The Relationship between Anthropometric Properties and Physical Performance Levels of 9-12 Years Old Taekwondoists

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical fitness levels of performance and anthropometric characteristics of male athletes aged 9-12 years who regularly participate in taekwondo. Sixty licensed taekwondoist volunteers participated in the study. The average age, height, and weight of the athletes participating in the study were 10.41±1.16 years, 144.16±15.19 cm and 39.66±12.27 kg, respectively. The participants in the study practiced taekwondo two hours twice a week for 2.5 years. Physical fitness levels of the taekwondoists were measured using the Eurofit Physical Fitness Test Battery protocol. Measurements taken include height, weight, skin fold thickness, and body height and circumference. The Durning-Womersley formula was used to calculate body mass and the Siri formula was used to calculate body fat percentage. The measurements were evaluated using the SPSS statistical program and Pearson correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the variables. The results demonstrated a significant negative correlation between 10x5m push up run, balance, disc hitting and flexibility parameters and anthropometric characteristics. Long jump, right and left grip force, 30 sec sit-up test, Bent arm pull-up test hanging values and the anthropometric properties were found to be positively correlated. In conclusion, anthropometric characteristics of 9-12 year old male taekwondoists were found to have positive and negative effects on performance related physical fitness levels.