International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2014, 9, 953-958

http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2013-0465
© 2014 Human Kinetics, Inc.
www.IJSPP-Journal.com
ORIGINAL INVESTIGATION

Validity and Reliability of a New Karate-Specific Aerobic Field Test

for Karatekas
Montassar Tabben, Jeremy Coquart, Helmi Chaabène, Emerson Franchini,
Karim Chamari, and Claire Tourny

Purpose: This study determined the validity and reliability of a new specific field test that was based on the scientific data from
the latest research. Methods: Seventeen international-level karatekas participated in the study: 14 men (age 24.1 ± 4.6 y, body
mass 65.7 ± 10.8 kg) and 3 women (age 19 ± 3.6 y, body mass 54.1 ± 0.9 kg). All performed the new karate-specific test (KST)
2 times (test and retest sessions were carried out on separated occasions 1 wk apart). Thirteen men also performed a laboratory
test to assess maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Results: Test–retest results showed the KST to be reliable. Peak oxygen uptake
(VO2peak), peak heart rate (HRpeak), blood lactate concentration, rating of perceived exertion, and time to exhaustion (TE) did not
display a difference between the test and the retest. The SEM and ICC for relative and absolute VO2peak and TE were <5% and
>.90, respectively. Significant correlations were found between VO2peak (mL · kg–1 · min–1) and TE measured from the KST (r =
.71, 95%CI 0.35–0.88, P < .0001). There was also no significant difference between VO2peak measured from the KST and VO2max
recorded from the cycle-ergometer laboratory test (55.1 ± 4.8 vs 53.2 ± 6.6 mL · kg–1 · min–1, respectively; t = –1.85, df = 12,
P = .08, dz = 0.51 [small]). The Bland and Altman analyses reported a mean difference (bias) ± the 95% limits of agreement of
1.9 ± 7.35 mL · kg–1 · min–1. Conclusions: This study showed that the new KST test, with effort patterns replicating real karate
combat sessions, can be considered a valid and reliable karate-specific field test for assessing karatekas’ endurance fitness.

Keywords: maximal test, martial art, specific evaluation, fitness.

Karate has evolved from a traditional martial art into a modern- been traditionally used to evaluate karatekas’ aerobic fitness.1,4,5
day global combat sport. Karate combat consists of many repetitions Although laboratory tests are accurate, their lack of being sport
of technique bursts separated by rhythmic bouncing movements specific represents the major criticism of these assessment methods.
performed with low intensity during a combat of 3 minutes in men.1 To create more specific tests and training protocols, some studies
Thus, karate fighting is clearly characterized by an intermittent have focused on physiological and time–motion analyses of karate
activity pattern.2 In karate match simulations, it was observed that competitions.3,5 In this context, Nunan6 proposed a karate-specific
activity phases contained 16 ± 5 high-intensity actions per fight last- aerobic test aiming at assessing karatekas’ aerobic fitness. That
ing 1 to 3 seconds each,1 and during international-level competition preliminary study used only 5 karatekas, which can be considered
karatekas performed 17 ± 7 high-intensity actions lasting from 1 to a limitation. In addition, that karate-specific aerobic test was based
5 seconds each, using predominantly upper-limb karate techniques on 7 seconds as a sequential set of specific techniques, which is
(76.19% from all techniques used).3 From combinations of attack too a long period, not in conformity with the karate effort pattern
techniques, kizami-guiaku-zuki (ie, straight lead punch followed described in the literature,1–3,5 and therefore does not match the real
by a straight rear punch) represents 53.12% of upper-limb attack physiological specificity of the sport. On the other hand, there is no
techniques and mawashi-geri-chudan (ie, rear roundhouse kick) attack distance to be respected by the athletes during the execution
represents 43.90% of lower-limb attack techniques.3 of the sequential set of techniques, while during competition, oppo-
It has been well established that the overall metabolic profile nents prepare and perform all techniques from a “safety” distance,7
of karate is predominantly aerobic, although anaerobic processes which presents a specific and important aspect of this sport.
allow performing the decisive actions.1,4,5 Consequently, the assess- With all these criticisms in mind, a new test protocol has been
ment of aerobic fitness on a regular basis is important for moni- considered and therefore proposed in the current study. Thus, the
toring the effectiveness of the physical training program and the purpose of the current investigation was to develop and study the
preparedness of karatekas to compete.2 Laboratory treadmill and/ validity and the reliability of a new specific karate field test that
or cycle-ergometer tests for maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) have aims to assess karatekas’ aerobic capacity by studying the relation
of the test performance with VO2max.
Tabben, Coquart, and Tourny are with the Center for the Study of Physical
and Sports Activities Transformations (CETAPS EA 3832), University of
Rouen, Mont Saint Aignan, France. Chaabène is with the Tunisian Research
Methods
Laboratory “Sports Performance Optimization,” National Center of Medi-
Subjects
cine and Science in Sports, Tunis, Tunisia. Franchini is with the School of
Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Seventeen international-level karatekas participated in this study:
Chamari is with the Athlete Health and Performance Research Center 14 men (age 24.1 ± 4.6 y, body mass 65.7 ± 10.8 kg, height 175.8
ASPETAR, Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar. Address ± 7.8 cm, and karate experience 8.3 ± 3.9 y) and 3 women (age 19
author correspondence to Montassar Tabben at [email protected]. ± 3.6 y, body mass 54.1 ± 0.9 kg, height 167 ± 1cm, and karate
953
 954  Tabben et al

