Conmoción cerebral en el karate deportivo: disminución en la frecuencia en los campeonatos mundiales de karate

Abstract

Objective: To present the progressive reduction of the frequency of cerebral concussion in the World Karate Championships, due to the changes in the Rules and Regulations of the World Karate Federation (WKF). Material and Method: Prospective study of the brain concussions occurred in the World Championships of Madrid (2002), Monterrey (2004), Tampere (2006), Tokyo (2008), Belgrade (2010) and Paris (2012). Results: The frequency of brain concussion, defined by the International Conference of Sports Concussion (Vienne 2001, Prague 2004, Zurich 2008 and 2012) has progressively diminished in the World Karate Championships: one concussion each 230 bouts in Madrid, one each 196 in Monterrey, one each 99 in Tampere, one each 612 in Tokyo, one each 512 in Belgrade, and one each 1,140 in Paris. Discussion and Conclusion: The use of protections, the rigorous enforcement of the Rules and Regulations of the Sports Karate and the continuous education in the prevention of injury of athletes, technicians and referees, has diminished the frequency of brain concussion in the World Championships, making Karate a much safer sport, achieving Olympic principles.