Effects of taekwondo style practice on cardiac remodeling and isokinetic thigh strength in elite women players

Abstract

Summary Objectives Leg muscle strength estimation and cardiac functional exploration helps to better understand some physical demands of practicing different styles of Taekwondo. The current study aimed to demonstrate the effect of the two existing Taekwondo practices on cardiac remodeling and leg isokinetic muscle strength in female players. Equipment and methods Twenty female taekwondo players divided into 2 groups [International Taekwondo (ITF) style (n = 10) and World Taekwondo (WT) style (n = 10)] were asked to achieve an echocardiographic exploration and concentric isokinetic evaluation of the knee at 60°/s and 180°/s with isokinetic dynamometer. Peak torqueses, peak torque relative to body mass, power and flexors/extensors ratios were studied. Results ITF group presented almost a higher muscular strength of the two extensors and flexors compared to WT group at the two velocities (P