Enhancing Karate Performance: Development and Validation of a Karate-Specific Change-of-Direction Test.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Motor Control

Background:

• Change-of-direction (CoD) ability is crucial for karate performance.
• Existing assessment tools for CoD in karate are limited.
• This study introduces a novel karate-specific CoD assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the reliability and validity of a new karate-specific CoD test.
• Assess the test's performance in both male and female elite karate athletes.
• Examine the relationship between the karate CoD test and other motor performance measures.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-six elite karatekas (20 men, 16 women) participated.
• Test-retest reliability was assessed by performing the karate CoD test twice.
• Criterion validity was evaluated against other CoD tests (Y CoD, T-half), sprint tests, and jump tests.

Main Results:

• The karate CoD test demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.996).
• Criterion validity was supported by a significant correlation with the Y CoD test.
• Associations with linear sprinting and lower-limb power were weak, suggesting specificity.

Conclusions:

• The new karate CoD test is reliable and valid for assessing planned CoD ability in elite karate athletes.
• The test's results are distinct from general physical capacities.
• It should be used for pre-planned movements and complemented by other tests for comprehensive assessment.