Abstract
In order to detect cases of Exertional Hemoglobinuria among Japanese Martial Art trainees, urine specimens obtained from 114 student members of Martial Art clubs (Kendo, Judo, Karate and Aikido) were examined.
Exertional Hemoglobinuria was found in 15 out of 60 Kendo trainees and 3 out of 16 Aikido trainees respectively.
Among these 18 cases of hemoglobinuria, however, only 3 cases presented macroskopic hematuria and the remaining 15 showed normal coloured urine.
Thus, it must be emphasized that in Japan Martial Art training, especially Kendo exersise, is one of the main precipitating factors of Exertional Hemoglobinuria, and that there are often latent forms of the disease in which gross hematuria is not present.
In considering the hemolytic mechanism occurring in Kendo exercise, I assume that the special action called “Fumikomi” operates as a mechanical trauma on the soles of the feet, although there must be other unknown factors for the development of this condition.
