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Sex-Specific Differences in Neuromuscular Performance, Joint Mobility, and Postural Control in Elite Karate Athletes
Luca Molinaro1, Massimo Montecchiani2, Stefano Rossi3
1Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Elite male and female karate athletes exhibit distinct biomechanical strengths. Understanding these sex-specific differences in power, mobility, and balance can inform tailored training programs for optimal performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement
Background:
- Elite karate performance relies on neuromuscular power, joint mobility, and postural stability.
- Existing research lacks detailed sex-specific biomechanical profiles for elite karate athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex-based differences in lower-limb explosive power, joint kinematics, and visual-dependent postural control among elite karatekas.
- To provide data for developing individualized, sex-specific conditioning strategies.
Main Methods:
- 28 international-level karatekas participated in the study.
- Assessments included vertical jump tests, joint mobility tasks (preferred and maximum velocities), and stabilometric evaluations (eyes-open/closed).
Main Results:
- Males showed longer flight/phase times in jumps and higher shoulder angular velocities.
- Females demonstrated greater hip abduction range of motion and more postural sway (eyes-open).
- Postural control differences vanished with eyes closed, indicating similar visual reliance.
Conclusions:
- Significant sex-specific biomechanical variations exist in elite karate athletes.
- Findings highlight the need for tailored training approaches considering sex-based physical attributes.
- Individualized strategies can enhance performance and potentially reduce injury risk.
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