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Some the scientific research that has been conducted on martial art related subjects

Prevention of injury in karate

H. Johannsen and F. Noerregaar
British Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol 22, Issue 3 113-115

This study analyzed the effect of knuckle protection on the type and incidence of injuries in traditional karate matches. Knuckle protection was mandatory at the Danish karate championships 1983 and 1986 (290 matches, 0.26 injuries per match), and prohibited at the championships 1984 and 1985 (620 matches, 0.25 injuries per match). Head injuries were more common in the tournaments where fist pads were used. The incidences of transitory psychomotor disturbances following blows to the head were comparable. The severity of head injuries, however, decreased; minor head injuries dominated when fist pads were used (66%, compared with 44% without fist pads, p less than 0.01) and there were fewer lacerations and fractures. Injuries to the fingers or hands were also fewer--1.3% compared with 11% without protection (p less than 0.01). The use of fist pads reduced considerably the number of injuries requiring treatment (from 42% to 16%, p less than 0.01).

Conclusions. Fist pads offer some protection against injuries, especially to the hands, but additional measures are needed.

Regular tai chi chuan exercise enhances functional mobility and CD4CD25 regulatory T cells

S. Yeh, H. Chuan2, L. Lin, C. Hsiao, and H. En
Bitish Journal of Sports Medicine 2006; 40:239-243

The duration and vigor of physical exercise are widely considered to be critical elements that may positively or negatively affect physical health and immune response. This study investigated the effect of a 12 week programmed of regular tai chi chuan exercise (TCC) on functional mobility, beliefs about benefits of exercise on physical and psychological health, and immune regulation in middle aged volunteers.

The quasi-experimental research design involved one group with testing before and after the program was conducted to measure the effect of 12 weeks of TCC exercise in 14 men and 23 women from the normal community.

Conclusions. A 12 week programm of regular TCC exercise enhances functional mobility, personal health expectations, and regulatory T cell function.

Injury rates in Shotokan karate

G. Critchley, S. Mannion, and C. Meredith
British Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol 33, Issue 3 174-177

This study documented the injury rate in three British Shotokan karate championships in consecutive years. In these tournaments strict rules governed contact, with only "light" or "touch" contact allowed. Protective padding for the head, hands, or feet was prohibited.

Study recorded injuries resulting from 1770 bouts in three national competitions of 1996, 1997, and 1998. The study found 160 injuries were sustained in 1770 bouts. The overall rate of injury was 0.09 per bout and 0.13 per competitor. 91 (57%) injuries were to the head. The average age of those injured was 22 years, with an average of nine years of experience in karate.

Conclusions. The absence of protective padding does not result in higher injury rates than in most other series of Shotokan karate injuries. Strict refereeing is essential, however, to maintain control and minimize contact.

Effects of the new karate rules on the incidence and distribution of injuries

J. Macan, D. Bundalo-Vrbanac, and G. Romici
British Journal of Sports Medicine 2006; 40:326-330

This study evaluated the incidence and distribution of injuries in karate before and after the implementation of new rules established by the World Karate Federation in 2000.

Injury incidence was followed up during the official karate competition seasons of 1997 and 2002 in Croatia. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the age and sex of the competitor, and localization and severity of injury. Data were analyzed separately for female and male competitors and age categories <18 and ≥18 years.

The overall injury incidence rate was similar in 1997 and 2002. The relative risk of injury was significantly higher in 1997 than in 2002 for competitors younger than 18 years. The overall relative risk of head injury was significantly higher in 1997 than in 2002, but the relative risk of leg injury was significantly lower in 1997 than in 2002. Most injuries were categorized as mild in both periods studied.

Conclusions. The results confirm the importance of the new competition rules in the distribution and prevention of injuries in martial arts. Strict judging and heavy penalties for uncontrolled blows, particularly for the youngest competitors, can significantly decrease the risk of injury.

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