The impact of divergent karate disciplines on blood iron markers.
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Abstract
A substantial body of previous research on karate has focused on tactical aspects or physical characteristics, with limited investigation into its effects on blood parameters. The present study examined the impact of two distinct resistance exercise modalities on blood indicators related to anemia. The subjects comprised 42 male athletes (15 kata, 27 kumite) and 22 female athletes (6 kata, 16 kumite) belonging to a university karate club. Given that the subjects had approximately 10 or more years of karate experience, this study is a follow-up utilizing data from health examinations conducted during their first year. The parameters that were the focus of the investigation included red cell count (RBC), hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), serum iron, and ferritin concentration. Anemia was defined according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. In the male population, the hematocrit level is less than 13 grams per deciliter of blood. In the female population that is not pregnant, the hematocrit level is less than 12 grams per deciliter of blood. The assessment of hypoferritinemia was conducted by employing a range of serum ferritin thresholds, namely <15, <30, and <50 μg/L. Among the subjects, one male kumite athlete exhibited an Hb concentration below 13.0 g/dL, indicative of anemia. No female athletes were found to have anemia. However, a significant disparity in ferritin levels was observed between female and male athletes, with the former exhibiting lower levels in both kata and kumite disciplines. RBC, Ht, Hb, MCHC, serum iron, and ferritin levels were found to be significantly higher in males compared to females. No substantial gender disparities were observed for MCV and MCH. A significant disparity was observed between the mean values of MCHC in kata and in kumite. No significant differences were identified in the following parameters: red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), serum iron, and ferritin concentrations.
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