The effects of karate training on perceptual-motor efficirncy: a case study

Includes bibliographical references (pages 108-111)This study was designed to explore the possibly beneficial effects of karate training in a thirteen-year old boy exhibiting difficulties in perceptual-motor functioning. It was hypothesized that a biweekly program consisting of thirty-six one-hour training sessions instituted by a qualified instructor would improve perceptual motor efficiency. A review of the literature explored research regarding the effects of perceptual-motor training on perceptual-motor ability, cognitive development, and academic achievement, as well as the relationships between perceptual-motor efficiency, cognitive development, and academic achievement. The fundamental conceptualizations of the perceptual-motor theorists were then explored. Next, a discussion of the development and practice of karate was presented. The review concluded with an analysis of commonalities between karate and perceptual-motor theory. Prior to the onset of the karate training program, a clinical evaluation was made of the boy's perceptualmotor functioning. The training program was then instituted. Upon completion of the program, a post-evaluation was given to determine the effects of the training. The results of the post-evaluation indicated improvement in the boy's perceptual-motor functioning. Limitations of the present study were cdiscussed and recommendations were made for further study'. Implications were discussed regarding the use of karate training as a means to improve perceptual-motor efficiency, and its value in the treatment of learning disabilities. It was suggested that current knowledge and understanding of learning disabilities may be enriched through an increasing awareness of methodologies outside the scope of modern science