Effect of regular karate practice on neurosensory cognition among school going children

Karate training attenuates not just an idle body but also a weary mind. Physical inactivity and increased screen time have taken a toll on global mental health of young children with the passage of time. Numerous electrophysiological and neurochemical studies document regular physical training to improve neurocognition. However, observations of specific martial art form effects like karate on neurosensory pathways are uncommon. The aim of the present study was to measure neurosensory cognition through visual evoked potential and brainstem auditory evoked potential among male school going children. Methods: A convenience sample of 60 subjects (n=60) comprising Karate Group (K) (n=30) and active age gender matched Control Group (C) (n=30) between 12-18 years was selected based on ethical guidelines from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The study was also registered under Clinical Trial Registry of India (Regn. No: CTRI/2021/06/034483). Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) components containing three wave forms N-75, P-100, and N-145 and five waves I-V of the Brain Stem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAEP) were measured. Latency (L) and Amplitude (A) comparisons were conducted using RMS Salus 2C, Evoked Potential Recorder, in the Exercise and Sports Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physical Education, Jadavpur University, Kolkata. Normality distribution confirmed by Kolmogorov Smirnov test and a large to medium effect size was reported (Cohen’s d = 0.73).

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