Caracterización morfofuncional comparativa entre karatecas élite y amateur colombianos: implicaciones en el rendimiento deportivo

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize and compare the morphofunctional and neuromuscular profile of elite and amateur Colombian karate athletes. A cross-sectional study with a quantitative and descriptive approach was conducted. The sample consisted of 22 youth and senior karate athletes from the Colombian National Team, regional leagues, and a developmental club registered with the Colombian Karate Federation (FCK).

The evaluated variables included body composition assessed by bioelectrical impedance; countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and Abalakov jump (ABK) height, all recorded using an inertial sensor; estimated maximal strength in the half-squat measured with a linear encoder; and general agility assessed with the T-Test and sport-specific agility evaluated through the Taekwondo-Specific Agility Test (TSAT), adapted to the technical demands of karate-do and measured using Witty photocells.

Elite karate athletes achieved higher values in CMJ, SJ, and ABK (p < 0.05; d = 0.93–1.18; 95% CI = -0.04 to -2.08), showing large to very large effect sizes. Significant differences were also observed in the elastic index (p = 0.006; d = 1.17; 95% CI). Likewise, the elite group demonstrated significantly greater estimated maximal strength (p = 0.004) and both general and sport-specific agility (p < 0.001).

Muscle mass showed a positive correlation with jump height (ρ > 0.68), whereas body fat percentage was negatively associated with neuromuscular performance (ρ < –0.65). Finally, from a practical sports perspective, these findings are fundamental for talent identification processes and training monitoring.