Female Taekwondo Athletes Research Articles

Anodal tDCS improves the effect of neuromuscular training on the feedforward activity of lower extremity muscles in female taekwondo athletes with dynamic knee valgus

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can increase cortical excitability of a targeted brain area. This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding anodal-tDCS (a-tDCS) to neuromuscular training (NMT) on the dynamic knee valgus (DKV) and feedforward activity (FFA) of knee muscles. Thirty-four Taekwondo athletes with DKV, were randomly assigned to either NMT + a-tDCS (N = 17) or NMT + sham tDCS (N = 17). DKV and the knee muscles' FFA at the moment of single and double-leg landing and lateral hopping tasks were evaluated before and after the interventions. DKV and FFA of the knee muscles was improved in all tasks (P < 0.05), however, between-group differences were not significant (P > 0.05). The FFA of the semitendinosus, vastus medialis, gluteus medius, and gastrocnemius muscles in the single-leg landing (P < 0.05), the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, and gastrocnemius muscles in the double-leg landing (P < 0.05), and the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, and gastrocnemius muscles in the lateral hopping (P < 0.05) tasks were significantly different between the groups. A-tDCS achieved significantly larger improvements in the feedforward activity of lower extremity muscles compared with sham-tDCS. However, between-group comparisons did not show a significant difference in DKV.

Warm-up music and low-dose caffeine enhance the activity profile and psychophysiological responses during simulated combat in female taekwondo athletes

To assess the effects of warm-up music and low dose (3 mg·kg−1) of caffeine (CAF) on female taekwondo athlete’s activity profile and psychophysiological responses during simulated combat. In a double-blinded, randomized, crossover study, 16 female athletes participated in simulated combats under one control and 5 experimental conditions [i.e., CAF alone (CAF), placebo alone (PL), CAF with music (CAF + M), PL with music (PL + M), and no supplement with music (M)]. After warming-up, athletes rated their felt arousal (FAS). Mean (HRmean) and peak (HRpeak) heart rate values were determined for each combat. After fighting, athletes rated their perceived exertion (RPE), feeling scale (FS), FAS, and physical enjoyment (PACES). Time-motion and technical-tactical variables were analyzed. CAF + M induced shorter skip and pause time, while attack time increased compared to other conditions (p < 0.05). Moreover, CAF + M increased single attacks, combined attacks, counter-attacks (p < 0.001), and defensive actions (p < 0.05) than other conditions. HRmean and HRpeak were lower under CAF + M than other conditions (p < 0.05). Additionally, higher FAS post-combat, FS, and PACES were observed under CAF + M, while RPE was lower (except CAF condition) compared to the other conditions (p < 0.05.Using CAF with warm-up music may increase combat cadence and improve the psychological state in female athletes more effectively than either strategy alone.

Synergetic effects of a low caffeine dose and pre-exercise music on psychophysical performance in female taekwondo athletes

Synergetic effects of a low caffeine dose and pre-exercise music on psychophysical performance in female taekwondo athletes

The effect of 8-week combined balance and plyometric on the dynamic balance and agility of female adolescent taekwondo athletes.

To investigate the effect of combined balance and plyometric training (PT) on the agility and dynamic balance of adolescent taekwondo athletes. Thirty female adolescent taekwondo players volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned to the combined balance training and PT (CT; n = 15) and PT (n = 15) groups. The CT group performed balance training combined with PT 3 times a week for 6 weeks (40 minutes of plyometrics and 20 minutes of balance training) while the PT group performed only PT for the same period (3 sets × 8-12 reps for each exercise). Both groups received the same routine technical taekwondo training. Post-intervention assessments revealed that both groups significantly improved their dynamic posture stability index scores (DPSI; forward jump [F-DPSI] and lateral jump [L-DPSI]). However, participants in the CT group achieved notably superior outcomes in the F-DPSI and L-DPSI scores compared with those achieved by their PT counterparts. The center of pressure metrics exhibited improvements post-intervention, with scores of specific measures in the PT group surpassing those in the CT group. Additionally, the 5-0-5 test scores exhibited improvements post-intervention, with scores of specific measures in the PT group surpassing those in the CT group, and the TAST (Taekwondo Specific Agility Test) of the CT group and the PT changed significantly after the intervention. An 8-week regimen that integrates balance and plyometric training effectively augments knee function and proprioception in adolescent Taekwondo athletes. This study underscores the potential benefits of a combined training approach, providing coaches and athletes with valuable insights into Taekwondo training.

