Five weeks of Yuishinkai karate training improves balance and neuromuscular function in older adults: a preliminary study

• DOI: 10.1186/s13102-022-00458-6
• Publication Date: 2022-04-11T15:15:50Z
• Authors: Hajer Mustafa; Aimee Harrison; Yao Sun; Gregory E. P. Pea...; Bruno Follmer; Benjamin M. Nazaroff; Ryan E. Rhodes; E. Paul Zehr
• Keywords: Balance training

Martial arts training has shown positive impacts on balance and physiological measurements. Further investigation of the contents feasibility an effective therapeutic assessment martial is needed in older adults, mainly for future applications real-world implementation. Sixteen adults (8 male, 8 female, age 59-90 years), with or without chronic conditions, participated a preliminary study using 5-weeks karate triple baseline control procedure. Group single subject data analyses were conducted dynamic balance, Timed Up Go (TUG), hand grip, ankle plantarflexion force, spinal cord excitability (via soleus H-reflex) pre- post-training. On average, participants completed total 2437 steps, 1762 turns, 3585 stance changes, 2047 punches, 2757 blocks, 1253 strikes. Karate improved performance such that group average time was reduced (time to target (-13.6%, p = 0.020) center (-8.3%, 0.010)). TUG unchanged when considering entire (p 0.779), but six displayed significant changes. Left handgrip (7.9%, 0.037), force right (28.8%, 0.045) left leg (13.3%, 0.024) increased group. Spinal remained analysis 5 individuals had modulated Hmax/Mmax ratios. delivered fashion mimic generally accessible community-level programs strength adults. Whole-body movement embodied enhanced neuromuscular function postural control. We met overriding goal this emphasize assess safety generalizability interventions communities impact health outcomes. quantitative work should explore threshold dose development as potential "exercise medicine" functional fitness