Abstract des Autors

Objective. - Athletic learning and training allow sportsmen to acquire new mental and motor abilities. Nevertheless, sensory integration mechanisms and gesture automation differ according to the discipline practised. Our study planned to appreciate a possible differentiation in the realization of a characteristic martial movement, in relation to the subjects' level of expertise. Subjects and methods. - Two groups of sportsmen (practicing karate or French boxing) were submitted to postural control investigation, each had to execute a strike specific for his discipline on a static platform. The displacement of the center of foot pressure (CFP) consecutive to Choku Tsuki or frontal kick were recorded on statokinesigrams and stabilograms. Results and discussion. - Karate and French boxing technicians showed a better balance control than novices or competitors. The influence of visual afferences decreased with the fighters' level of expertise. However, visual information was necessary for postural readjustments in order to keep balance during self-generated motion. CFP displacements necessary for strike release and generated by the movement varied depending on the type of touch. Finally, postural adjustments minimized balance perturbations consecutive to voluntary movements. Conclusion. - Combative sports training therefore seems to improve posture regulation, in terms of individual sensorimotor strategies as well as of kick speed. Verf.-Referat