Differences in vertical jumping and mae-geri kicking velocity between international and national level karateka

• Main Authors: Carlos Balsalobre-Fernández (Author), Víctor Martínez-Majolero (Author), Jorge Villacieros-Rodríguez (Author), Carlos María Tejero-González (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Universidad de León, 2013-04-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

<p><strong><em>Aim</em></strong><strong>: </strong>Lower limb explosive strength and mae-geri kicking velocity are fundamental in karate competition; although it is unclear whether these variables could differentiate the high-level athletes. The objective of this research is to analyze the differences in the mae-geri kicking velocity and the counter-movement jump (CMJ) between a group of international top level karateka and another group of national-level karateka.</p><p><strong><em>Methods</em></strong><strong>: </strong>Thirteen international-level karateka and eleven national-level karateka participated in the study. After a standard warm-up, CMJ height (in cm) and mae-geri kicking velocity (in m/s) was measured using an IR-platform and a high-speed camera, respectively.</p><p><strong><em>Results</em></strong><strong>: </strong>Proceeding with MANCOVA to analyze the differences between groups controlling the effect of age, the results show that the international-level karateka demonstrated significantly higher levels of CMJ than national-level competitors (+22.1%, F = 9.47, p = 0.006, η² = 0.311). There were no significant differences between groups in the mae-geri kicking velocity (+5,7%, F=0.80; <em>p</em>=0.38; η²=0.03).</p><p><strong><em>Conclusion</em></strong><strong>: </strong>Our data shows, first, the importance of CMJ assessment as a tool to detect talent in karate and, second, that to achieve international-level in karate it may be important to increase CMJ levels to values ​​similar to those offered here.</p>

Item Description

2174-0747