experience 10.6 ± 2.3 y). They trained 9 sessions of about 2 hours highest 30-second average VO2.The K4b2 gas-analyzer system
each per week. Karate was the only active form of training for all has been reported to be reliable, accurate, and valid.9,10 Heart
the participants. Athletes were in the competitive phase of their rate (HR) was recorded every 5 seconds throughout the test via
periodization. Subjects were informed of the experimental protocol short-wave telemetry (Polar Vantage, Polar Electro OY, Kempele,
and risks and signed an informed written consent before starting the Finland). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE6-20)11 and blood lactate
investigation. They knew that they could withdraw from the study concentration ([La–]) were measured. Blood lactate samples were
at any time without any penalty. The study protocol was approved taken from the fingertip in the sitting position on a chair 3 minutes
by the local university ethics committee and followed the Declara- after the end of the test.12 [La–] was analyzed with the Lactate Pro
tion of Helsinki. Analyzer (Arkray, Tokyo, Japan).
The test protocol (Table 1) consisted of sequential sets com-
Design posed of 2 attacks to a heavy punch/kick bag suspended from a
wall-mounted bracket. Attack 1 involved a 2-punch combination,
After pilot testing and consultation with karatekas, coaches, and lead straight punch followed by a rear straight punch (ie, kisami-
sport scientists, a new karate-specific test (KST) was developed. gyaku-zuki),3 and attack 2 used a rear roundhouse kick (ie, mawashi-
The design of the KST was based on a deep analysis of karate com- geri-chudan).3 Karatekas had to use their favorite guards usually
petition in the scientific literature so as to develop a field test that used during competition, and they were not allowed to change guard
mimics the real competition’s requirement. The test also had to be during the study protocol.
easy to use, low-cost, and noninvasive. During the KST, participants The time to complete this set of movements accurately and
have to use specific karate techniques considered the most used in without haste was set at 3 seconds.1,3–5 The distance of attack (dis-
competition (ie, kisami-gyaku-zuki and mawashi-geri-chudan).3 In tance between the punching bag and the front foot) was established
addition, working periods (ie, 3 s) within the KST were based on the and fixed before the start as 1.5 m. This distance was marked on the
Downloaded by ETSU on 09/20/16, Volume 9, Article Number 6

