Abstract des Autors

There are hundreds of variations of karate today, and each has its own methodsof training and attitudes toward competition. Injuries can occur in any of thefour stages of training: in solo practice, sprains are prevalent, and impropertraining methods and insufficient warm-up cause most problems. Few injuries are reported during the second stage of training (kicking and stricking objects), but some beneficial adaptive changes have been found in the hand. Prearranged and free sparring can result in the same types of injuries, but free sparring is more dangerous. The most significant karate injuries are concussions and trauma to the liver, spleen, heart, and kidneys. In this studyof a karate class with 49 students, 18 injuries were reported. Fifty-five percent were sprains, which were mainly caused by improper technique. About 72 of the injuries could have been prevented by hand, foot and chest protectors. Verf.-Referat