Abstract
We aimed to investigate the effect of Taekwondo training on physical fitness, mood, sociality, and cognitive function among international students in South Korea. We randomly assigned 24 international students to a control group (CG, n = 12) and experimental group (EG, n = 12). The EG performed Taekwondo training for 16 weeks, while the CG did not train. Each participant underwent a physical fitness test and sociability questionnaire before and after the intervention. We also examined changes in mood state and cognitive function, using the Korean version of the Profile of Mood State-Brief (K-POMS-B), and the Stroop Color and Word test, respectively. Regarding the physical fitness variables, sit-and-reach records in the EG significantly increased after intervention (p < 0.05). In the sub-variable of K-POMS-B, Vigor-Activity scores significantly increased (p < 0.05) after intervention, while the Fatigue-Inertia scores significantly decreased in the EG (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in the EG, peer relationship scores, a sub-variable of sociability, significantly decreased after intervention (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that Taekwondo training can not only improve flexibility among physical fitness factors, but can also be effective in improving the mood state and sociality of international students.
Highlights
Attracting and hosting international students are a means of acquiring and retaining an excellent workforce that can influence future national competitiveness [1]
In the EG, peer relationship scores, a sub-variable of sociability, significantly decreased after intervention (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that Taekwondo training can improve flexibility among physical fitness factors, but can be effective in improving the mood state and sociality of international students
Changes in Physical Fitness According to Taekwondo Intervention
Summary
Attracting and hosting international students are a means of acquiring and retaining an excellent workforce that can influence future national competitiveness [1]. Homesickness, unfamiliar foods, health and financial issues, future career plans, everyday life, and differences in the education systems are major problems that these international students face [3,5]. Such adaptation related stress involves specific stress behaviors in psychological and social aspects, accompanied by physical symptoms [6]. The number of international students in South Korea is increasing, they experience poor physical, psychological, and social well-being, given to the problems in academic performance due to language barriers and difficulties in adapting to the new environment, making it difficult for them to successfully complete their degree [7,8]
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