Kinematic Analysis of the Mae-Geri Techniqe in Karate

The aim of this study was to investigate and comapre the kinematics variables of the Maei-Geri technique in two groups of top-expert and practiced karatekas. The subjects included 9 top expert karatekas (members of the Iranian national team) and 7 practiced karatekas (with at least 6 years experience but not members of the national team). The measurement was conducted using stereo-videography by which the 3-D coordinates of the reflective markers attached to the anatomical landmarks were traced during motion. The statistical analysis was performed using independent sample T-test for comparison of the groups means and pair sample t-test for inter group comparison. Results indicated well observation of some details of the motion pattern by top-expert group, including maintaining the height and angulation of the trunk before and during kick, a three phased plantar flexion of the ankle joint, and maintaining the orientation of the shank before kick, which were neglected by the practiced group. Also, comparison of the cofficients of variation of the kinematical variables within the two groups revealed that the motion (including the trunk’s vertical movement and rotation, and the ankle, knee and hip joints angular variation) has been conducted with a higher degree of similarity within the top-expert group; this was mostly significant for the knee joint motions. The results of this investigation highlight the importance and effectiveness of the motion analysis methods in studying the detailed performance differences between the expert and non expert karatekas, which might remain undetected under direct observation.