match time–motion analysis found in the literature.1–3,5 One session floor and kept consistent throughout the test for each athlete. During
was carried out to familiarize the participants with the measurement the test, one of the researchers held the heavy bag in place to avoid
protocol 1 week before baseline testing. To establish test reliabil- unwanted movement. The test was paced with 2 auditory signals, the
ity,8 participants performed the KST 2 times 1 week apart under first to let the participants know when to begin the bout of exercise
the same conditions. In addition, to find out if the results obtained and the second sound to indicate when they should rest (3 s later).
in the KST were valid, karatekas wore a gas analyzer while being The time to complete the exercise bout remained the same, 3 seconds,
tested and additionally performed a cycle-ergometer test for VO2max while the recovery time between bouts progressively decreased each
assessment. One week after the reliability study was carried out, 3 minutes. During the recovery time karatekas were on the move as
13 male karatekas submitted to a VO2max test on a cycle ergometer. during a real combat (passive recovery was not allowed). Each punch
and kick had to be executed with the maximum power possible. This
Methodology was subjectively estimated by one of the authors who is himself a
black belt karateka and also a karate coach. The test was ended and the
Specific Field Test. Before starting the KST, karatekas performed time to exhaustion (TE) was determined when the participant failed to
a warm-up (self-selected-intensity jogging and dynamic stretching complete the set of movements in the 3-second interval twice or when
(hip extensors, hamstrings, hip flexors, and quadriceps femoris) of there were clear decreases in the power of techniques according to the
10 minutes. After 10 minutes of passive rest, they performed the assessor. With due acknowledgment to recent criticisms,13 attainment
KST wearing protections specifically designed for karate. The test of a plateau in VO2 (≤2.1-mL · kg–1 · min–1 rise with an increase in
had to be carried out on a tatami (ie, competition karate floor) with exercise intensity), respiratory-exchange ratio >1.1, posttest [La–]
a punching bag. During the KST, expired gases were analyzed >8 mmol/L, HR within 10 beats/min of age-predicted maximum,
using a calibrated breath-by-breath automated gas-analysis system and participant subjective reporting of maximal effort were used as
(K4b2, Cosmed, Rome, Italy). Both relative (mL · kg–1 · min–1) and criteria to judge whether test performances were truly maximal. If a
absolute (L/min) peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) were defined as the participant failed to satisfy all these criteria, the test result was deemed

Table 1 Protocol of the Karate-Specific Test

Level Activity (s) Active rest (s) Number of repetitions Exercise total (s) Cumulative duration (s)
1 3 42 2 90 90
2 3 27 3 90 180
3 3 20 4 92 272
4 3 15 5 90 362
5 3 12 6 90 452
6 3 10 7 91 543
7 3 8 8 88 631
8 3 5 11 88 719
9 3 3 15 90 809
10 3 2 18 90 899
 New Specific Aerobic Test for Karate   955

to be a peak rather than a maximum value. All tests were performed validity study was assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients.
between the hours of 2 and 5 PM on a tatami. The temperature was The following criteria were adopted for interpreting the magnitude
~19°C to 20°C and the humidity was 51.6% ± 1.2%. of correlation (r) between test measures: ≤.1, trivial; >.1 to .3, small;
>.3 to .5, moderate; >.5 to .7, large; >.7 to .9, very large; and ≥.9
Laboratory Test. Laboratory testing was also performed between
to 1.0, almost perfect.21
2 and 5 PM. VO2max was assessed during a progressive maximal Agreement between the KST and the treadmill laboratory test
exercise test on an electronically braked cycle ergometer (Lode was assessed by constructing a Bland and Altman plot with 95%
Instruments, Groningen, The Netherlands) with an automated open- limits of agreement.22 All statistical calculations were performed
circuit gas-analysis system using O2 and CO2 analyzers (Model using SPSS 19.0 for Windows (SPSS, Inc, Chicago, IL, USA). The
S-3A and Anarad AR-400, Ametek, Pittsburgh, PA). Calibration of significance level considered for all the statistical analysis in the
the gas analyzers and spirometer was performed according to the current study was set at P < .05.
manufacturer’s recommendations. The progressive work test was
initiated with a 3-minute warm-up period at 60 W; the workload
was then increased by 30 W every 3 minutes until the subject was Results
unable to sustain the required power output for another minute.14
Pedaling rate was continuously maintained at around 60 rpm. HR Reliability of the KST
was continuously monitored by electrocardiogram.
Relative and absolute VO2peak during the test and the retest were not
significantly different (t = 1.08, df = 16, P = .29, dz = 0.26 [small]
Statistical Analysis and t = 1.17, df = 16, P = .25, dz = 0.28 [small], respectively). No
All data recorded are presented as mean ± SD. The normality significant bias was found between the test and the retest (t = 1.12,
assumption was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test for each vari- df = 16, P = .27, dz = 0.14 [trivial]) in regard to TE (Table 2).
Downloaded by ETSU on 09/20/16, Volume 9, Article Number 6

