a b s t r a c tThe aims of this study were: (i) to present the kinematic and electromyographic patterns of the chokuzuki punch performed by 18 experienced karatekas from the Portuguese team, and (ii) to compare it with the execution of 19 participants without any karate experience. The kinematic and electromyographic data were collected from the arm and forearm during the execution of the specific punch. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used with significant level set at p 6 0.05. We found that the kinematic and neuromuscular activity in this punch occurs within 400 ms. Muscle activities and kinematic analysis presented a sequence of activation bracing a near-distal end, with the arm muscles showing greater intensity of activation than muscles in the forearm. In the skill performance, the arm, flexion and internal rotation, and the forearm extension and pronation movements were executed with smaller amplitude in the karate group. Based on the results of this study, the two groups' presented distinct kinematic and electromyographic patterns during the performance of the choku-zuki punch.

Presently, coaches and researchers need to have a better comprehension of the kinesiological parameters that should be an important tool to support teaching methodologies and to improve skills performance in sports. The aim of this study was to (i) identify the kinematic and neuromuscular control patterns of the front kick (maegeri) to a fixed target performed by 14 experienced karate practitioners, and (ii) compare it with the execution of 16 participants without any karate experience, allowing the use of those references in the analysis of the training and learning process. Results showed that the kinematic and neuromuscular activity during the kick performance occurs within 600 ms. Muscle activity and kinematic analysis demonstrated a sequence of activation bracing a proximal-to-distal direction, with the muscles presenting two distinct periods of activity (1, 2), where the karateka group has a greater intensity of activation -root mean square (RMS) and electromyography (EMG) peak -in the first period on Rectus Femoris (RF1) and Vastus Lateralis (VL1) and a lower duration of co-contraction in both periods on Rectus Femoris-Biceps Femoris and Vastus Lateralis-Biceps Femoris (RF-BF; VL-BF). In the skill performance, the hip flexion, the knee extension and the ankle plantar flexion movements were executed with smaller difference in the range of action (ROA) in the karateka group, reflecting different positions of the segments. In conclusion, it was observed a general kinesiological pattern, which was similar in karateka and non-karateka practitioners. However, in the karateka group, the training induces a specialization in the muscle activity reflected in EMG and kinematic data, which leads to a better ballistic performance in the execution of the maegeri kick, associated with a maximum speed of the distal segments, reached closer to the impact moment, possibly representing more power in the contact.Palabras clave: Kinesiology; electromyography; motor control; martial arts; combat sports. Caracterización de los patrones cinesiológicos de la patada frontal, maegeri, en practicantes expertos de kárate y en sujetos no practicantes ResumenActualmente, los entrenadores e investigadores necesitan comprender bien los parámetros cinesiológicos del movimiento ya que son una herramienta importante de soporte de las metodologías de entrenamiento y enseñanza, y para mejorar el rendimiento de los gestos motores. El objetivo de este estudio fue (i) identificar los patrones cinemáticos y del control neuromuscular de ejecución de la patada frontal (maegeri) en un objetivo fijo, realizada por 14 karatecas cinturón negro, (ii) y comparar con la ejecución del mismo gesto técnico realizada por 16 participantes sin práctica o experiencia en kárate, siendo posible el uso de esos datos en análisis Caracterização dos padrões cinesiológicos do pontapé frontal, maegeri, em karatecas expertos e indivíduos não praticantes ResumoActualmente, treinadores e investigadores necessitam de compreender bem os parâmetros cinesiológicos do m...

Introduction: Over the past years, a few review papers about possibilities of using motion analysis systems in sport were published, but there are no articles that discuss this problem in the field of combat sports and martial arts. Aim: This study presents the diversity of contemporary motion analysis systems both, those that are used in scientific research, as well as those that can be applied in daily work of coaches and athletes in combat sports and martial arts. An additional aim is the indication of example applications in scientific research and range of applications in optimizing the training process. It presents a brief description of each type of systems that are currently used in sport, specific examples of systems and the main advantages and disadvantages of using them. The presentation and discussion takes place in the following sections: motion analysis utility for combat sports and martial arts, systems using digital video and systems using markers, sensors or transmitters. Conclusions: Not all types of motion analysis systems used in sport are suitable for combat sports and martial arts. Scientific studies conducted so far showed the usefulness of video-based, optical and electromechanical systems. The use of research results made with complex motion analysis systems, or made with simple systems, local application and immediate visualization is important for the preparation of training and its optimization. It may lead to technical and tactical improvement in athletes as well as the prevention of injuries in combat sports and martial arts. Keywords: Sports training; motion capture; information technology; combat sports; martial arts. Los sistemas de análisis del movimiento como herramientas para optimizar el entrenamiento en deportes de combate y artes marciales ResumenIntroducción: Durante los últimos años se han publicado algunos trabajos de revisión sobre las posibilidades que ofrece la utilización de los sistemas de análisis del movimiento en el deporte. Sin embargo, aún no existen trabajos específicos sobre deportes de combate y artes marciales. Objetivo: Este estudio presenta los diversos sistemas contemporáneos de análisis de movimiento, tanto los utilizados en la investigación científica como aquellos que pueden utilizar cotidianamente los entrenadores y atletas de deportes de combate y artes marciales. Un objetivo adicional es ofrecer ejemplos de aplicaciones en la investigación científica así diversas aplicaciones para la optimización del proceso de entrenamiento. Se presenta una breve descripción de cada tipo de sistema utilizado actualmente en el deporte, ejemplos específicos Sistemas de análise do movimento como instrumentos para otimizar o treino em esportes de combate e artes marciais ResumoIntrodução: Ao longo dos últimos anos alguns trabalhos de revisão sobre as possibilidades de utilização de sistemas de análise do movimento no desporto foram publicados, todavia no âmbito especifico da prática dos desportos de combate e artes marciais artes mas não há trabalhos de revisã...

With the life expectancy increasing, older adult population has gained the attention of many researchers. Aging is known to lead to a general decline in bodily functions, which affect the quality of life. The aim of this study was to analyze how the aging process affects veteran active karate practitioners, in the kinematic and temporal structure of the frontal kick. Nine black belt karate practitioners over 50 years old and 24 black belt karate practitioners, aged between 20 and 30 years old, all male, performed the frontal kick mae-geri. Results showed that knee is the structure that holds most differences between young and veterans, both for linear and for angular variables during the mae-geri performance. Statistical differences were found in linear velocity for the knee; linear acceleration of the knee, hip, and RASIS; maximum angular velocity for knee and hip; maximum angular acceleration for ankle and hip; and in the range of motion of knee. The temporal variables show differences, between groups, in maximum linear velocity, maximum linear acceleration, and maximum angular acceleration. However, no differences were found between groups for the time before contact in the maximum linear and angular acceleration, which allow us to remark both the effects of the aging process and the effect of training. This study corroborates the ability of older people to achieve benefits from sports practice, achieving higher efficiency than the younger adults in task execution, but using different motor control strategies.