Joint article by HUSS researchers published in prestigious sports science journal
July 22, 2025Magyar Testnevelési és Sporttudományi Egyetem

The study titled “Novel, Sport-Specific EMG-Based Method to Evaluate Movement Efficiency in Karate Punching” was recently published in the prestigious Q1-ranked journal Sports (impact factor: 2.9), the result of exemplary collaboration among three departments of Hungarian University of Sports Science (HUSS).

The research was conducted by Dr. Tamás Horváth (Centre for Sports Physiology Research), Dr. Bence Kopper (Department of Kinesiology), and László Csákvári (Department of Combat Sports), who developed a sport-specific EMG-based measurement method that may open new avenues in the scientific evaluation of combat sports, particularly karate.

The concept was initiated by László Csákvári, who recognized that objective, measurement-based feedback on technical execution is rare in traditional combat sports. The biomechanical foundations were provided by Bence Kopper, while Tamás Horváth carried out data analysis and created a Python programme to process the signals. The EMG equipment used in the study was made available by Prof. Dr. Zsombor Lacza.

The research demonstrated that all the muscles involved in a karate punch activate within 0.3 seconds. The method enables real-time visualization of muscle activity and reveals details that coaches cannot detect with the naked eye. It offers practical insights into assessing movement efficiency, enhancing performance, and preventing injuries. The project is ongoing, now involving ten karate masters (4th to 8th dan) from four different styles recognized by the Japan Karate Federation, aiming to scientifically define the perfect karate punch.

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