The Effect of Functional Training on Pulse Rate, Blood Pressure and Performance of Kanku Sho Kata Sections

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of functional training on blood pressure, pulse rate, and the performance of Kanku Sho kata sections, the authors used an experimental approach with a single group, conducting pre- and post-measurements, the participants were selected from kata competitors and members of Egypt’s national karate team qualifiers (senior category, under 18 years old) registered with the Egyptian Karate Federation, for 12-week functional training program consisted of 48 sessions, incorporating high- and low-intensity methods to enhance physical and technical performance, the results revealed statistically significant differences (at a 0.05) significance level) between pre- and post-test scores in performance of Kanku Sho kata sections, The average performance grades showed notable improvements, with enhancement rates of 15.32%, 17.80%, 11.09%, 12.61%, and 17.72%, respectively. Additionally, blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) improved by 5.12% and 7.17%, while pulse rate increased by 6.08%.