Abstract
BackgroundThe postural and neuromuscular performances in healthy children taekwondo (TKD) practitioners in comparison with control children were examined.MethodsSeventeen healthy pre-pubertal males undertaking only physical education at school (age: 11.88 ± 0.33 years) and 12 pre-pubertal male TKD practitioners (>3 years, 4 sessions a week) (age 11.66 ± 0.49 years) were recruited. Performances in the dynamic postural control (Star Excursion Balance Test -SEBT), vertical jump [squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ)] and sprint running (distances: 5, 10, 20 and 30 m) tests were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe performances of the TKD practitioners were better than those of the non-TKD active for the SEBT (for 14 of 16 conditions, p < 0.05), SJ (p < 0.01), CMJ (p < 0.03) sprint running (5 m, p < 0.01; 10 m, p < 0.04; the performances for the 20 and 30 m sprints were not significant, p > 0.05).ConclusionsTKD practice would stimulate sensory input and motor output of the postural system that would enhance its efficiency. In addition, the dynamic nature of TKD would develop the muscle power of the lower limbs. In our sample of healthy pre-pubertal males, TKD appears to improve postural and neuromuscular functions, but further research is required.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13102-016-0040-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
The postural and neuromuscular performances in healthy children taekwondo (TKD) practitioners in comparison with control children were examined
It was hypothesized that the postural and neuromuscular performances of healthy pre-pubertal male TKD practitioners would perform significantly better in these tests than their non-TKD practicing counterpart
Most of the results on postural data were significantly different between the non-athletic practitioners and the interclass coefficient of correlation (ICC) 95 % IC
Summary
The postural and neuromuscular performances in healthy children taekwondo (TKD) practitioners in comparison with control children were examined. Certain physical and/or sport activities stimulate the postural and motor functions more than others To improve these functions in an optimal way, physical and/or sport activity requires be completed by trying to react very quickly to a signal, to develop a muscle power or strength, to perform fast and well-coordinated motors skill and/or to perform technique movements in difficult postural conditions e.g. on monopodal dynamic stance. Taekwondo (TKD) stimulates these motor abilities [2]. The ability to perform fast and wellcoordinated attack and defense actions are determining factors in TKD performance. To complete fast and powerful kicks, TKD practitioners require high muscle power and speed for kicking, and great dynamic postural control on the supporting leg. The neuromuscular and postural abilities are determining factors for the athletes’ performance in competitions
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