Elite Taekwondo Research Articles

Latent profile analysis of spinal deep muscle strength and physical fitness in elite Taekwondo athletes

In Taekwondo, core stability and physical fitness are vital for performance, with spinal deep muscles playing a key role. This study explored the relationship between spinal deep muscle strength and physical fitness in 104 adolescent Taekwondo athletes, using a cross-sectional design in a laboratory setting. Participants were classified into groups based on spinal muscle strength at various angles, measured with a Centaur 3D machine. Outcome measures included body composition (height, weight, BMI) and physical fitness (grip strength, back muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and leg strength). Latent profile analysis identified five profiles: G2 and G4 showed higher body weight and skeletal muscle mass, with G2 also having the highest grip, back, and leg strength. No significant relationship was found between spinal muscle strength and balance. The findings suggest spinal muscle strength and physical fitness do not always correlate, highlighting the need for further research to optimize training.

Physical Training Methods to Improve the Physical Condition Components of Elite Taekwondo Athletes in The Kyorugi Category: A Systematic Review

Objectives. The study aimed to provide a systematic review of physical training methods to improve the physical condition components of elite taekwondo athletes in the kyorugi category. Materials and methods. An extensive literature assessment of earlier research was carried out. The objective was to examine articles published between 2020 and 2024 that describe strategies for improving the physical condition component of taekwondo athletes. The electronic search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The articles that addressed methods for enhancing physical condition through exercise were compiled. Results. Sixty publications used training approaches to enhance the physical condition component of elite taekwondo athletes in the kyorugi category. Based on the physical state that is assessed and improved, items are categorized. Among the physical training methods that can be applied in the Taekwondo category of kyorugi are plyometric training, circuit training methods, speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) training; strength training, endurance training, flexibility training, reaction training, power training, coordination training, balance training, resistance training, and functional training. Conclusions. After thorough analysis, several training techniques have been shown to be effective in enhancing the physical attributes of elite taekwondo athletes in the kyorugi category. These attributes include flexibility, response, strength, power, coordination, agility, speed, balance, and VO₂max.

Lower extremity injury and return to sports of elite taekwondo athletes

Abstract Objective We attempted to analyze the characteristics of lower-extremity injuries that occur during training based on the sex and weight class of elite taekwondo (TKD) athletes and the effect of pain scores on the return to sports periods (RTSP). Methods and Methods: We included 198 elite TKD athletes who participated in January–December 2023 and were trained in Korea. Injury incidence rates (IIR) were expressed as Poisson rates with 95% confidence intervals per 1,000 h of training. One-way analysis of variance was conducted to determine the pain score and RTSP according to sex, weight, and injury type. In addition, we performed simple linear regression to determine the effects of pain score on the RTSP. Results The lower-extremities IIR was 2.45 injuries per 1000 training hours, including 0.77 contact and 1.68 non-contact injuries. The IIR was lower in male than in female athletes (p<0.001), the most common injuries occurred in the ankle (0.78) and knee(0.53). In addition, the ligament (0.99) and muscle (0.70) were the most common injury types. All athletes demonstrated significant differences in pain scores (p<0.001) and RTSP (p<0.001) based on the injury type. In addition, we observed a significant difference between the pain score (p<0.001) and RTSP (p=0.004) based on sex. For every 1-point increase in pain score, all athletes had a 1.43-day increase in RTSP. Conclusion These results can be used as data to develop injury prevention programs for TKD athletes and to determine their RTSP.

Acute effects of different types of stretching exercises on explosive power: A pilot study

Athletes usually use warm-up and stretching exercises before starting a vigorous physical activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the positive and negative effects of different stretching and flexing exercises on kicking acceleration performance in taekwondo. A total of 12 elite taekwondo athletes (7 boys and 5 girls) with an average age of 20.75±1.48 years, an average height of 171±10.06 cm, an average body weight of 61.8±11 kg, and an average Body Mass Index (BMI) of 21.1±2.5 kg/m2 participated in this study. For the kick acceleration test (KAT), an accelerometer was used by attaching it to the ankle of the participants with the help of a smart phone and a smart watch. For KAT measurements, static stretching exercise (SSE), dynamic stretching exercise (DSE), proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise (PNFE) and ballistic stretching exercise (BSE) methods were applied on different days during the warm-up phase. In this study with elite level Taekwondo athletes, significant differences were found between palding chagi and dollyo-chagi kick acceleration values after SSE and PNFE applications (p

