Skeletal status assessed by quantitative ultrasound at the hand phalanges in karate training males

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of regularly exercised karate on the skeletal status. The study comprised a group of 226 males (the mean age: 25.64 ± 12.3 years, range 7-61 years), exercising for 61.9 ± 68.4 months, with the mean frequency of 3.12 ± 1.4 times per week, and 502 controls, matched for age and body size. The skeletal status was assessed by quantitative ultrasound, using a DBM Sonic 1200 (IGEA, Italy) sonographic device, which measures amplitude-dependent speed of sound (Ad-SoS [m/s]) at hand phalanges. Ad-SoS, T-score, Z-score were significantly higher in the examined karatekas than in controls. Up to age 18, there had been no difference between the study subjects and controls, while afterwards, up to age 35, the difference increased to stabilize again after age 35. Longer duration, higher frequency and earlier start of physical training positively influenced the skeletal status. In conclusion, karate is a sport with a positive influence on the skeletal status with the most significant benefits occurring in adults.