ISAK Home

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): Volume 6, Issue 1, Year 2026

Articles

The Correlation of Anthropometric Measurements and Motor Parameters of Elite Karate Athlete

  • Sathsarani H.A.K.I,
  • Wickramarachchi W.K.D.S.A
Sathsarani H.A.K.I
Department of sport sciences and Physical Education, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, P.O. Box 02, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka.
Wickramarachchi W.K.D.S.A
Department of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, P.O. Box 02, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka.
PDF
DOI: https://doi.org/10.34256/ijk2616

Published 12-04-2026

Keywords

  • Anthropometric Parameters,
  • Correlation Analysis,
  • Motor Skills,
  • Karate Performances

How to Cite

H.A.K.I, S., & W.K.D.S.A, W. (2026). The Correlation of Anthropometric Measurements and Motor Parameters of Elite Karate Athlete. International Journal of Kinanthropometry, 6(1), 51–61. https://doi.org/10.34256/ijk2616

Copyright (c) 2026 Sathsarani H.A.K.I, Wickramarachchi W.K.D.S.A

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Dimensions

Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC

Abstract

Introduction: This review aims to examine the relationship between anthropometric measurements and motor parameters of elite karate athletes, and to identify how body composition influences athletic performance. Methods: Relevant literature was collected from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A total of 20 research articles focusing on elite karate athletes were selected based on their relevance to anthropometric variables and motor performance indicators such as agility, strength, speed, flexibility, and endurance. Motor skills examined include vertical jump test, agility test, speed test, T- test, 20m shuttle run test and aerobic test. Results: The findings indicate that anthropometric characteristics such as body height, body weight, limb length, and muscle mass, and body fat percentage are significantly associated with motor performance. Lower body fat percentage and higher muscle mass were generally linked to better performance in speed, agility, and explosive power. Additionally, limb length and height showed positive relationships with jumping ability and overall movement efficiency. Conclusion: Anthropometric measurements play a crucial role and closely related determining motor performance in elite karate athletes. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing body composition and physical characteristics to enhance performance. Coaches and trainers can use this information to design more effective, individualized training programs.