Personalidad GRIT y talento deportivo en atletas de taekwondo de élite

Introduction: It has been shown that GRIT is related to success in various areas of life, including sports performance. Objective: To determine the relationship between GRIT personality and sports talent in elite taekwondo athletes. Methodology: A quantitative study with a quasi-experimental observational design and a descriptive-correlational scope was conducted with elite taekwondo athletes participating in sports camps associated with the National Taekwondo Organization in the United States (USAT) during the year 2023. GRIT personality was assessed using the Grit Scale, while sports talent was determined based on the national ranking position in the USAT. Results: After conducting correlation analysis using Pearson's r test, negative relationships were identified in the core variables (-0.009, p=0.847; 0.004, p=0.928; 0.011, p=0.809); however, these relationships were not statistically significant. The athletes' GRIT scores had a median of 4.00, suggesting that this population exhibits high levels of perseverance according to the GRIT scale. Conclusion: No statistically significant relationship was found between GRIT personality and sports talent in taekwondo athletes. These results support the notion that GRIT personality may not be a strong predictor of sports talent. However, the possibility of a relationship between these two concepts cannot be completely ruled out, as evidence supporting this association has been found.

Can the Countermovement Jump or Squat Jump predict the kinematic performance of the rear Bandal Chagi kick?

This study aimed to measure the associative and predictive strength of biomechanical variables of the countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ), and performance of the bandal-chagi kick performed with the dominant (D) rear lower limb in elite Taekwondo Athletes. For this, a total of 27 international level athletes (15 males and 12 females) performed the CMJ and SJ on two force platforms. The bandal-chagi was monitored using a motion capture system (VICON). The main results indicated that non-dominant (ND) Stiffness for the CMJ showed predictive power alone (p=0.048) or in combination with eccentric breaking rating of force development (RFD) (p=0.031) for total hip angular speed. Takeoff peak force/BM for the SJ predicted total time (p=0.002). Concentric RFD/BM predicted total linear foot acceleration, either alone (p=0.001) or with vertical speed at takeoff (p=0.042). The total hip angular acceleration predictor was takeoff peak force D alone (p=0.019) or in combination with peak power/BM (p=0.041). In conclusion, CMJ and SJ tests showed specific associations with TKD kick performance. These analyses in this study indicated that they are good predictors for TKD athletes, producing results consistent with the participants’ levels. Keywords: Martial arts, Biomechanical Phenomena, Time-motion studies, Kinanthropometry, Motion Capture.

Anaerobic Performance and Competitive Experience in Elite Taekwondo Athletes

Anaerobic Performance and Competitive Experience in Elite Taekwondo Athletes

Anthropometric Profile of Elite Male and Female Cadet Taekwondo Competitors

Introduction: Taekwondo has developed into an Olympic sport, which means that a thorough understanding of the main Taekwondo athletes and competitors' characteristics is necessary. This study investigated the fundamental anthropometric measurements of high-level Taekwondo athletes, with a particular focus on disparities between genders. The objective of this study was to assess and contrast the physical attributes of elite Taekwondo athletes, specifically examining the differences between males and females. Methods: A group of 28 highly skilled Taekwondo athletes, consisting of 14 female and 14 male cadets participated in this study. Results: The results showed a significant difference between male and female competitors' anthropometric variables, most notably in skinfold thickness and fat tissue proportion (p≤ 0.01). Conclusion: Accordingly, these data can help taekwondo specialists in the early stages of selection, especially when advanced examinations are impossible. Further studies profiling this group of responders should include more characteristics to help practitioners recognize talents and create training program goals.

