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
British 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.

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