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

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Background: To test the efficacy of a documented 5-week karate training intervention for rehabilitation and neuroprotection in older adults. Methods: Sixteen older adults (8 male, 8 female, age 59-90y), with or without chronic conditions, participated a 5-week karate training intervention. Dynamic balance, hand grip, ankle plantarflexion force, Timed Up and Go (TUG), and spinal cord excitability (via the soleus H-reflex) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: Participants completed 2437 steps, 1762 turns, 3585 stance changes, 2047 punches, 2757 blocks, and 1253 strikes. Karate training improved dynamic postural performance. The group average time for dynamic postural reaction was reduced (time to target (-13.6%, p = 0.020) and time to center (-8.3%, p =0.010)). TUG was unchanged when considering the entire group (p=0.779), but reductions were found in 5 neurologically intact older adults (-4.5 to -8.6%; p<0.05) and increased for 1 Parkinson’s Disease participant (3.8%, p<0.05). Strength increased in left arm (7.9%, p=0.037), right leg (28.8%, p=0.045), and left leg (13.3%, p=0.024) for the group. Spinal cord excitability remained unchanged across the group but 3 neurologically intact older adults (215.4%, 47.9%, -35.9%; p<0.05) and 2 Parkinson’s Disease participants (152.4%, 195.3%; p<0.05) had modulated H-reflex amplitudes. Conclusion: 5-weeks of karate training delivered in a fashion to mimic community-level programs provided an effective therapeutic “dose” to improve balance and strength in older adults. Whole-body training embodied in martial arts enhanced neuromuscular function and postural integration. Further quantitative work should explore threshold dose and development of martial arts interventions as functional fitness for older adults.