Biomechanical Analysis of Hakdariseogi of the “Kumgang” Poomsae; A comparison between Elite and Non-Elite Taekwondo Athletes

Biomechanical Analysis of Hakdariseogi of the “Kumgang” Poomsae; A comparison between Elite and Non-Elite Taekwondo Athletes

Changes in Response Time in Elite Taekwon-Do Athletes and Wrestlers Resulting From Led Lighting Training

Abstract Introduction. Fighting effectiveness of combat sports athletes depends, among other factors, on response time. Athletes must react swiftly to various actions of their opponents during the combat. Understanding the determinants of response time can provide valuable insights and optimize the sports training process. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of Led Lighting Training (LLT) on response time of athletes representing extremely different combat sports. Material and Methods. Elite taekwon-do athletes aged 26.67 ± 7.79 years with training experience of 13.67 ± 6.75 years, and elite wrestlers aged 26.0 ± 3.74 years with training experience of 13.0 ± 3.74 years, participated in the study. Each participant performed a 6-minute physical exertion requiring concentration and proper decision-making as part of LLT. It consisted of three two-minute motor tasks performed on Batak Lite. Response time was recorded during the exercise, with one-minute breaks between motor tasks. Results. Among taekwon-do athletes, the lowest level of response was noted during the first LLT task, whereas the highest was observed in the third task. Response time significantly improved with time of exertion among taekwon-do athletes, while it remained similar among wrestlers after 2, 4, and 6 minutes of the test. Only in the first round did taekwon-do athletes and wrestlers significantly differ in response time (p = 0.0025). Response time and training experience did not reveal a significant correlation. Conclusions. The specificity of training, which is determined by the specificity of combat, does not differentiate elite taekwon-do athletes and wrestlers based on their response abilities. Taekwon-do athletes should control the type and duration of warm-up exercises before combat.

Maturity Status and Relative Age of Elite Taekwondo Youth Competitors-Case Study on Croatian National Team.

This study examines the maturity status and relative age effect in elite youth taekwondo Croatian National Team athletes. Measurements of biological age, maturity offset, and body composition were taken from a sample of 17 junior athletes. Differences in maturity status were observed among athletes of the same chronological age, with variations in sitting height and age at peak height velocity. Male athletes generally exhibited higher values in body height, percentage of body fat, muscle mass, and total body water. No significant relative age effect was found. These findings highlight the importance of considering individual biological age and maturity status for talent development and training program adjustments. Further research involving athletes from different countries is recommended to validate these results and enhance the understanding of youth taekwondo athlete development.

The effects of pre-task music on choice visual reaction time in elite taekwondo athletes

ObjectivesThe effects of music on sport performance mainly involved endurance or resistance exercises overlooking possible effects on reaction time, which is deemed essential in martial arts for a proficient performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the exposure to pre-task music on choice visual reaction time in elite taekwondo athletes. DesignRepeated measure study design. MethodsReaction time and mean Heart Rate (HRmean) were recorded in twenty young taekwondo athletes (17.5 ± 2.5 years old) while performing a roundhouse kick in response to different visual stimuli after three warmup conditions: listening to self-selected music (SM), research-selected music (RM) or no music (CC). Moreover, Feeling Scale (FS), Felt Arousal Scale (FAS) were recorded before (T0) and after warmup (T1) in each testing session. ResultsSM and RM elicited significantly faster reaction times compared to CC (−3.3 % and −5.2 %, respectively). No significant difference in reaction time was observed between SM and RM. The FS and FAS scores were significantly higher at T1 compared to T0 in the SM and RM conditions, whereas no difference between T0 and T1 was observed in the CC condition. No difference was observed for HRmean between SM, RM and CC conditions. ConclusionsListening to SM and RM during the warmup improved choice visual reaction times in elite taekwondo athletes. These results suggest the use of music as a performance-enhancing strategy prior to combat competition or training in martial arts.

Elite Taekwondo Athletes: The Relationship among Sport Psychology, Mental Health, and the National Sport Organization

This study explored the perceptions of retired elite Canadian Taekwondo athletes regarding their National Sport Organization’s responsibilities for reporting, managing, and preventing athletes’ mental health issues. Using qualitative interviews and a situational analysis of the data, results show that the majority of those interviewed in this study struggled with a mental health issue while competing at an elite level, and all the participants reported seeing a teammate struggle, at one time or another, with a mental health issue. Participants in this study identified three major areas in which Taekwondo Canada can help athletes with mental health issues: 1) providing education to coaches and athletes; 2) providing a reporting structure that is independent and confidential, and 3) providing greater access to clinical psychologists on an ongoing basis.

