Development of a new tool to assess the technique of karate athletes ; analyzing the influence of age, experience, anthropometric measurements, and physical fitness

Dissertação de mestrado apresentada para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Treino Desportivo, na Escola Superior de Desporto e Lazer, de Melgaço do Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo. ; This master's dissertation in sports training presents two studies. They focus on evaluating and characterizing karate athletes. Objectives: The objective of the first study was to develop and establish the validity of a technical evaluation system in karate, while the objective of the second study was to compare the technical proficiency of karate athletes across different age groups and years of experience and to examine the relationship between technical proficiency, physical fitness, and anthropometric measures. Methods: The first study used three phases to establish the validity of the technical evaluation system in karate, including expert analysis and evaluation of the observation instrument, expert evaluation of athlete performance, and reliability testing of evaluators' observations. The evaluation system assessed four common techniques in kumite competitions at different levels of proficiency. The second study used an observational crosssectional study design on a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 53 karate athletes, who were grouped according to age and years of experience. The participants were evaluated using anthropometry, physical fitness tests, and the System for the Technical Assessment of Kumite (STAK). Results: The first study found substantial to almost complete intra-rater reliability for expert and beginner athletes' evaluations, with ICC values ranging from 0.774 to 0.959. The STAK evaluation process was found to be a reliable method for assessing the success criteria of different techniques used in martial arts. However, novice athletes may require more specific and consistent evaluation criteria to improve their observation technique and refine their ability to interpret success variables in each motor action. The second study found statistically significant differences in physical fitness and ...