Comparison between balance and reaction time in Iranian elite Karate athletes

The aim of this study was to compare the balance(dynamic and static) and reaction time(simple and choice) in national elite male Kata and Kumite players and related profile form. For this reason 30 national elite male karate players(15 athletes from Kata and 15 athletes from Kumite) were randomly selected. Study design was the causal comparative research. For the evaluation of static, dynamic balance and simple & choice reaction time used the stork, SEBT and four directional systems respectively. Descriptive and inferential test used for statistical analysis. Independent t-test used for the data analysis in level (P≤0.05). The results showed that: The Kata players had better static balance than Kumite player (P=0.001). And the Kata players had better dynamic balance than Kumite player(P=0.001). Also the Kata and Kumite players were equal in simple reaction time(P=0.652). At least the Kata and Kumite players were equal in choice reaction time(P=0.126). Finally we found that the balance is more important to Karate athletes than reaction time for choice between Kata and Kumite.