Martial Arts Training Effects on Health Markers in Adolescents and Children: A Systematic Review [paper]
Date
2023-12
Authors
Haertner, Micah
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Abstract
Introduction: Childhood obesity has been a growing concern over the past 50 years in the United States. Healthcare providers have extensively studied childhood obesity, yet the rates continue to rise. Obesity contributes to lifelong health complications including cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and certain cancers. A disproportionate number of Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black children are affected by childhood obesity. Childhood obesity also contributes to the overall economic burden on the healthcare industry. Methods: A review of literature was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect databases. Articles included in the systematic review must meet the following inclusion criteria: published between 2017 to 2023, report primary research, peer reviewed, written in English, and they must address the effectiveness of martial arts on improving health markers in children. Results: A total of 434 articles were identified and of those articles seven met the inclusion criteria. Common themes across studies were an increase in cardiovascular fitness from martial arts as well as an improvement in body composition due to martial arts training. Discussion: The major findings were improvements in cardiovascular fitness and improvement in body composition. Studies suggest that martial arts could be a feasible method of increasing physical activity and reducing body fat. Some studies suggest that increase in other health markers, such as increases in lean body mass, could be achieved through martial arts. The results were inconclusive on the effects of martial arts on BMI.
Description
Keywords
childhood obesity, martial arts, cardiovascular fitness, BMI
Citation
Haertner, M. (2023). Martial arts training effects on health markers in adolescents and children: A systematic review [paper]. St. David's School of Nursing, Texas State University.