and Edwards (r values from 0.84 to 0.92 p < 0.001) and Banister's (r values from 0.84 to 0.97 p < 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

this study showed that session-RPE can be considered a valid method for quantifying karate's training load in young karate athletes.