E.V. Damyanovich – Ph.D. (Med.), Senior Research Scientist, Research center of Neurology (Moscow) E-mail: damjanov@iitp.ru  

One of the factors in the successful mastery of karate techniques relating to hard-coordinated sports is to maintain the dynamic balance, requiring meaningful coordination of motor acts. Method of computer stabilometry is currently used to assess the human balancing parameters. All movements in karate occur in stances with parallel installation of feet and various modifications relying on the left leg.

The study involved 9 young athletes right-handed men aged 18-21 years (black belt dan 1-2) with experience of training for more than 10 years and a great competitive experience. Static stability of vertical position during quiet standing with open and closed eyes (by main balancing settings) was estimated by using stabilometric complex ST-150 with the standard software STPL. Furthermore, using the same equipment we evaluated dynamic stability with the help of the combined sample consisting of two stages: the open-loop and closed-loop and the impact of plantar reaction on the balance. Stabilometry results were compared with the average data for adults introduced in STPL program. We assessed the situation of the pressure center, statokineziogramm area, the speed of the pressure center fluctuations and also analyzed the work of test persons undertaken to retain the balance. Research was carried out in the Romberg position with European and American feet installation, as well as in the free stance.

Athletes showed excellent performance across all tested parameters. Better results have been achieved with the American feet installation, which subjectively was more convenient for them. These results can be associated with traditional karate parallel feet installation with various modifications. Studies in a free stance were conducted in two versions: the most convenient and comfortable for participant stance and the stance closest to those of traditional karate, but taking into account the limiting stabiloplatform parameters. Stabilograms with pressure center displacement to the left, which can be explained by generated in the process of training habitual reliance on the left leg, were obtained in both cases. Thus, along with the agreement to other sports good and excellent balancing performance, there are some specific features, developed during many years of karate training.