Regular karate practice to improve quality of life and health for medical students

Impact of Regular Karate Practice on the Quality of Life and Health Outcomes of Students

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Angers · NCT07116291

This project will test whether regular karate sessions can improve quality of life, self-esteem, and reduce stress for 3rd- and 4th-year health students at the University of Angers.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Angers Government
Locations1 site (Angers)
Trial IDNCT07116291 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional program enrolls 3rd- and 4th-year health students who do not already practice karate and who have no contraindications to martial arts. Participants will take part in a supervised regular karate program delivered on campus and outcomes will be measured before and after the intervention. Primary outcomes include quality of life and self-esteem using validated questionnaires, with secondary measures possibly including anxiety, depressive symptoms, and academic results. Students who repeat a year or plan to transfer during the year are excluded from participation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal participants are 3rd- or 4th-year health students enrolled at the University of Angers who do not already practice karate and have no medical contraindication to karate.

Not a fit: Students with contraindications to martial arts, those who already practice karate regularly, repeating students, or those planning to transfer during the year are not eligible and therefore unlikely to benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, regular karate could boost self-esteem, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall quality of life and academic functioning for participating students.

How similar studies have performed: Some prior studies and pilot data suggest martial arts, including karate, can improve concentration and emotional regulation, but rigorous trials specifically in medical students are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 3rd or 4th year health students at the university of Angers

Exclusion Criteria:

* contraindication to the practice of karate
* students repeating a year or entering the third year after a transfer, insofar as the evolution of their grades in relation to the 2nd year class cannot be ascertained.
* Students who already practise karate regularly cannot be included.
* Students planning to transfer to another faculty during the year of study

Where this trial is running

Angers

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Medical Student
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.