A Cross-Sectional Survey of Musculoskeletal Injuries in South African Shotokan Karate.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: This study investigated the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal injuries within South Africa's most popular karate style, Shotokan, a previously unexamined area. As an exploratory study, it aimed to generate hypotheses by determining the prevalence, severity, and nature of these injuries to address this significant gap in the national combat sports literature. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing a confidential online questionnaire distributed through various Shotokan organizations. The study gathered 155 responses (26.85% response rate). Results: The findings revealed a high injury prevalence, with 47.3% of participants reporting at least four injuries. These injuries occurred equally in training and competition (56

SUBMITTER: de Wet M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12734262 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature