Karate: Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Benefits for Health
Journal Title: Journal of Combat Sports and Martial Arts - Year 2016, Vol 7, Issue 2
Abstract
[b]Introduction.[/b] Applying sports to enhance health, fitness, and well-being is in the ascendant, Karate included. In contrast to highly advanced research on the health threatening risks and injury types in the martial arts, especially systematic studies about the beneficial effects of Karate on health are scarce. This review provides a basic orientation. [b]Materials and methods.[/b] Narrative review and the basis of Pubmed. Heuristic meta-synthesis on the basis of sports-medical considerations. [b]Results. [/b]Neurophysiological and biomechanical findings inspire activities to explore positive health impacts of Karate. This relates to general objectives such as cardiorespiratory fitness, strength and resilience, flexibility and motor reactivity. Karate involves a broad spectrum of benefits such as gait-improvement and self-worth in older people, communication skills in children with autism spectrum disorder, and empowered self-concepts in epilepsy. Avoiding highly demanding sparring, Kata-training (ritualised performance of Karate) and considerate Kumite (Karate combats) are preferred. In health care settings, prevention of possible harm through Karate is imperative. Western medical approaches to elucidate the benefits of Karate are complemented by the Eastern Asian concept of Ki/Qi.[b]Conclusions. [/b] Karate can be considered a health promoting sport with multiple benefits that encourage enhanced implementation in health care, educational, and rehabilitative settings. To apply Karate more distinctly for individuals with specific susceptibilities, physical needs, and medical conditions, further interdisciplinary research is needed.<br/><br/>
Authors and Affiliations
Wolfgang Mastnak
Keywords
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- EP ID EP207285
- DOI 10.5604/01.3001.0009.9078
- Views 77
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