Karate specific aerobic test

Participants performed a 10-min warm-up routine consisted of a 7-min dynamic stretching and low-intensity jogging followed by a 3-min specific warm-up including punches and kicks of a heavy bag. After a 2-min passive recovery, Karatekas performed a KSAT on a tatami, following the protocol proposed by Tabben et al. [29]. The reliability, validity, and procedure of the KSAT have been previously described in details [29]. Briefly, the test involved two attack combinations on a punching bag. Attack 1: a leading straight punch followed by a rear straight punch (kisamigyaku-zuki), and Attack 2: a rear leg roundhouse kick (mawashi-geri-chudan). The distance between Karatekas’ front foot and the punching bag was 1.5 m, allowing participants to complete each combination in 3 seconds. The test was progressive; whilst the time for completing the attack movements remained constant (3 s), recovery time between movements decreased until Karatekas reached exhaustion. During the recovery time, Karatekas performed rhythmic bouncing on their preferred guard similar to the real Kumite. Two auditory signals were used during the KSAT: the first signal indicated an attack and the second signal was for the rest period. The research team encouraged participants verbally to ensure the maximum power was delivered in each punch and kick. The test was terminated when Karatekas failed to complete two combinations and/or when Karatekas failed to execute correct forms of punches and kicks. The correct execution of techniques were subjectively assessed by two qualified coaches.