Indicators of dynamic balance by the method of star excursion balance test in athletes of different qualifications in Kyokushin karate

Purpose: to test and compare the indicators of dynamic balance by the method of star excursion balance test in sportsmen of different qualification in Kyokushin karate. Material and methods. The results of the research were obtained at the Lviv State University of Physical Culture named after Ivan Boberskyi at the department of «Fencing, boxing and national martial arts» in the period October-November 2023. Qualified male Kyokushin karate fighters aged 18-22 years old in the amount of 21 people took part in the collection of experimental material, among which there were 13 representatives with a level of training 1-2 Dan, and 8 representatives with a level (student belts) not higher than 1 Kyu. Among the participants of the research there are champions and prize-winners of national and international competitions in Kyokushin karate. Methods of the research: the analysis of literary sources and materials from the Internet; measurement of basic anthropometrical indicators of sportsmen (height, weight, length of arms and legs); measurement of indicators of Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT); methods of mathematical statistics (calculation of statistical indicators of the arithmetic mean (Mean), standard deviation of the arithmetic mean (Std.Dev.), comparison of results by the statistical method Mann-Whitney U-test with the help of the standard package Statistica-7). Results: the advantage of anthropometrical indicators of group № 2 over group № 1 was established: 8 sportsmen with a level of fitness up to 1 Kyu have on average a little higher height, more body weight, longer arms and legs than 13 athletes with a level of 1-2 Dan. Highly skilled Kyokushin karate athletes with 1-2 Dan level of training outperform athletes with up to 1 Kyu level of training in most SEBT positions. The dominating advantage on average group indicators of SEBT of sportsmen of Kyokushin karate with a level of preparation 1-2 Dan over sportsmen with a level of preparation not higher than 1 Kyu testifies to regularity, and not accident of the received results. Conclusions. On the basis of objectively received indicators of Star Excursion Balance Test and anthropometrical data, it is possible to conclude that sportsmen of Kyokushin karate with a level of fitness 1-2 Dan at smaller anthropometrical indicators (height, weight, length of arms and legs) show better indicators of SEBT, than sportsmen with a level of fitness up to 1 Kyu. The Star Excursion Balance Test indicators reflect the amplitude characteristics of athletes' movements along with dynamic balance and are related to the skill level of athletes. Keywords: Kyokushin karate, qualification, single combat, Star Excursion Balance Test, dynamic balance.