able before conducting any statistical parametric test. Absolute and The SEM and ICC for relative and absolute VO2peak and TE
relative reliabilities were assessed using the typical error of mea- were <5% and >.90, respectively (Table 2).
surement (SEM) as coefficient of variation (CV) and the intraclass The SWCs in almost all variables measured from the KST (ie,
correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively.8 The SEM was calculated relative and absolute VO2peak and TE) were above the SEM, which
by dividing the SD of the difference between scores by the square indicates a good ability of the KST to detect small but worthwhile
root of 2.8 The smallest worthwhile change (SWC) was determined variation in performance (Table 2). MDC95% values for relative and
by multiplying the between-subjects SD by 0.2 (SWC0.2), which absolute VO2peak and TE were 1.3 mL · kg–1 · min–1, 0.1 L/min, and
corresponds to a small effect; 0.6 (SWC0.6), which corresponds to 6.1 seconds, respectively.
a moderate effect; and 1.2 (SWC1.2), which corresponds to a large There was no significant difference in peak HR (HRpeak; t =
effect.15 By comparing SWC with SEM, a test’s usefulness can be –0.51, df = 16, P = .61, dz = 0.11[trivial]), [La–] (t = –0.72, df = 16,
identified by using the thresholds proposed by Liow and Hopkins.16 P = .47, dz = 0.17 [trivial]), and RPE (t = –0.29, df = 16, P = .77, dz
The test’s capacity to detect change is considered good when SEM = 0.07 [trivial]) between the test and the retest (196 ± 11 vs 196 ±
≤ SWC, satisfactory when SEM = SWC, and marginal when SEM 11 beats/min, 10.8 ± 2.6 vs 10.5 ± 2.4 mmol/L, 18.7 ± 0.8 vs 18.6 ±
≥ SWC.16 Minimal detectable change (MDC95%), which indicates 1.1, respectively) .The SEM and ICC for HRpeak and [La–] between
the smallest change that is not due to error, was calculated as17,18 the test and the retest were ≤5% and ≥.90, respectively. For RPE,
the CV was 2.4% and the ICC was .77.
MDC95% = SEM × 2 × 1.96
Criterion Validity of the KST
By using GPOWER software (Bonn FRG, Bonn University, Depart-
ment of Psychology),19 the Cohen d effect size (dz),which reflects the Significant correlations were found between VO2peak (mL · kg–1 ·
relative magnitude of the experimental treatment, was calculated. min–1) in the laboratory test and TE measured from the KST (r =
The following scale was used for the interpretation of dz: <0.2, .81, 95%CI .47 to .94, P < .001; Figure 1).
trivial; 0.2 to <0.6, small; 0.6 to <1.2, moderate; 1.2 to <2.0, large; All standardized VO2max criteria containing objective (ie,
and ≥2.0, very large.20 attainment of a plateau in VO2: ≤2.1-mL · kg–1 · min–1 rise with an
Any learning effect or systematic bias between samples’ mean increase in exercise intensity, respiratory exchange ratio >1.1, [La–]
scores for test and retest sessions was checked by performing a >8 mmol/L, HR within 10 beats/min of age-predicted maximum)
paired t test. The strength of the relation between variables in the and subjective (ie, RPE) measures to indicate that a subject has given

Table 2 Performance and Reliability Results of the Karate-Specific Test During the Test and the Retest
Variable VO2peak (mL · kg–1 · min–1) VO2peak (L/min) Time to exhaustion (s) Blood lactate concentration (mmol/L)
Test 53.7 ± 5.1 3.4 ± 0.6 635.3 ± 50 10.8 ± 2.6
Retest 54.0 ± 5.0 3.4 ± 0.7 636.9 ± 49.0 10.5 ± 2.4
P .29 .25 .27 .47
ICC (95% CI) .99 (.990–.998) .98 (.96–.99) .99 (.990–.998) .90 (.720–.963)
SEM 0.039 (1.14%) 0.50 (0.93%) 2.22 (0.34%) 0.55 (5.12%)
SWC 0.135 1.10 9.75 0.50
Abbreviations: VO2peak, peak oxygen consumption; ICC, intraclass correlation coefficient; SEM, typical error of measurement; SWC, smallest worthwhile change.
 956  Tabben et al
Downloaded by ETSU on 09/20/16, Volume 9, Article Number 6

Figure 1 — Relationship between variables from the karate-specific field test (KST) and laboratory test: (A) relationship between peak oxygen uptake
(VO2peak) and time to exhaustion (TE) in the KST, (B) relationship between VO2peak in the KST and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) in the laboratory
test, and (C) relationship between VO2max in the laboratory test and TE in the KST.

