Pulmonary function is related to success in junior elite Kumite karatekas

Spirometry can be considered a method for measuring lung capacity and speed of air-flow through the airways. Due to its simple application, it is commonly used in sport diagnostics. Aims of this research were to determine the values of ventilation function variables in karatekas competing in kumite discipline and their relationship to result. The sample included 51 junior karate athletes (with defined subgroups of more successful [n=31] and less successful [n=20]), competing in kumite discipline, from nine European countries. Their values of some ventilation function variables were measured. Measurement procedures were chosen and used according to acknowledged literature. By univariate analysis of differences, significant differences between more successful and less successful competitors were determined in the following variables: forced vital capacity (more successful 5.24±0.56 l; less successful 4.27±0.61 l; p=0.00), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (more successful 4.13±0.68 l; less successful 3.69±0.57 l; p=0.02), ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (more successful 78.98±10.29%; less successful 86.64±8.37%; p=0.01) and maximal voluntary ventilation (more successful 150.46±31.14 l/min; less successful 125.50±29.49 l/min; p=0.01). More successful contestants showed higher values in some relevant variables compared to less successful ones supporting a relationship to result.