Endocrine Modulation in Long‐Term Karate Practitioners

Abstract

Purpose Karate is a martial arts discipline which is widely practiced in the Western world as a form of self-defense, as well as a discipline to achieve physical and mental balance. However, little is known with respect to its specific psychobiological effects, particularly in relation to the influence that it may exert on the endocrine system. Thus, in the present study, we examined the effects of karate on several hormonal parameters of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid axes in long-time practitioners. Methods Twenty-two healthy volunteer subjects (12 experimental and 10 controls) participated in the study. Experimental subjects were karate players with a minimum of 3 years of practice in this discipline. Blood samples for the quantification of hormonal parameters were taken in both groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was performed for each variable in order to analyze the differences between groups. Results Statistically significant differences were found in cortisol and thyroid hormones, with the karate group showing lower levels of these hormones as compared to control. Conclusions These findings, therefore, reveal that long-term karate practice is associated with a significant endocrine modulation, which suggests interesting psychobiological and clinical implications. Further research is needed to verify these preliminary results, as well as properly assessing its possible use as a psychosomatic intervention tool.

The Level of Aggressiveness During Karate Practice of Inmates in Correctional Settings

“…The practice of traditional martial arts may help address or reduce aggressiveness and violence or even develop psychological well-being ( Nosanchuk, 1981 ; Lamarre and Nosanchuk, 1999 ; Vertonghen and Theeboom, 2010 ). Our results strengthen previous finding that karate practice in prison might help in controlling aggressiveness ( Breitschuh et al, 2018 ) and developing self-regulation behavior skills ( Lakes and Hoyt, 2004 ; Lakes et al, 2013 ) and might improve mental and physical health in general ( Vera et al, 2018 ). We recall that the practice of karate in prison can help develop emotional skills ( Fernández et al, 2020 ) and also appears to help improve critical thinking, self-control, and mental health in prison inmates ( Janelle, 2015 ).…”

“…This 3-year practice time limit is the minimum to take the black belt examination (first dan ), according to the CSDGE rules established by the French Ministry of Sports ( FFKDA Regulations of Grades, 2015 ). Three years is also considered long-term practice in studies measuring positive psychobiological effects ( Vera et al, 2018 ).…”

“…Practicing martial arts is acknowledged as a possible tool for self-regulatory behavior, at least in children ( Lakes and Hoyt, 2004 ). Also, new evidence supports karate, especially with long-term practitioners, in the search of mental and physical benefits; karate might be of use in psychosomatic intervention ( Vera et al, 2018 ). We must remain cautious when considering all these studies and previous results, because they are based on a variety of age groups, from the elderly to young children, and results are achieved through long-term practice.…”

Acute Effects of Supervised Making Weight on Health Markers, Hormones and Body Composition in Muay Thai Fighters

“…Hence, although an accurate and individualized nutritional intervention has been implemented in our study, an impact on the hormonal profile was inevitable. Importantly, some psychological variables, such as fighting motivation, mental toughness, competition anxiety, self-efficacy, and self-confidence, represent cause-and-effect variables of the relationship between hormonal changes and combat performance, as it has been reported previously [ 42 , 43 , 44 ].…”

Gross Motor Levels in Early Childhood Post-Online Learning in the Highlands Region: Cross Sectional Study

“…Physical inactivity is a global public health problem primarily associated with various chronic disease outcomes (Hall et al, 2020). Thus, the motivations and barriers underlying whether a person engages in physical activity or not are of critical public health interest (Hoare et al, 2016(Hoare et al, , 2017Vera et al, 2018). To improve this requires simultaneous cooperation from each country that has been regulated by supporting organizations.…”