a maximal effort were met in both the KST and the cycle-ergometer
laboratory test for all the study subjects.
There was no significant difference in HRpeak value between the
KST (196 ± 11 beats/min) and the laboratory test (194 ± 10 beats/
min, t = 2.04, df = 12, P = .063, dz = 0.14 [small]). There was also
no significant difference between relative VO2peak measured from
the KST and VO2max recorded from the laboratory test (55.1 ± 4.8 vs
53.2 ± 6.6 mL · kg–1 · min–1, respectively; t = –1.85, df = 12, P = .08,
dz = 0.51 [small]). The Bland and Altman analyses reported a mean
difference (bias) ± 95% limits of agreement of 1.9 ± 7.35 mL · kg–1 ·
min–1 (Figure 2). Results showed significant correlations with both the
relative VO2peak measured from the KST and VO2max from the labora-
tory test (r = .83, 95% CI .51–.94, P < .0001, shared variance of 69%).
A significant correlation (r = .81, 95% CI .47–.94, P = .0007,
shared variance 65%) was reported between TE and VO2max (mL ·
kg–1 · min–1) from the laboratory test.

Discussion
The aim of the current research was to establish absolute and rela- Figure 2 — Bland and Altman plot between peak oxygen uptake in
tive reliability, as well as criterion-related validity, of a new karate- the karate-specific field test and maximum oxygen uptake in the cycle-
specific field test (the KST) that was designed to evaluate aerobic ergometer laboratory test.
 New Specific Aerobic Test for Karate   957

capacity of karatekas. The study design compared the physiological physiological measures. Both show very good agreement between
peak values (ie, VO2peak and HRpeak using portable devices) from performance duration and VO2max, establishing clear criterion valid-
the new karate field test’s protocol with those determined during ity for this new test.
a VO2max laboratory test on a cycle ergometer. The main results This study’s results indicated no significant difference for
obtained showed good relative and absolute reliabilities of all VO2peak (mL · kg–1 · min–1) between the 2 tests, with mean differ-
variables measured from the KST. In addition, the KST’s variables ence (bias) ± the 95% limits of agreement of 1.9 ± 7.3 mL · kg–1
correlated significantly with those measured in the laboratory test. · min–1. In addition, a very large association has been recorded
between VO2peak (mL · kg–1 · min–1) in the KST and laboratory test
Reliability of the KST (shared variance of 69%) that has extensively been considered a
gold standard for the assessment of endurance-aerobic capacity.26
Reliability results showed that all KST variables displayed an almost The majority of the karatekas finished the KST between levels 6
perfect relative and absolute reliability between the 2 KST tests. A and 7, and only 6 karatekas totally completed level 7 or reached the
very large ICC was found (>.90) in conjunction with a small SEM beginning of level 8. These considerations suggest that the inter-
expressed as CV (CV < 5%) in both of the variables determined from mittent temporal structural adopted in the KST, which includes the
the KST (ie, VO2peak, TE). The same results have been established most common upper- and lower-limb karate techniques, is suitable
at absolute and relative level for the KST’s HRpeak and [La–] (ICC > for stimulating karateka’s maximal exertion. This was reinforced
.90, CV < 5%). A field-specific test that presents good reliability of by the physiological parameters’ values, that is, HRpeak and [La–],
both HRpeak and [La–] is of great practical importance. Indeed, this recorded. Moreover, there was no significant difference between the
would mean not only that the test is reproducible for performance KST and laboratory test in regard to these parameters, which means
measure but also that it consistently solicits physiological responses. that the KST created physiological exertion comparable to that in
As to the good reliability of HR and [La–] for the same effort level, the laboratory test. This strongly suggests that values obtained from
Downloaded by ETSU on 09/20/16, Volume 9, Article Number 6

