The prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in karate in South Africa: an exploratory study

OBJECTIVES: This descriptive, cross-sectional study examined injury patterns among South African karateka and explored associations with demographic and training factors. This study also aimed to explore potential associations between injury patterns and factors, including karate style, BMI, and training volume, using crosstabulation analyses. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to an estimated 200 karateka across various dojos and styles. The anonymous questionnaire included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, with additional questions on BMI, training quality, karate style, and injury location. RESULTS: The response rate was 73% (n = 146). Shotokan was the most practised style (57%, n = 83). Most participants were 1st dan (26%, n = 38), trained for 10-14 years (29%, n = 42), twice weekly (36%, n = 53), for 1 h per session (63%, n = 92). Acute injuries were most common (60%, n = 112), occurring during training (64%, n = 128), with 86% (n = 126) sustaining 1-9 injuries. The right knee was most frequently injured (9%, n = 52), often from kicks (33%, n = 88). Physiotherapists were the preferred treatment (27%, n = 67), with minimal performance impact (42%). CONCLUSION: This exploratory, descriptive study found that injury prevalence is high among South African karateka. Exploratory analyses revealed that Shotokan practitioners had significantly lower odds of right wrist injury compared to other styles (OR = 0.23, 95% CI [0.08, 0.65]). No other statistically significant associations were observed between karate style or BMI and specific injury locations after controlling for multiple comparisons. However, most injuries are minor, supporting karate's safety as a semi-contact sport. Protective measures for high-risk areas could further reduce injury rates.