The effects of vision training applied to kumite karate national team athletes

Objective: Visual perception is essential for decision-making, movement, and reaction time in karate. This study evaluates the impact of visual training on kumite athletes. Methods: Twenty-four national athletes representing the Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality Kağıtspor Team were randomly divided into two groups following an eye examination. The control group (n=11) continued with routine training, while the visual training group (n=12) engaged in additional visual training for four weeks (three sessions/per week). Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 4) assessments included the 'Nelson Reaction Test,' 'Sit & Reach Test,' and 'Snellen Test.' Independent physiotherapists and an ophthalmologist conducted evaluations. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS V26 with parametric tests (ANOVA) at a significance level (p<0.05). Results: Pre-test averages indicated no significant differences between groups (p>0.05). Post-test results revealed significant improvements in the visual training group for the Snellen Chart (p=0.015) and the Nelson Reaction Time (p=0.009) tests, indicating faster performance in reaction times compared to the control group. No significant differences were found for the Sit & Reach test (p>0.05). Conclusion: Visual training improved visual acuity and reaction time but did not impact flexibility in kumite karate athletes. These results suggest that visual training programs may improve specific performance aspects, such as reaction time and visual acuity, in karate and other contact sports.