Prevalência e caracterização de lesões musculoesqueléticas em competidores das categorias de base de karatê de acordo com a modalidade karatê e kumitê

Abstract

Karate is a highly disseminated Japanese martial art that has been conquering many enthusiasts of all ages. This millenial combat is characterized in competitions by twofold: Katá and Kumite. Kata is defined as an individual demonstration of techniques in a predetermined sequence, while Kumite is real combat applying the techniques learned. Karate has been growing exponentially over time as well as the number of injuries in its practitioners. Like most sports, the practitioner is subject to musculoskeletal injuries that, when they occur, can cause important physical and socioeconomic consequences to athletes. Therefore, knowledge of the epidemiological factors related to the appearance of these injuries is essential, especially when referring to the particularities of the modality. There is little data in the literature, in general, on the epidemiological characteristics of injuries involving karate in younger competitors. The influence of base categories on the prevalence of these injuries has been little disseminated, as well as the characteristics of injuries that happens in the most affected anatomical segment in this population. The objective of the study was to investigate the incidence and anatomical sites most affected by musculoskeletal injuries in competitors of the special division of the base category of kata and kumite modalities. The survey had the participation of 99 competitors from the base categories (14 to 21 years old), being 42 male competitors and 57 female competitors, participants of significant competitions such as state, national and international championships. Participants were divided into 3 groups according to the modality they attended in competitions, namely: only kata (n=12), only kumite (n=43) and kata and kumite (n=44). Everyone answered a closed questionnaire containing personal data, sports and injuries background. The data obtained through the questionnaires applied to the athletes were treated and statistically tabulated in a descriptive way (mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages). 77 competitors, corresponding to 77.8% of the sample, reported having already suffered an injury. The most affected areas were the lower limbs, with a prevalence of the knee with 56.57%. There was no significant difference between injury sites in kata and kumite competitors. Older and higher ranked competitors were more susceptible to sports injuries.