An observational study to assess the influence of karate training on auditory evoked potential

Abstract

Regular martial art training has shown positive benefits in executive functioning and reaction time facilitation. However, influence of karate training on brain stem neurophysiology is an untouched area of research. This study investigates the impact of regular karate training on brain stem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) in male school going children. Thirty subjects were assessed and compared under two groups: 15 experienced male karate practitioners (9.5 ± 1.26 years); 15 age-gender matched active controls (10.6 ± 1.57 years). The latencies (L), inter peak latencies (IPL) and amplitude (A) of the auditory waves I–V generated in the brain stem region were measured. Significant differences resulted in the left ear latencies of wave I, wave II, and left and right ear of wave III; also, IPL of waves III–V of both ears and I–V of the right ear were significantly shorter in the karate practitioners. The shorter latencies are due to faster synaptic transmissions in the corresponding physiological neuro-generators of the brainstem auditory waves that connect cognitive and sensory signalling pathways. Karate practitioners showed better neural conduction and adaptation to auditory cues, which may have developed through regular training of self-defence not just as a martial art but as a mind body exercise.