Effect Of Taekwondo Training On Abdominal Visceral Fat And Bone Metabolism In Obese Adolescents

Abstract

Taekwondo training may affect the selective loss of abdominal adipose tissue and increase of bone mineral density. PURPOSE: This study showed whether Taekwondo training affects the loss of abdominal fat and increase of bone mineral density in obese adolescents. METHODS: Twenty four obese male adolescents aged 12-15 years participated in this study. All the subjects had over 30 percent of body fat. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups (TTG: Taekwondo training group=12, CG: Control group=12). The taekwondo training program consisted of five to seven exercises lasting 60 minutes 3 times per week for 4 months. Body composition and bone mineral density were measured by DXA. Computed tomography scans were used to assess abdominal visceral fat (AVF), total abdominal fat (TAF), and abdominal subcutaneous fat (ASF). Blood assays for adipocytokines (leptin, adiponectin) and bone turnover markers (osteocalcin, CTx) were conducted at a certified laboratory. All measurements were obtained in duplicate before and after a regimen of 16 week Taekwondo training program. RESULTS: Significant decrease was found for TAF (F=4.70, p<.05), AVF (F=11.05, p<.003), and visceral to subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio (F=10.43, p<.004) in TTG, but no change in CG. Osteocalcin and CTx increased significantly in TTG after 4 months of Taekwondo training program. TTG showed significant increase in lumbar BMD (pre: 0.87±0.11 kg·cm-2, post: 0.9±10.11 kg·cm-2) between pre and post test. However, leptin and adiponectin were not changed in either group. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggest that Taekwondo training reduced abdominal adipose tissue and enhanced bone formation and bone resorption markers. However, Taekwondo training program did not improve adipocytokines such as leptin, and adiponectin.