Effect of a Karate Competition on Indicators of Inflammation and Muscle Tissue Injury in Soldier's Karate-Ka

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of four Karate Competitions on serum Creatine Kinase and lactate Dehydrogenase enzymes levels and serum C3 and C4 components of the complement system levels in karate-ka soldiers.For this purpose, 10 karate-ka from a military training center in Iran voluntarily participated in the study and periodically competed in two tables of minus 68 kg, height equivalent to 168.8±4.4 cm, BMI equivalent to 21.72±1.01 kg/m2 and minus 78 kg, height equivalent to 172.8±7.25 cm, BMI equivalent to 22.85±1.76 kg/m2. Each of them participated in 4 competitions in a day by the official competition. Blood samples were taken 24 hours before and after the competition and were assessed in specialized laboratories. T-test, ANOVA with repeated measures and Tukey’s test were used for comparison of means before and after the test. The results showed that 24 hours after the period, serum Creatine Kinase level in total of both groups 145.75% significantly increased (P=0.012) and lactate Dehydrogenase enzyme level showed 66.5% non-significant increment (P=0.124). On the other hand, C3 and C4 components of the complement system levels showed 15.75% and 24.5%, respectively, non-significant decrease in total of both groups (P=0.104 and P=0.138, respectively). One day after doing a semi-official karate (kumite) tournament, signs of muscle damage are seen, which are probably due to the mechanical stress caused by repeated strikes. However, further follow-up is needed to obtain clearer results.