PDF

References

  1. Amarante Do Nascimento, M.A.T.H.E.U.S., Graça, Á., Pereira Do Nascimento, J.R., Santos Fonseca, H.I.G.O.R., Belem, I.C., Ricardo Guilherme, F.L.Á.V.I.O. (2023). Changes of Physical Capabilities of Muscular Strength, Power and Flexibility in a Karate Competition. Journal of Human Sport & Exercise, 18(4). https://doi.org/10.14198/jhse.2023.184.08
  2. Andrade, M. S., Mesquita, R. N., & Coelho-e-Silva, M. J. (2018). Anthropometric and physiological profile of combat sports athletes: associations with performance indicators. Journal of Human Kinetics, 63, 101–112. https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2018-0010
  3. Camarco, N. F., Neto, I. V. de S., Ribeiro, E., Jr., & Andrade, A. J. M. (2022). Anthropometrics, performance, and psychological outcomes in mixed martial arts athletes. Sports, 10(8), 118. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10080118
  4. Cavedon, V., Sacristani, F., Sandri, M., Zancanaro, C., Milanese, C. (2022). Anthropometric Prediction of DXA-Measured Percentage of Fat Mass in Male Karate Athletes. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 63(4): 558-565. https://doi.org/10.23736/s0022-4707.22.14355-0
  5. Chaabene, H., Hachana, Y., Franchini, E., Mkaouer, B., Chamari, K. (2012). Physical and Physiological Profile of Elite Karate Athletes. Sports Medicine, 42(10): 829-843. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03262297
  6. Gürsoy, H., & Canli, U. (2020). Elite performance characteristics of combat athletes. Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity, 12(4), 1-11.https://doi.org/10.29359/BJHPA.12.4.01
  7. Gürsoy, H., Canli, U. (2021). Identification of Elite Performance Characteristics Specific to Anthropometric Characteristics, Athletic Skills and Motor Competencies of Combat Athletes. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 13(4): 47-57. https://doi.org/10.29359/BJHPA.13.4.06
  8. Izet, K., Aksović Nikola, A., Oliver, R., Bojan, B., Milan, Z., Saša, B., Raid, M., Benin, M., Dobrescu Tatiana, D. (2023). Morphological Characteristics as Predictors of Competitor’s Selection in Karate. Journal of Scientific of Education, Sports, and Health, 24(1): 28-38. https://doi.org/10.29081/gsjesh.2023.24.1.03
  9. Martinez-de-Quel, O., Alegre, L., Castillo-García, A., Ayán, C. (2021). Anthropometric and Fitness Normative Values for Young Karatekas. Biology of Sport, 38(3): 351-357. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2021.99324
  10. Molinaro, L., Taborri, J., Tessitore, A., & others. (2020). Effects of kata and kumite practice on balance, mobility, and jump performance in elite karate athletes. Journal of Sports Sciences, 38(12), 1398–1408. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020.1737265
  11. Najmi, N. (2012). Comparison of body fat percentage and physical performance of male national senior and junior karate athletes. Master’s thesis, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/16352/
  12. Němá, K., Ružbarský, P. (2023). Relationships between Selected Performance Parameters and Body Composition in Karate. Journal of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences, 33(104): 18-24. https://doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0053.9658
  13. Nichas, A., Shaw, B. S., Millard, L., Breukelman, G. J., & Shaw, I. (2020). Kinanthropometric attributes of elite South African male kata and kumite karateka. Archives of Budo, 16, 181–194. https://doi.org/10.12659/AOB.926451
  14. Ojeda-Aravena, A., Herrera-Valenzuela, T., Valdés-Badilla, P., Azócar-Gallardo, J., Campos-Uribe, V., & García-García, J. M. (2022). Relationship between explosive strength characteristics and change of direction speed in junior and cadet karate athletes. Isokinetics and Exercise Science, 30(1), 29–38. https://doi.org/10.3233/IES-210114
  15. Piepiora, P., Superson M., Bagińska J., Stackeová, M., Witkowski, D. (2022). Anthropometric Predispositions for Kumite Specialization in Traditional Karate. Arch Budo, 18: 203-209. https://doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0015.9267
  16. Przybylski, P., Janiak, A., Zarów, R., Dadeło, E., & Andzel, W. (2019). Morphological and motor fitness determinants of Shotokan karate performance. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(19), 3621.https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16193621
  17. Rakita, D., Rakonjac, D., Vukadinović-Jurišić, M., & Obradović, J. (2018). The influence of morphological characteristics on the specific motor skills of junior-age karate athletes. Exercise and Quality of Life, 10(1), 43–49. https://doi.org/10.31382/eqol.180605
  18. Satılmış, N., Söyler, M., & Kılınçarslan, G. (2023). Comparison of anthropometric characteristics and biomotor ability variables of athletes in different combat sports. The Online Journal of Recreation and Sports, 12(4), 829–837. https://doi.org/10.22282/tojras.1352653
  19. Shala, S., Stankovska, Z., Kostovski, Z., & colleagues. (2021). The influence of motor abilities on karate performance in senior male international karate athletes. Sport Science International Journal, 18(1), 25–31. https://doi.org/10.5550/ssi.2021.18.1.25
  20. Silva, J.F.D., Aguilar, J.A., Moya, C.A.M., Correia Junior, M.G.A., Gomes, W.D.S., Oliveira, V.M.A.D., Santos, M.A.M.D. and Queiroz, D.D.R., 2020. Association between Body Composition and Aerobic Capacity in karate Athletes. Revista Brasileira de Cineantropometria & Desempenho Humano, 22: e71789. https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-0037.2020v22e71989
  21. Spigolon, D., Hartz, C. S., Junqueira, C. M., Longo, A. R., Tavares, V., Faycal, H., de Paula, M., Jacinto, L. C., & Moreno, M. A. (2018). The correlation of anthropometric variables and jump power performance in elite karate athletes. Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, 21(1), 140–148. https://doi.org/10.14500/jeph.21.1.140
  22. Tabben, M., Sioud, R., Haddad, M., Franchini, E., Chaouachi, A., Coquart, J., Chaabane, H., Chamari, K. Tourny-Chollet, C., 2013. Physiological and Perceived Exertion Responses during International Karate Kumite Competition. Asian Journal of Sports Medicine, 4(4): 263. https://doi.org/10.5812/asjsm.34246