Injury rates in Shotokan karate.
OBJECTIVE
To document the injury rate in three British Shotokan karate championships in consecutive years. In these tournaments strict rules governed contact, with only "light" or "touch" contact allowed. Protective padding for the head, hands, or feet was prohibited.


METHODS
Prospective recording of injuries resulting from 1770 bouts in three national competitions of 1996, 1997, and 1998. Details of ages and years of karate experience were also obtained.


RESULTS
160 injuries were sustained in 1770 bouts. The overall rate of injury was 0.09 per bout and 0.13 per competitor. 91 (57%) injuries were to the head. The average age of those injured was 22 years, with an average of nine years of experience in karate.


CONCLUSIONS
The absence of protective padding does not result in higher injury rates than in most other series of Shotokan karate injuries. Strict refereeing is essential, however, to maintain control and minimise contact.
Critchley
G R
GR
Atkinson Morley Neuroscience Centre, Wimbledon, London, UK.
Mannion
S
S
Meredith
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002648:Child; D003288:Contusions / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003625:Data Collection; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D016139:Martial Arts / Q000293:injuries*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011482:Protective Devices; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D019876:Sports Equipment; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology