Comparison of the Maximum Angular Velocity of Lower Limb Joints in Different Methods of Zenkutsu-dachi in Karate

Abstract

Objective: Proper performance of Dachi in karate as a basic technique has a direct impact on the performance of other techniques. The aim of the present is to compare the maximum angular velocities of the hip, knee and ankle joints under different Zenkutsu-dachi movement patterns in karate athletes. Methods: Participants were 12 male karate athletes height= 175±5.5 cm; weight=75±5.5 kg, age=25±5.5 years, history=8±2.5 years). A three-dimensional motion analyzer with six synchronized infrared cameras at a video recording speed of 200 frames per second was used, and recordings were analyzed in Cortex 2.5.0 software. Zenkutsu-dachi forward movement was performed in six different patterns. The normality of the data distribution was confirmed by Shapiro-Wilk test. To test the study hypotheses, repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test were used in SPSS V. 25 considering the significant level of P<0.05. Results: There was a significant difference between movement patterns 3 and 4 and between patterns 5 and 6 in the hip joint (P<0.05), while no significant difference in the knee and ankle joints was reported. Each of the Zenkutsu-dachi movement patterns could change the position and range of motion of the hip joint and iliopsoas muscles. Conclusion: By bringing the front leg more forward and bending the back leg slightly, the involved limbs and muscles can be in optimal state and creates greater angular velocity in the hip joint.

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

“…Our findings are consistent with the study conducted by Walicka-Cupryś et al [ 16 ], who indicated that traditional karate training is a factor that contributes to a decrease in the depth of lumbar lordosis and pelvic tilt, leading to the posterior tilt in young and adolescent karate practitioners. Such a decrease in the depth of the lower segments of the spine may be related to karate-specific kata stances that require constant contraction of the flexors of the hip joints [ 25 ] to position the pelvis in the posterior tilt, simultaneously affecting the lumbar spine. This effect was particularly observed after performing our experiment as we found a high decrease in the depth of lumbar lordosis and pelvic tilt after karate kata training (225 min) that occurred as adaptive changes in the musculoskeletal structures of the studied karatekas, which points to the external compensatory mechanism.…”

“…Furthermore, among different kata stances, zenkutsu-dachi is known to be the most frequent [ 25 ]. The movement pattern is focused on maintaining a lowered center of the body’s pressure while bringing the back foot forward, simultaneously causing flexion of the hip joint of the front lower limb and extension in the opposite hip joint [ 25 ].…”

“…Furthermore, among different kata stances, zenkutsu-dachi is known to be the most frequent [ 25 ]. The movement pattern is focused on maintaining a lowered center of the body’s pressure while bringing the back foot forward, simultaneously causing flexion of the hip joint of the front lower limb and extension in the opposite hip joint [ 25 ]. Interestingly, the biomechanical analysis of zenkutsu-dachi (basic kata stance) indicated that kata athletes do not use the biarticular muscles while performing movement patterns, which is related to generating higher moments of muscular force, without converting the body’s potential energy to kinetic energy [ 26 ].…”

Effects of Vibration Strength Training on Lower Limb Joints in Long Jumpers

“…13 At the same time, more relevant synergistic muscles can be recruited to participate in the movement, so that more muscles can participate in the movement and generate greater force; On the other hand, when performing strength training under the unstable vibration state of multiple particles, the subject's attention is more concentrated, so that the nervous system is more actively involved in strength training. 14 The effects of strength training in a state of high concentration are remarkable, this is also an important reason why vibration strength training can be widely used in high-level sports training abroad. The difference is that the traditional non-vibration strength training is the strength training under the state of balance, and the motor units that the target organs and muscles can mobilize are relatively fixed and limited.…”