Anthropometric, podometric and kinematic characterization of karate fighters from the Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia-UPTC Tunja

Abstract

Introduction. It`s a characterization that contributes to the bodily knowledge of the boyacense karate fighter in improving his technique when executing the "Mawashi Geri" kick, since it prevents injuries and bad postures. Objective. Characterize anthropometrically, podometrically and kinematically the Karate fighters of the Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia-Tunja in the face of bilateral instabilities during the execution of the movement. Methodology. Analytical empirical paradigm of transversal descriptive type. 6 karate fighters between 19 and 22 years old made up of two women and four men with 5 years of sports life. Anthropometric components were assessed: bone, muscle, fat, residual and somatotype. In Podometry, type of foot according to the Herzco method and kinematics, the circular kick in the sagittal plane and its angular amplitude of the coxofemoral axis through its phases. The KINOVEA pedagogical software version 0.815 was used for the intersegmental angles on specific joint points. Results. Anthropometric components: % fat 11.5±4.5, % muscle 47.3±3.3, % bone 18.6±1.5 and % residual 22.5±1.7; somatotype 16.6% ectomorph and 83.4% mesomorphs. Foot types: right 50% normal, 16.3% normal cavus and 33.6% cavus; left 33.2% normal cavus, 33.2% cavus, 16.3% flat and 16.3% flat normal. Angular amplitude corresponding to the coxofemoral joint was 124.8°. Conclusions. 80% of karatekas require good muscle development to sustain combat in their kumites and 20% are ectomorphs. Pedometrically, 50% of the subjects have a normal right foot. The typology of the predominant side revealed that 33.6% had pes cavus, 33.2% pes cavus on the left, considered a risk factor that generates possible future injuries. Kinematically, the "Mawashi Geri" kick has a higher degree of difficulty in its learning and execution, since its muscles and joints get in the way of optimal execution. In addition, they require greater muscular flexibility and static power than the others.