Study Shows Significant Health Benefits Of Martial Arts For Middle-Aged

There have been many studies over time looking into the benefits of training in martial arts. A group of researchers decided to take another look at fitness levels of middle-aged Soo-Bahk-Do practitioners and compare the results to sedentary peers. The results are very promising and really do highlight the significant benefits of continuing to practice martial arts even though things get harder as we age.

Key Takeaways:

• The study looked at 18 people matched for age and sex. Nine who do Soo-Bakh-Do, and nine sedentary.
• The Soo-Bakh-Do group significantly outperformed the other group in terms of cardio, balance control, flexibility, stamina, and strength. They also had less body fat than the sedentary group.
• It is clear that middle-aged people, and their health professionals, should be aware that training in martial arts can benefit the fitness of middle aged people.

The primary finding of this study was that middle aged adults whose only exercise programme is SBD, who have participated at least twice a week for at least three years display greater cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, and balance, and less body fat than matched healthy sedentary subjects

Read more: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/38/2/143