OBJECTIVES: Karate require maximum intensity from athletes, as the techniques must be performed quickly, accurately, vigorously under control. Both motor and functional abilities, such as speed, explosiveness, adequate muscle strength, coordination, stability and balance, are extremely important for this. The aim of this study was to repair the parameters listed competitors to increase performance and long-term injury prevention.

METHODS: This quantitative, prospective, non-randomized research was carried out among active competitors of the Toriki Sports Association, at the Zalaegerszeg Training Center of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Pécs, in April-July 2019, in Hungary. The following parameters were examined: static trunk muscle strength (Core Test); lumbar motor control (Leg Lowering Test with Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback), abdominal muscle strength, knee flexor extensibility (Kraus-Weber Test); static and dynamic balance (Balance Error Scoring System Test, Star Excursion Balance Test), and foot pressure during kicking with ZEBRIS foot pressure measurement device. The measured data was analyzed using the SPSS program. The integrative neuromuscular balance program lasted 10 weeks, 45 minutes twice a week.

RESULTS: The research involved 10 athletes, average age was 13.2±3.4 years. The following tests showed significant improvement: core test (from 28.50±17.18 sec to 42.70±17.90 sec, p=0.001), leg lowering test (p=0.006), BESS test (from 14.90±6.02 to 9.00±3.49 faults, p=0.003), in three directions in Star Excursion Balance Test: anterolateral (p=0.005), posterolateral (p=0.025), and medial (p=0.030). During the foot pressure measurement, the rate of return to the center improved significantly (p=0.014). Kraus-Weber test did not show significant improvement.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the measured data did not show significance for all tests, the results suggest that training had a positive effect on the examined parameters. In order to get even more accurate information, it would be necessary a larger number of cases or a longer study time.