The effect of karate training on changes in physical fitness in school-age children with normal and abnormal body weight

Abstract

Introduction. Physical activity is one of the best methods to prevent civilization diseases in modern times. Studies confirm that the appropriate dose reduces the risk of hypertension, heart diseases, cancer, depression, or overweight and obesity. Methods. The aim of the study was to assess the changes in individual physical fitness tests among children in early school age participating in karate training. A total of 59 children attending primary school were examined. Selected Eurofit tests were carried out before and after 10 weeks of karate training. Results and conclusions. Karate training induced positive changes in the fitness of the studied children. Higher improvements were observed among children with normal body mass as compared with the overweight or obese ones.

Effects of Participating in Martial Arts in Children: A Systematic Review

“…The articles are presented in tabular form by year of publication from 2006 to 2021, respectively. There were no control groups in four articles [ 2 , 23 , 30 , 32 ]. The youngest participant was 4.5 years old [ 7 ], and the oldest participant was 13 years [ 33 ].…”

“…The sample sizes of the studies were analyzed and ranged from 10 [ 25 ] to 721 children [ 5 ]. In seven studies, both genders were included [ 2 , 4 , 5 , 7 , 25 , 30 , 31 ]. In eight studies, the participants were only male children [ 16 , 18 , 23 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 32 ], while one study included only girls [ 24 ].…”

“…The longest experimental treatment lasted two years [ 18 ] and the shortest only lasted a week [ 26 ]. Frequently, the duration of the sessions in all martial arts programs was 60 min [ 2 , 4 , 5 , 7 , 16 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 32 ]. Eight studies included experimental treatments of karate [ 2 , 4 , 5 , 7 , 16 , 18 , 26 , 29 ], four studies included judo treatments [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 32 ], in two articles taekwondo treatments were employed [ 26 , 27 ], and two studies included experimental aikido treatments [ 27 , 28 ].…”

“…Martial arts have been practiced for hundreds of years, and today, with modification, they are often used in the form of sports, self-defense, and recreation [ 1 ]. Applying well-organized martial arts programs to children can lead to an increase in physical fitness, although the test results are not unequivocal [ 2 ]. Many studies have explored the application of various martial arts programs in children in order to improve their motor skills and physical fitness [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”

“…Applying well-organized martial arts programs to children can lead to an increase in physical fitness, although the test results are not unequivocal [ 2 ]. Many studies have explored the application of various martial arts programs in children in order to improve their motor skills and physical fitness [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Positive effects could sometimes be visible, especially in children who have been practicing martial arts since childhood.…”