RESUMO
Habitual physical activity improves heart functions and parasympathetic tone; Karate training is considered as a moderate physical activity with rhythmical breathing patternology. Heart rate variability (HRV) is an electrophysiological tool which measures cardio autonomic homeostasis; is used in the present study as an indirect marker to measure neurocognitive development with karate training. The aim of the present study was to find out the impact of regular karate training on cardiac autonomic responses through Heart Rate Variability (HRV) between karate players and age-sex matched active controls. A total of 30 male school-going children were evaluated; fifteen were experienced male karate practitioners (9.5±1.26 years) and fifteen controls (10.6±1.57 years). The time and frequency domain measures of HRV were taken into account after check for normality distribution, followed by t-test for comparison of Mean±SD. Frequency domain measures; low frequency normalized unit (LF nu) and low frequency is to high frequency ratio (LF/HF ratio) both showed significant reduction in the karate group which quantified sympathetic disposition while High frequency normalized units (HF nu) reflected a significant rise and it predicted increase in parasympathetic tone. Karate practitioners show higher HRV measures and more involvement of the parasympathetic nervous system which help in stress resilience and improved recovery time. This training if performed regularly from an early age can improve cardiac health which is very pertinent in the present times.
RESUMO
Background: The literature survey shows improvement in cognitive performance following acute bouts of physical exercise and chronic exercise patterns. However, neurocognitive growth through karate, a moderate intensity physical activity, is very limited. The synchronization of the nervous and endocrine system can be best reflected through this martial art form through neurogenesis and cognitive potentiation. Numerous outstanding reviews have summarized these findings for martial arts like judo and taekwondo. This review tries to orchestrate the efficiency of karate in neurocognition. Objective of the Study: The specific aim of this review paper is to magnify the efficiency of karate training in cognitive functions, through its response to neurochemical transmissions and electrophysiological signaling. Materials and Method: Numerous related literature were evaluated, screened, and selected using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses eligibility criteria. All appropriate publications that satisfied the primary objective of the study were scientifically and schematically presented in this review paper. Results: The psychophysiological effect of karate training and their relation with brain functions have been elaborated. This review compiles the few studies established on the cognitive benefits of karate through the electrical stimuli and neurochemical release. Conclusion: Karate may be effective in advancement of particular brain functions and neurocognitive actions through a life time. Electrophysiological studies have unraveled improved neural efficiency, stress tolerance, working and muscle memory but need further exploration. Similarly, to better understand the effects of karate on neurochemical secretions, further research involvement is required.
