In recent years, much effort has been made to reduce the injury rate in combat sports. However, the question remains to what extent these measures are effective. Analysis of studies could provide evidence of the effectiveness of measures aimed at reducing the incidence of injuries. This scoping review aims (1) to map research articles dealing with the effectiveness of proper use of protective measures in reducing the incidence of injuries in combat sports; (2) to investigate to what extent the proper use of protective measures and compliance with sports rules help to reduce the incidence of injuries in combat sports; and (3) to identify gaps in the existing literature and suggest future research on this topic. The literature search was conducted on articles published between 2010 and 2023. The main inclusion criteria were studies investigating the effect of sports rules and protective equipment used during training or competition in combat sports on reducing the incidence of injuries. After meeting the criteria, only seven articles from boxing, karate, and taekwondo were included in this study. Results showed that mandatory head guards, along with modern thicker gloves, significantly reduced the rate of knockouts (KOs) and head injuries in boxing despite an increase in the number of head blows. However, the number of facial cuts increased significantly due to the removal of head guards as a piece of mandatory equipment. The use of mouth guards has significantly reduced the number of oral injuries. Changes in rules, such as shortening the duration of bouts, along with the introduction of greater competencies of referees in the supervision of bouts (the standing count, outclassed rule, and medical stops) have helped to reduce the rate of injuries in boxing. The application of a computerised scoring system also contributed to the rate of injuries reduction. The increase in the number of weight divisions had the same effect on U21 karate athletes. However, a higher incentive to attack the head area in taekwondo did not increase the incidence of injuries in youth athletes. It can be concluded that the proper use of protective measures (head and mouth guards) in combination with the rules established for health protection (higher competencies of referees and more weight divisions in competitions) effectively reduces the occurrence of injuries in combat sports. In all Olympic combat sports, the injury incidence should be regularly assessed using the Injury Incidence Rate (IIR) per 1000 min exposures (MEs). Nonetheless, further studies are needed to monitor how established rules (e.g., prohibited behaviour) affect the IIRs.

This study investigated the test–retest reliability of the countermovement-jump (CMJ) test using Kistler force plates to assess explosive power in top-level para-karate athletes with intellectual impairment (II) or Down syndrome (DS). Forty-four athletes (II, n = 20; DS, n = 24) were evaluated during the 2023 World Karate Championships. Each performed two CMJs with a 1-min rest between. Key parameters measured included jump height, force index, and maximal rate of force development. Results showed no significant differences between test and retest for either group. Athletes with II exhibited better reliability metrics (e.g., intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = .381–.953) compared with DS (ICC = .029–.64). The study concludes that the CMJ test is highly reliable for assessing explosive power in athletes with II, while DS requires careful protocol adjustments to enhance reliability, ensuring consistent data for coaches and sport scientists.

Although the World Karate Federation (WKF) lacks a standardized test battery, Para Karate classification follows International Paralympic Committee (IPC) principles, with balance recognized as a key physical ability affecting kata performance. This study aimed to compare postural stability across categories and classes of top-level Para Karate athletes and to provide evidence supporting classification refinement. Fifty-nine athletes competing at the 2023 World Para Karate Championship were classified into three groups: visually impaired (VI, n = 24, age 23.8 [20.6] years), intellectual impairment (II1, n = 17, 26.5 [9.7] years), and intellectual impairment with additional impairment (II2, n = 18, 28.0 [11.3] years). A 30-second bipedal stance test with eyes open was used to assess total path and area of the centre of pressure (CoP), including anterior-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) directions. Non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for analysis. Significant group differences were observed for total CoP path (H₍₂₎ = 13.205, p < 0.001) and area (H₍₂₎ = 12.929, p = 0.002). II1 athletes demonstrated significantly lower CoP path than VI (p_adj=0.001), with better AP stability compared to both groups. II2 class had lower total CoP area than VI (p_adj<0.001). They showed the lowest area in AP direction compared to both VI and II1 (p_adj=0.002 and p_adj=0.040, respectively). The 30-second balance test proved to be sensitive to between-group differences in postural control among impairment types. VI athletes exhibited greater CoP path than II1 athletes and greater CoP area than II2 athletes, highlighting the need for targeted balance training. In the AP direction, II1 athletes showed better control in path length compared to both groups, while II2 athletes outperformed them in sway area. However, the area parameter demonstrated limited reliability, and its results should therefore be interpreted with caution. Based on these findings, detected inter- and intra-group variability may contribute to building a robust evidence base for future classification development of Para Karate athletes.

BACKGROUND: The World Karate Federation introduced for a very first-time the new scoring system consisting of technical and athletic score, applied from 2019 in kata competitions. PROBLEM AND AIM: The aim of our study was to identify differences in performances of top-level karatekas comparing mean: a) scores between genders, b) score differences across categories and c) rounds, d) scores required to pass to next round, e) to win medal match across categories under new scoring system applied in most important karate kata events. METHODS: We obtained 2478 individual kata point lists performances of 2021 Karate 1 events. RESULTS: Male competitors received significantly higher average athletic and total scores than female competitors (p<.001 resp. (p<.036). Athletes in older age categories scored higher than those in younger ones (p<.05 – p<.01) and the same applies to the medallists (p<.001). Scores also increased significantly from round to round (p<.001). In 2021, the average score required to win a medal match was 25.51 ± 1.03. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight score differences based on gender, age category, and competition round. These findings can help athletes assess their current performance level in comparison to top-level competitors.