Efectos del karate en la función cognitiva, física y bienestar emocional de adultos mayores de 60 años: una revisión sistemática

Introduction: Aging is part of the human life cycle, leading to physical, social and psychological changes. Martial arts have reported benefits in the physical and mental health of older people. Objective: To analyze the evidence on the effects of karate on cognitive function, physical function and emotional well-being of people over 60 years of age. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted using the Medline (via Pubmed), Web of Science, Sportdiscus, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Source databases, with randomized and non-randomized controlled trials published in English and Spanish between 2010 and 2024. 491 articles were found, where only 6 met the criteria of using the practice of karate as an intervention in healthy older people. The methodological quality of the studies was analyzed with the Testex scale. Results: The studies carried out karate practice interventions from 8 to 40 weeks, with a frequency of 1 or 2 times a week and 60 minutes in duration. Most reported improvements in emotional well-being, motor reactivity, cognitive processing speed, memory, divided attention, executive functions, improvements in walking speed and step time, and dynamic balance. Conclusion: Regular karate practice in healthy adults over 60 years of age had beneficial effects on cognitive function, emotional well-being, and physical function.