Associations Between Pulmonary Function and Muscle Strength in Turkish National Karate Athletes

Background: Respiratory efficiency is considered important in karate due to its role in sustaining muscular performance during high-intensity actions. This study examined the association between pulmonary function and isometric muscle strength in national-level karate athletes. Methods: A total of 23 elite karate athletes (mean age: 23.0 ± 2.3 (mean ± SD) years) participated in the study. Pulmonary function was assessed using a digital spirometer, while isometric handgrip, lower back, and leg strength were measured using a dynamometer. The correlation between pulmonary function and isometric strength was analyzed, and linear regression was employed to examine the predictive capacity of pulmonary parameters for muscle strength. Results: The results revealed significant correlations, ranging from large to very large, between pulmonary function and isometric muscle strength, with correlation coefficients from 0.639 to 0.812 (p < 0.01). Pulmonary function was strongly associated with isometric strength, accounting for 27% to 67% of the variance (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that pulmonary function parameters accounted for 71% of the variance in handgrip strength, 47% in leg strength, and 71% in back strength (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings highlight the strong associations between pulmonary function and isometric muscle strength in elite karate athletes. The results emphasize the importance of pulmonary health and respiratory muscle function in athletic performance, particularly for sports requiring high-intensity, dynamic movements like karate. Future longitudinal studies are needed to explore the mechanisms underlying the association and potential implications, and for training and performance optimization.