title: Motor and cognitive development: the role of karate.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  regular physical activity has an effect on biological responses in both muscles and organs that, in turn, alter the structure and functions of the brain. Therefore, this study aims at comparing motor (sprint, coordination ability and explosive legs strength skills) and cognitive abilities (working memory, attention, executive functioning) in children.
  
  
  METHODS
  39 children with average chronological age of 9 years were divided in: Karatekas (n=19) and Sedentary (n=20) groups. Their abilities were measured by motor and cognitive tests. Motor skills were assessed through a battery composed by the 20 mt Sprint test, the Agility test and the Standing board jump Test. Cognitive profile was assessed by a battery of tests derived from BVN 5-11, "Batteria di Valutazione Neuropsicologica per l'Et à Evolutiva": Visual discrimination test, Reaction time test, Forwards and Backwards Digit Span Tests, Corsi Block-Tapping test and Tower of London.
  
  
  RESULTS
  our results reveal significant differences between two groups (p < 0.05). Karate children show better speed times, explosive legs strength and coordination skills. They scored better on working memory, visual selective attention and executive functions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  karate exercise training shows global benefits resulting in physiological and psychological gains in children.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Marianha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alesi
authors.affiliation: Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bianco
authors.affiliation: Sport Science, University e-Campus, Novedrate, Italy ; Tunisian Research Laboratory "Sport Performance Optimization" National Center of Medicine and Science in Sport, Tunis, Tunisia.
authors.forename: Johnny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Padulo
authors.affiliation: Italian Federation of Judo, Wrestling, Karate, Martial Arts, FIJlKam-Coni, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco Paolo
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Vella
authors.affiliation: Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Petrucci
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Science, University of Padua, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Paoli
authors.affiliation: Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Palma
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Annamaria
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pepi
keywords: children; cognitive abilities; field testing; motor abilities; motor control