any eventual change in these physiological responses shall be inter- this test reflect a real VO2max performance. These results highlight
preted accordingly by practitioners (for instance, a fatigued state that karatekas have elicited VO2max and indicate the validity of the
will raise the physiological responses to a given effort). At relative new test by soliciting VO2max. Thus, the KST has been shown not
level, RPE presented good reliability (ICC = .77). Reliability results only to be a valid way to assess specific karate endurance by means
were supported by the small to trivial effect size (dz) found in the of the TE variable, but it could also be used instead of a labora-
different variables determined from the KST test–retest sessions. tory test, since this new karate-specific protocol provided the same
The ability to detect small but worthwhile changes in per- results as a laboratory test.
formance was good. This assumption was supported by values of
SWC, which present an SEM value slightly above the SWC. The
calculation of the MDC95% allows the quantification of the subject’s Conclusions
performance variation necessary to be sure that the change is bigger This study showed that the KST can be considered a valid and reli-
than the measurement error.23 In the current study, MDC95% values able karate-specific field test with practical interest for assessing
for relative and absolute VO2peak and TE were 1.39 mL · kg–1 · min–1, the endurance-fitness level of elite karatekas. The progressive and
0.10 L/min, and 6.15 seconds, respectively. Thus, athlete’s scores intermittent nature of the effort being very close to real combat
at or above the MDC95% would be due to the KST’s performance patterns, as well as with respect to most techniques used in karate
improvement rather than measurement error. combat, are some of the major advantages of the KST. The ability
to discriminate between the levels of karatekas (ie, sensitivity)
Criterion Validity of the KST could further support the construct validity of this test. Therefore,
The results recorded during the KST showed a very high correlation further studies dealing with the sensitivity of the KST should be
between VO2peak (mL · kg–1 · min–1) and TE (shared variance 50%). conducted.
Coaches and sports scientists might use the KST test with good
confidence that relatively small changes in test performance could Practical Applications
be due to variations in karate-specific endurance performance. For
instance, TE, which does not require any device to be used apart Sport-specific training is well recognized as essential for improve-
from a simple stopwatch, could be monitored keeping in mind that ment and/or success in any sport.2 In addition, appropriate training
any change above ~6 seconds would be due, at 95% confidence intensities based on prior physiological assessment are integral to
interval, to changes in a karateka’s specific endurance fitness. the success of training.2 The KST is the first sport-specific karate
These results are in accordance with those established by Nunan,6 field test available in the scientific literature that tends to mimic
who found a significant relationship between VO2peak (mL · kg–1 · karate’s particular effort, and it showed good level of both valid-
min–1) in a karate test and TE (shared variance 59.3%). TE in the ity and reliability in elite-level karatekas. It allows the mixture
KST also showed a very large correlation with VO2max (mL · kg–1 · of technical-tactical and physical aspects of the training process.
min–1) from the laboratory test (shared variance 65%), confirming Thus, using the KST in addition to treadmill testing provides a
the former result. In this context, criterion validity of field tests has better measurement of a karateka’s individual fitness level and
been compared with laboratory VO2 measures in the past24,25 when may be routinely used to accurately prescribe appropriate aerobic
portable devices were not available. Nowadays, portable gas analyz- exercise training. Furthermore, KST is noninvasive, is carried out
ers’ availability allows a better approach of the criterion validity on a real competition karate floor, and does not require expensive
by providing data of real-situation physiological measures. In the equipment. Therefore, this tool can help karatekas, coaches, and
current study, we chose to provide the correlation of field measures scientists assess specific endurance, and consequently it might
(ie, TE) to both physiological variables measured in the laboratory contribute to the improvement of karatekas’ performance level
(former way to approach criterion validity) and on-field situation during competition.
 958  Tabben et al

Acknowledgments 13. Midgley AW, McNaughton LR, Polman R, et al. Criteria for determina-
tion of maximal oxygen uptake: a brief critique and recommendations
We would like to thank Dr Mohamed Haj Yahmed and Mr Mahfoudhi for future research. Sports Med. 2007;37(12):1019–1028. PubMed
Mohamed Hedi for their help concerning the design of the protocol. The doi:10.2165/00007256-200737120-00002
current study was supported by the CETAPS laboratory (University of 14. Chamari K, Ahmaidi S, Fabre C, et al. Pulmonary gas exchange and
Rouen, France) and the Normandy karate league (Rouen, France). ventilatory responses to brief intense intermittent exercise in young
trained and untrained adults. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol.
References 1995;70(5):442–450. PubMed doi:10.1007/BF00618496
15. Hopkins WG, Marshall SW, Batterham AM, et al. Progressive
1. Beneke R, Beyer T, Jachner C, et al. Energetics of karate kumite. Eur statistics for studies in sports medicine and exercise science.
J Appl Physiol. 2004;92(4-5):518–523. PubMed doi:10.1007/s00421- Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009;41(1):3–13. PubMed doi:10.1249/
004-1073-x MSS.0b013e31818cb278
2. Chaabène H, Hachana Y, Franchini E, et al. Physical and physiologi- 16. Liow DK, Hopkins WG. Velocity specificity of weight training for
cal profile of elite karate athletes. Sports Med. 2012;42(10):829–843. kayak sprint performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2003;35(7):1232–
PubMed 1237. PubMed doi:10.1249/01.MSS.0000074450.97188.CF
3. Chaabène H, Franchini E, Miarka B, et al. Time–motion analysis and 17. Charter RA. Revisiting the standard error of measurement, estimate,
physiological responses to karate official combat sessions: is there and prediction and their application to test scores. Percept Mot Skills.
a difference between winners and defeated karatekas? Int J Sports 1996;82:1139–1144. doi:10.2466/pms.1996.82.3c.1139
Physiol Perform. 2014;9(2):302–308. 18. Eliasziw M, Young SL, Woodbury MG, et al. Statistical methodol-
4. Doria C, Veicsteinas A, Limonta E, et al. Energetics of karate (kata ogy for the concurrent assessment of interrater and intrarater reli-
and kumite techniques) in top-level athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol. ability: using goniometric measurements as an example. Phys Ther.
Downloaded by ETSU on 09/20/16, Volume 9, Article Number 6

