Abstract des Autors

Injuries sustained in the 1990 Australian National non-contact karate championships were surveyed. A total of 68 male and 39 female athletes competed in 180 matches. An injury occurred on average every two matches with the majority (66%) being minor and consisting of heamatomas, abrasions and lacerations. No life-threatening injuries occurred. The most common region injured was the head and neck (59%). Only six competitors were unable to continue fighting as a result of their injuries, four of them due to concussion. The injury rate per minute for females was the same as for male competitors. Punches caused more injuries than kicks. The compulsory wearing of mouth and groin guards was thought to have contributed to the low incidence of oral and groin injuries. The presence of a medical officer at such tournaments is mandatory. Verf.-Referat