Incidence study of head blows and concussions in competition taekwondo.

Abstract

To examine the incidence of head blows and concussions in competition taekwondo. Incidence cohort design. Taekwondo tournament in 2001, in South Korea. A total of 2328 competitors (female, 676; male, 1652; age, 11-19 years) from 424 schools participated in the tournament. All recipients of head blows were interviewed immediately after the match. All matches were recorded on videotape. Head blow and concussion rates were calculated. Also, factors associated with head blows and concussions were analyzed. The incidence of head blows and concussions was 226 and 50 per 1000 athlete exposures, respectively. Only 17% of competitors reported that they had had a concussion in the last 12 months. A multinomial logistic model showed that head blows and concussions were associated with young age and a lack of blocking skills. The incidence of head blows and concussions is high in competition taekwondo. Promoting blocking skills to prevent head blows could decrease concussions in taekwondo.