2009;107(5):603–610. PubMed doi:10.1007/s00421-009-1154-y 1994;74(8):777–788. PubMed

5. Iide K, Imamura H, Yoshimura Y, et al. Physiological responses 19. Faul F, Erdfelder E. GPOWER: A Priori, Post-Hoc, and Compromise
of simulated karate sparring matches in young men and boys. J Power Analyses for MS-DOS (Computer Program). Bonn, Germany:
Strength Cond Res. 2008;22(3):839–844. PubMed doi:10.1519/ Bonn University Department of Psychology; 2004.
JSC.0b013e31816a5af6 20. Scanlan AT, Dascombe BJ, Reaburn PR. The construct and longitudinal
6. Nunan D. Development of a sports specific aerobic capacity test for validity of the basketball exercise simulation test. J Strength Cond Res.
karate—a pilot study. J Sports Sci Med. 2006;5(CSSI):47–53. PubMed 2012;26(2):523–530. PubMed doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e318220dfc0
7. World Karate Federation. New Kata and Kumite Rules [version 8.0; 21. Hopkins WG. A scale of magnitudes for effect statistics. SportScience.
online]. 2013. http://www.wkf.net/pdf/wkf-reglaments-de-competi- 2002. http://www.sportsci.org/resource/stats/index.html, 2003.
tion-fra.pdf. 22. Bland JM, Altman DG. Statistical methods for assessing agree-
8. Hopkins WG. Measures of reliability in sports medicine and science. ment between two methods of clinical measurement. Lancet.
Sports Med. 2000;30(1):1–15. PubMed doi:10.2165/00007256- 1986;1(8476):307–310. PubMed doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(86)90837-8
200030010-00001 23. Haley SM, Fragala-Pinkham MA. Interpreting change scores of tests
9. Lothian F, Farrally MR, Mahoney C. Validity and reliability of and measures used in physical therapy. Phys Ther. 2006;86(5):735–
the Cosmed K2 to measure oxygen uptake. Can J Appl Physiol. 743. PubMed
1993;18(2):197–206. PubMed doi:10.1139/h93-016 24. Metaxas TI, Koutlianos NA, Kouidi EJ, et al. Comparative study of
10. Bigard AX, Guezennec CY. Evaluation of the Cosmed K2 telemetry field and laboratory tests for the evaluation of aerobic capacity in
system during exercise at moderate altitude. Med Sci Sports Exerc. soccer players. J Strength Cond Res. 2005;19(1):79–84. PubMed
1995;27(9):1333–1338. PubMed doi:10.1249/00005768-199509000- 25. Aziz AR, Tan FHY, Teh KC. A pilot study comparing two field
00015 tests with the treadmill run test in soccer players. J Sports Sci Med.
11. Foster C, Florhaug JA, Franklin J, et al. A new approach to monitoring 2005;4(2):105–112. PubMed
exercise training. J Strength Cond Res. 2001;15(1):109–115. PubMed 26. Chamari K, Moussa-Chamari I, Boussaidi L, et al. Appropriate
12. Goodwin ML, Harris JE, Hernandez A, et al. Blood lactate interpretation of aerobic capacity: allometric scaling in adult and
measurements and analysis during exercise: a guide for clini- young soccer players. Br J Sports Med. 2005;39(2):97–101. PubMed
cians. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2007;1(4):558–569. PubMed doi:10.1136/bjsm.2003.010215
doi:10.1177/193229680700100414