엘리트 태권도 지도자의 변혁적 리더십이 운동지속의사 및 경기력에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to verify the relationship between leadership, intention to continue exercise, and performance of elite taekwondo players. Subjects of this study were elite Takwondo athletes registered in 2022 in Korea Taekwondo as the population, and a total of 215 samples were collected using the non-probability sampling method. A total of 202 data were used for analysis, excluding 12 inconsistent among the surveyed questionnaires. Data processing was based on SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 22.0 and data were analyzed through frequency analysis, confirmation factor analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation model. The results of this study are as follows. First, The transformational leadership of elite taekwondo leaders has been shown to have a positive effect on the intention to continue exercise. Second, The transformative leadership of elite taekwondo leaders has been shown to have a negative impact on performance. Third, Elite taekwondo athletes' intention to continue exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on performance.

Comparing the effects of traditional resistance training and functional training on the bio-motor capacities of female elite taekwondo athletes

BackgroundThe capabilities of the biomotors are essential to the success of the taekwondo athlete. This study aimed to compare eight weeks of functional training and traditional resistance on the bio-motor capacities of elite female taekwondo athletes.MethodologySeventeen elite taekwondo athletes (mean age = 21.7 years, mean height = 167.2 cm and mean weight = 60.8 kg) volunteered to participate in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups: functional training (FT) and traditional resistance training (TRT). Participants trained for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week, for 75–90 min. Aerobic power, anaerobic power, speed, reaction time, agility, muscle power, dynamic balance, flexibility, upper and lower body muscle strength, core and upper body muscle endurance, and blood lactate level were measured before and after training programs.ResultsNon-significant differences were observed in all indicators between the FT and TRT groups (P > 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in time-related outcomes except for fatigue and flexibility (P > 0.05). There was significant progress in both groups in aerobic power, muscle power, speed, agility, reaction time, lower body strength, upper body strength, dynamic balance of the right leg, and dynamic balance of the left leg indices from pre to post-tests. The FT group displayed significant improvement in peak power (P = 0.006) and mean power (P = 0.015) from pre- to post-test.ConclusionBoth interventions improved most biomotor abilities in elite female taekwondo athletes. It should be noted that since muscle power is vital for taekwondo, therefore, it is recommended to include FT in the taekwondo workout program.

Those Fighting with Burden on Their Back: Elite Taekwondo Players’ Perfectionism and Fear of Failure

Abstract This study aimed to examine levels of perfectionism and fear of failure of elite athletes in the Turkish national taekwondo team through qualitative research methods. A total of 11 national team athletes (6 females and 5 males) participated in the research. The data were collected using a semi-structured interview technique. In the study, opinions, emotions and thoughts of elite national team athletes about the concept of perfectionism and fear of failure were determined. In the theme of perfectionism, there were 7 categories and 35 codes; in the theme of fear of failure, 6 categories and 36 codes were revealed. It might be concluded that perfectionism and fear of failure have a more complex structure than it seems for elite and high-ranking athletes, and this might affect their motivation in many positive and negative ways. In addition, it was found that when the coach is a family member, two concerns of athletes (the coach is upset due to failure, and the family is upset due to failure) come together. Therefore, those who are both a coach and parent should be more careful with their children/athletes. It should also be kept in mind that while perfectionism is a great source of motivation and self-confidence, it has the potential to make athletes drop out of sports.

Physical and Morphological Differences between Young Elite Taekwondo and Karate Players

The different nature of taekwondo and karate actions involves sport-specific actions with different physical demands and a typical morphological profile. The aims of the current investigation were to compare body composition and strength factors between young karate and taekwondo players and to investigate the body proportionality of each discipline. Twenty-five young taekwondo fighters (18 boys and 7 girls) and twenty-eight karate athletes (19 boys and 9 girls) volunteered for the study. A battery of anthropometric measurements were obtained for each individual (heights, weight, girths, lengths, and sum of skinfolds). Upper-body and lower-body strength were determined using the handgrip test and counter-movement jump test, respectively. In boys, significantly greater Σ 6 skinfold, wrist, and maximum thigh girth measurements were observed in taekwondo athletes (p < 0.05; d > 0.59), while karate competitors revealed larger muscle mass values (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, girls only showed significant differences with respect to anterior-posterior chest breadth, age at peak height velocity (APHV), and head girth (p < 0.05). Proportionality analysis revealed that both sexes presented lower skinfold thicknesses and breadths than the normal population. Therefore, in both disciplines, similar profiles were determined, but young karate athletes seemed to exhibit a tendency towards a more robust and compact profile with greater body strength.

