Exploring Cardiac Autonomic Functions among Martial Artists and Normal Inhabitants in North Karnataka - Preliminary Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Martial arts, traditionally practiced for self-defence, are now widely practiced for fitness, discipline and health benefits. Various art forms, including Karate, Taekwondo, Judo and Kung Fu, incorporate both aerobic and anaerobic exercises that positively influence cardiac autonomic function. However, not much data are available regarding the usefulness of such art forms for good cardiac autonomic status from Southern India. OBJECTIVE: To compare cardiac autonomic function tests (AFTs) between martial artists and age-matched sedentary controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Belagavi city on 136 healthy male participants aged 15-30 years. The study group consisted of 68 martial artists who practiced various martial art forms for ≥6 months, while 68 age-matched controls were selected such that they had no or minimal history of regular physical activity. Five cardiac AFTs were performed: heart rate) response to postural change, blood pressure (BP) response to postural change, deep breathing test, Valsalva manoeuvre and cold pressor test. Data were analysed using appropriate statistical tests; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Martial artists exhibited lower resting heart rate, decreased change in heart rate on standing and lower diastolic BP after standing and during the cold pressor test. Systolic B P values were lower in martial artists. However, differences in other AFTs were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: Regular martial arts training is associated with favorable cardiac autonomic parameters, suggesting enhanced parasympathetic activity and improved cardiovascular adaptability. Martial arts may thus serve as an effective non-pharmacological approach to improving cardiac health.