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Page 1 of 3  The purpose of this study was to investigate trunk and knee strength in practitioners of hard-style martial arts. An additional objective was to examine reaction times in these participants by measuring simple reaction times ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to investigate trunk and knee strength in practitioners of hard-style martial arts. An additional objective was to examine reaction times in these participants by measuring simple reaction times (SRT), choice reaction times (CRT) and movement times (MT). Thirteen high-level martial artists and twelve sedentary participants were tested under isokinetic and isometric conditions on an isokinetic dynamometer. Response and movement times were also measured in response to simple and choice auditory cues. Results indicated that the martial arts group generated a greater body-weight adjusted peak torque with both legs at all speeds during isokinetic extension and flexion, and in isometric extension but not flexion. In isokinetic and isometric trunk flexion and extension, martial artists tended to have higher peak torques than controls, but they were not significantly different (p > 0.05). During the SRT and CRT tasks the martial artists were no quicker in lifting their hand off a button in response to the stimulus [reaction time (RT)] but were significantly faster in moving to press another button [movement time (MT)]. In conclusion, the results reveal that training in a martial art increases the strength of both the flexors and extensors of the leg. Furthermore, they have faster movement times to auditory stimuli. These results are consistent with the physical aspects of the martial arts.
INTRODUCTION
The martial arts are ancient forms of self-defence. Predominantly conceived in East Asia there are many styles practiced all over the world not only for self- protection but also as a competitive sport and a form of exercise. Traditional styles of martial arts can be categorised as either "soft" or "hard". Although each individual martial art has some elements of both groups, the central principle of each martial art defines whether it is labelled hard or soft. Rigid stances, powerful strikes and its technique of meeting hostility with speed, power and a proactive approach constitute a hard-style approach. Conversely Tai Chi Chuan is a Chinese system of slow meditative physical exercise designed for relaxation, balance and health, best known for its soft, evasive techniques that meet aggression with subtle redirection rather than force. Its pupils do not train specifically for strength or speed, nor do they spar.
Training for martial arts can bring about many physiological benefits including improved aerobic performance (Douris et al., 2004; Heller et al., 1998; Lan et al., 1996; 1998; Zehr and Sale, 1993), anaerobic performance (Heller et al., 1998; Melhim, 2001; Zehr and Sale, 1993), blood pressure (Young et al., 1999), body fat and blood adiposity (Douris et al., 2004; Heller et al., 1998; Lan et al., 1996), balance (Douris et al., 2004; Jacobson et al., 1997; Tse and Bailey, 1992), kinaesthetic sense (Jacobson et al., 1997), flexibility (Douris et al., 2004; Heller et al., 1998; Lan et al., 1996) and muscle endurance (Douris et al., 2004). Furthermore, several studies have reported alterations in muscle strength (Christou et al., 2003; Douris et al., 2004; Heller et al., 1998; Jacobson et al., 1997; Lan et al., 1998; Voigt and Klausen, 1990).
The complex nature of the hard-style martial arts requires co- ordination and strength. There are many muscles involved in the delivery of a kick, including the muscles of the trunk and abdomen that rotate the body, and the extensor and flexor muscles of the knee. However, to date, there have been no investigations of trunk strength in hard-style martial artists.
In addition to the muscular requirement for effective martial arts practice, reaction time and speed are also important. There are two types of perceptual ability related to performance in sport. The first is based on primitive, basic sensory functions which are not related to the athlete's area of expertise and include such factors as visual acuity and visual field (Mori et al., 2002). It is thought that training specific to these skills does not improve sporting ability (Abernethy and Neal, 1999; Mori et al., 2002; Wood and Abernethy, 1997). The second type is the sport-specific sensory skills developed through the practice of that sport (Mori et al., 2002). The simple reaction time is the shortest interval of time required to respond to a single stimulus. Some reports have found no difference in simple reaction time between athletes and non-athletes (Mori et al., 2002) suggesting that it cannot be trained. Choice reaction time is the shortest interval needed to respond to a stimulus that is presented as an alternative to a number of other stimuli (Scmidt, 1990). There is some evidence that choice reaction times can be trained (Johnson et al., 1991), linking it to the second group of perceptual abilities.
Participants who partake in general physical activity have significantly shorter reaction times than those who do not (Arito and Oguri, 1990; Brisswalter et al., 1997). Studies have also shown this to be true for specific activities (Hascelik et al., 1989; Madanmohan et al., 1992; Malathi and Parulkar, 1989) including martial arts (Lee et al., 1999; Mori et al., 2002).
The aims of this study are to measure strength characteristics of leg and trunk muscles and to measure simple and choice reaction and movement times in those trained in a hard-style martial art and compare these to those who lead a more sedentary lifestyle.
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Fitness and Nutrition 
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