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Some the scientific research that has been conducted on martial art related subjects

Escin/diethylammonium salicylate/heparin combination gels for the topical treatment of acute impact injuries: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, multi-center study

D. Wetzel, W. Menke, R. Dieter, V. Smasal, B. Giannetti, and M. Bulitta
British Journal of Sports Medicine 2002; 36:183-188

This study investigated the clinical efficacy and safety of escin-containing gels in the topical treatment of blunt impact injuries.

Competitors in soccer, handball, or karate competitions were enrolled within two hours of sustaining a strain, sprain, or contusion and treated three times with the trial gel within a period of eight hours. Patients were randomized to three parallel groups consisting of two active treatment gels, containing escin (1% or 2%), 5% diethylammonium salicylate, and 5000 IU heparin, or placebo gel. Tenderness produced by pressure was measured at 0 (baseline), 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 24 hours after enrolment (within two hours of the injury). Tenderness was defined as the amount of pressure (measured by a calibrated caliper at the centre of the injury) that first produced a pain reaction as reported by the patient.

A total of 158 patients were enrolled; 156 were evaluated in the intention to treat analysis. The primary efficacy variable was the area under the curve for tenderness over a six-hour period. The gel preparations containing 1% and 2% escin were significantly more effective than placebo. The time to reach resolution of pain at the injured site was shorter in the treatment groups than in the placebo group. Both active gel preparations produced more rapid pain relief than the placebo gel. No relevant differences were detected between the two active gels. The safety and tolerability of the escin-containing gels were excellent.

Conclusions. scin/diethylammonium salicylate/heparin combination gel preparations are effective and safe for the treatment of blunt impact injuries.

Biomechanics of the head for Olympic boxer punches to the face

T. Walilko, D. Viano, and C. Bir
British Journal of Sports Medicine 2005;39:710-719

A study of biomechanics of the head for punches to the jaw and the risk of head injury from translational and rotational acceleration in Olympic boxers.

Seven Olympic boxers from five weight classes delivered 18 straight punches to the frangible face of the Hybrid III dummy. Translational and rotational head acceleration, neck responses, and jaw pressure distribution were measured. High-speed video recorded each blow and was used to determine punch velocity. Equilibrium was used to determine punch force, energy transfer, and power.

Punch force averaged 3427 N, hand velocity 9.14 m/s, and effective punch mass 2.9  kg. Punch force was higher for the heavier weight classes, due primarily to a higher effective mass of the punch. Jaw load was 876 N. The peak translational acceleration was 58 g, rotational acceleration was 6343 rad/s², and neck shear was 994 N.

Conclusions. Olympic boxers deliver straight punches with high impact velocity and energy transfer. The severity of the punch increases with weight class.

Aerobic and anaerobic power responses to the practice of Taekwondo

A. Melhim
British Journal of Sports Medicine 2001; 35:231-234

Practicing the martial art of Taekwondo (TKD) has been proposed to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular fitness as well as general physical ability. Furthermore, TKD masters and participants have promoted TKD as a total fitness program. However, research studies substantiating this seem to be lacking, perhaps because TKD is recognized more as a method of self-defense than a fitness program.

Nineteen male TKD practitioners with an average age of 13.8 years and 10.4 months of TKD training experience participated. Measurements included resting heart rate, aerobic power, anaerobic power, and anaerobic capacity.

No significant differences in either resting heart rate or aerobic power was shown after training. However, significant differences were observed in anaerobic power (28% increase) and anaerobic capacity (61.5% increase).

Conclusions. The practice of TKD promotes anaerobic power and anaerobic capacity, but not aerobic power, in male adolescents.

Effects of rapid weight loss on mood and performance among amateur boxers

C. Hall and A. Lane
British Journal of Sports Medicine 2001; 35:390-395

This study examined the effects of rapid weight loss on mood and performance among amateur boxers.

Participants were 16 experienced amateur boxers. In stage 1, structured interviews were used to assess the type of strategies that boxers used to reduce weight and the value of performing at their desired weight in terms of performance. In stage 2, boxers completed a 4 x 2 minute (1-minute recovery) circuit training session. Boxers completed the circuit training session on three different occasions with a week between each. The first test was used to familiarize the boxers with the circuit training task; the second and third tasks were at their training weight and championship weight, respectively. Participants were given one week to reduce their body weight to their championship weight using their preferred weight making strategies; boxers reduced their body weight by an average of 5.16% of body weight.

Boxers typically lost weight by restricting fluid and food intake in the week leading to competition. Measures indicated that rapid weight loss among boxers was associated with poor performance, increased anger, fatigue, and tension, and reduced vigor.

Conclusions. Strategies used to make weight by boxers are associated with poor performance and a negative mood profile.

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