Evaluation of Neuromuscular Asymmetries in Elite Karate Athletes Using Tensiomyography

Keywords:
Assessment, Imbalances, Functional Adaptation, TMG

Abstract:
This study aimed to evaluate the functional symmetry of the lower limbs in female karate athletes using tensiomyography (TMG). Five high-performance athletes were analyzed based on existing TMG reports, and functional symmetry indices were calculated for key anatomical segments, including the knee joint (quadriceps–hamstrings), ankle joint (dorsiflexors–plantarflexors), Achilles tendon (medial–lateral gastrocnemius), patellar ligament (vastus medialis–vastus lateralis), and overall leg function (anterior–posterior muscle groups). The results revealed a segment-specific distribution of functional symmetry. The highest mean symmetry values were observed in the patellar ligament (approximately 74%), while symmetry in the ankle joint showed consistently moderate-to-low values (approximately 50%) across all participants. The knee joint and Achilles tendon exhibited the greatest variability, indicating substantial inter-individual differences in neuromuscular organization. Overall leg symmetry displayed moderate values (approximately 67%) with noticeable variability. These findings suggest that functional symmetry in karate athletes is not uniformly distributed but rather reflects localized neuromuscular organization. A higher competitive level was not associated with uniformly greater symmetry; instead, it related to more organized and segment-specific symmetry patterns. The results support the idea that asymmetry in elite athletes may represent functional adaptation rather than dysfunction. Tensiomyography appears to be a useful tool for identifying neuromuscular imbalances and supporting individualized training strategies aimed at optimizing performance and preventing injuries.

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S. Marković, D. Atanasov, “Evaluation of Neuromuscular Asymmetries in Elite Karate Athletes Using Tensiomyography,” in Sinteza 2026 - International Scientific Conference on Information Technology, Computer Science, and Data Science, Belgrade, Singidunum University, Serbia, 2026, pp. 548-553. doi:10.15308/Sinteza-2026-548-553

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Marković, S., Atanasov, D. (2026). Evaluation of Neuromuscular Asymmetries in Elite Karate Athletes Using Tensiomyography. Paper presented at Sinteza 2026 - International Scientific Conference on Information Technology, Computer Science, and Data Science. doi:10.15308/Sinteza-2026-548-553

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