Specific Physical and Nutritional Preparation of a Professional Kata Karate Athlete: A Case Study with a Bronze Medallist from the Pan American Games

García-De Frutos, José Manuel ; López-Plaza, Daniel (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Martínez-Noguera, Francisco Javier ; Sanz-Matesanz, Manuel ; Martínez-Rodríguez, Alejandro ; Martínez-Aranda, Luis Manuel

Resumen: Background and objectives: In karate, particularly in the kata discipline, there is a notable lack of studies focused on specific physical preparation for competitions. This highlights an urgent need for more in-depth research into this crucial aspect of athletic training to optimize performance and athlete preparation. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of a dietary plan combined with specific physical preparation on the performance and body composition of a professional kata athlete preparing for a Pan American championship. Methods: A 20-year-old elite female karateka (60.7 kg, 165.4 cm) followed a nutritional plan with an isocaloric diet. The strength and power of the upper and lower limbs were evaluated through countermovement jump (CMJ) and one-repetition maximum (1RM) tests in bench press and free squat over a five-month period before the competition. Results: Following the nutritional plan and physical preparation, the athlete’s body composition improved in terms of fat loss (from 12.17% to 10.68%) and increased muscle mass (from 51.45% to 53.09%). Moreover, these improvements translated into better performance in tests such as CMJ (from 38.29 cm to 44.14 cm), 1RM bench press (from 54.5 kg to 67.6 kg), and 1RM free squat (from 65.1 kg to 78.4 kg). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a comprehensive approach to personalized physical, technical, and nutritional preparation over 16 weeks significantly improves muscle strength and performance in karate kata. The novelty of this intervention lies in the detailed description of the total workload, encompassing both physical and technical performance, with a specific plan tailored to the athlete’s needs. Additionally, the preparation was precisely designed for a specific tournament, addressing the sport’s unique demands.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.3390/nu17020306

Año: 2025

Publicado en: Nutrients 17, 2 (2025), 306 [13 pp.]
ISSN: 2072-6643

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Didáctica Expres.Corporal (Dpto. Expres.Music.Plást.Corp.)