Effect of Neurocognitive demand exercise on dynamic postural control and ankle stability in adolescent karate athletes : A randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Karate is a dynamic martial art that demands high physical and mental performance, especially in adolescent athletes who are still developing motor skills and cognitive functions like attention, decision-making, and memory. These neurocognitive processes are essential for controlling balance and preventing injuries, particularly in the ankle joint, which experiences significant strain during rapid movements and strikes. Research shows that ankle injuries are common in karate, with 86% of professional Iranian athletes reporting ankle injuries (Naserpour & Mirjani, 2019). Globally, ankle injuries account for up to 20% of injuries in Olympic-style karate competitions, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.

Ankle stability plays a crucial role in dynamic postural control—the ability to maintain balance during movement—which is essential for preventing sprains and ligament injuries in karate. Neurocognitive training, which combines cognitive tasks (e.g., decision-making and attention) with physical exercises (e.g., balancing or catching while moving), has shown dual benefits for cognitive and physical performance. For adolescent karate athletes, this dual-task training improves reaction times, enhances dynamic postural control, and strengthens ankle stability, reducing the risk of chronic ankle instability (CAI). Rehabilitation programs incorporating proprioception, strength, and balance exercises, such as the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), are vital for restoring ankle function and optimizing athletic performance in karate.

NEED OF STUDY

Current karate training focuses mainly on traditional kata movements, with little emphasis on joint and muscle strengthening or injury prevention.

Previous studies often lacked adequate duration, primarily relying on one-day assessments or short protocols that included basic tests such as single-leg stands and sway assessments. Additionally, these investigations typically concentrated solely on cognitive and postural control, neglecting the incorporation of more comprehensive and dynamic intervention.

There is need of neurocognitive exercise as karate is a reflex sport and both defensive and opponent player have to take sudden action without a pause. Neurocognitive exercise help athletes to challenge brain and train themselve like in a real life situation .

In contrast, our study is designed to implement interventions which are both enjoyable and effective.