Characteristics of injuries in Polish elite Taekwondo athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND: Studies about the injury risk in Taekwondo (TKD) focused mainly on WTF (World Taekwondo Federation) style as an Olympic discipline, but not on ITF (International Taekwondo Federation) that differ in the manner of fighting. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 pandemic negatively affected people’s lives worldwide, including athletes. The aim of our study was to assess injury occurrence among TKD-ITF athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted among Polish TKD-ITF elite athletes, competitors at national and international level, aged 14 years and over. The obtained information concerned the first year of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, during the most severe social restrictions. RESULTS: The data was collected from 119 ITF athletes: 59 men (50%) and 60 women (50%), mean age 19.4±7.7 years. Thirty-two respondents (27%) reported sport-related injury. The most common injury was joint sprain or dislocation, and lower limb as location. Independent risk factors of TKD-related injury were male sex (OR=3.38, P=0.023), number of prior injuries (OR 4.47, P<0.0001), and participation in competitions (OR=7.78, P<0.011). The majority of injured athletes reported long-lasting post-injury symptoms and recurrence of an injury in the same location. Moreover, post-COVID symptoms, such as rapid fatigue and chest pain were more often reported by athletes from the injury group.CONCLUSIONS: Taekwondo-ITF is associated with a significant prevalence of sport-related injuries. Additionally, Sars-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in the appearance of new factors which had a negative influence on the athletes’ health.

Lower back pain scale and return to sports in elite Taekwondo athletes with lower back injuries

Abstract Objectives This study compares back pain scale, functionality, and ability to return to sport according to sex for Taekwondo athletes with lower back injuries. Methods The study included 52 elite adolescent Taekwondo athletes (26 in both male and female groups), who participated in advanced competitions at a training camp between January and December 2021. The lower back pain scale, Modified Oswestry Disability Index, isokinetic muscular function, and recovery time according to sex were assessed using an independent sample t-test. Pearson's correlation and simple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the correlation between variables, and identify factors associated with pain. Results The lower back pain scale (p=0.003) and recovery time (p=0.018) significantly differed between the sexes. In all athletes, the pain scale was significantly correlated with the Modified Oswestry Disability Index (p&lt;0.001) and recovery time (p&lt;0.001). For each point increase in the pain scale, the Modified Oswestry Disability Index increased by 3.01 (p=0.001) and 3.25 (p=0.013) for males and females, respectively. In addition, recovery time increased by 1.70 days (p&lt;0.001) and 1.98 days (p&lt;0.001) in males and females, respectively. Conclusion These results may help generate the data needed to develop rehabilitation programs that improve an athlete’s performance.

Differences in kick-leg kinematics in various side-kick heights

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the variation of lower extremity kinematic characteristics when elite taekwondo athletes perform the side-kick on protective gear placed at various heights. Twenty distinguished male national athletes were recruited and were asked to kick targets at three different heights adjusted according to their body height. A three-dimensional (3D) motion capture system was used to collect kinematic data. Kinematic parameters differences in the side-kick at three different heights were analyzed by using a one-way ANOVA (p < .05). The results revealed significant differences in the peak linear velocities of the pelvis, hip, knee, ankle, and centre of gravity of the foot during the leg-lifting phase (p < .05). Significant differences between heights were noted in the maximum angle of pelvis left tilting and hip abduction in both phases. In addition, the maximum angular velocities of pelvis left tilting and hip internal rotation were only different in the leg-lifting phase. This study found that, to kick at a higher target, athletes increase the linear velocities of their pelvis and all lower extremity joints of attacking leg in the leg-lifting phase; however, they only increase rotational variables on the proximal segment at the peak angle of the pelvis (left tilting) and hip (abduction and internal rotation) in the same phase. As an application in actual competitions, according to the opponent’s body height, athletes can adjust both linear and rotational velocities of their proximal segements (pelvis and hip) and deliver into distal segements (knee, ankle, foot) linear velocity to perform accurate and rapid kicks.