“Horrible—But Worth It”: Exploring Weight Cutting Practices, Eating Behaviors, and Experiences of Competitive Female Taekwon-Do Athletes. A Mixed Methods Study

This mixed methods study aimed to investigate weight cutting practices of female taekwon-do athletes internationally and explore their experiences of “making weight.” A survey of weight loss practices and eating behaviors was completed by 103 taekwon-do athletes from 12 countries, which illustrated that 72.5% of athletes engage in both acute and chronic weight loss practices prior to competition and that there were higher levels of disordered eating within this athletic population than nonweight cutting athletes. Semistructured interviews were conducted with five international-level competitors; thematic analysis of the interviews identified that the women in general felt weight cutting was “horrible—but worth it” and the women believed that (a) weight cutting is unpleasant, difficult, and challenging; and (b) weight cutting provides a competitive advantage. The implications of this study are that weight cutting is widespread among high-level competitive female taekwon-do athletes and this is unlikely to change given the perceived advantages. Efforts are needed to make sure that the women are knowledgeable of the risks and are provided with safe and effective means of making weight.

Impact of ginger supplementation on serum PGE2, COX2, and IL-6 in response to exhaustive exercise in female taekwondo athletes

Abstract Inflammation and muscle soreness sometimes occur after high-intensity exercise in some athletes. This study aimed to determine the effect of a ginger supplement period on serum cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and interleukin (IL)-6 in response to exhaustive exercise in female taekwondo athletes. In this semi-experimental study, 24 semi-professional female taekwondo athletes (mean age 19.75 ± 2.03 years, height 160 ± 6 cm, weight 53.99 ± 7.49 kg) were selected voluntarily. Subjects were randomly assigned to the ginger supplement + exhaustive (GE + EE) and exhaustive exercise (EE) groups. 24 doses of 2,000 mg of pure ginger supplement (3 days/week for 8 weeks) were taken in the morning and evening (4 capsules of 500 mg: 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening). Then Bruce’s test was performed as an exhaustive exercise. Blood samples were collected in two stages before and after the intervention, and serum levels of COX2, PGE2, and IL-6 were measured using the Elisa method. T-tests and analysis of variance with repeated measures were used to examine intra-group changes and compare between groups from pre-test to post-test using SPSS version 25 software. The results showed a significant increase in the level of serum COX2 (), and no significant increase in the level of serum PGE2 () and IL-6 () in the EE group compared to baseline levels. Also, there was a significant decrease in the level of serum PGE2 (), COX2 (), and IL-6 () in the group of GE + EE compared to baseline levels. In addition, there was a significant difference between the group of GE + EE and the EE (). GE + EE group, in comparison with the EE group, partially reduced inflammation. Taking 8-weeks of ginger supplementations can effectively reduce muscle inflammation following exhaustive exercise in female taekwondo athletes.

The Comparison of the Power Performance Ability Between Male and Female Taekwondo Athletes

This study analyzed the comparison of the power performance ability between male and female taekwondo athletes training in Sleman Regency in facing the Yogyakarta Special Region Sports Week. The population in this study involved 22 Sleman Regency taekwondo athletes. The total numbers of the samples in this study were 12 male athletes and 8 female athletes. The data analysis in this study utilized statistical analysis of SPSS 25. The results of the study revealed that the age of male and female Sleman Regency taekwondo athletes ranged from 17 to 25 years. The assessment results of the ability regarding the biomotor power components of taekwondo in Sleman athletes, on average, fell into the category of less once. The results showed an average male’s right foot triple hop jump test was 6.34 m. The farthest jump was 7.47 m, and the shortest was 4.77 m. The average male’s left foot triple hop jump test was 6.17 m. The farthest was 6.30 m, and the shortest was 5.33 m. For female athletes, the average result of the right foot triple hop jump test was 4.93 m. The longest jump reached 6.30 m, and the shortest jump was 4.14. The female athlete’s left foot triple hop jump test fell into an average of 4.84 m. The farthest jump reached 5.90 m, and the shortest jump was 3.59 m. Based on this assessment, the quality of Sleman’s taekwondo athletes, both males and females, was still far from the good category.

Emotional Intelligence and Eating Disorders: Comparison by Gender in Taekwondo Athletes

Emotional intelligence is necessary to manage emotions and feelings to have a positive impact on mental health. This study examines emotional intelligence and eating disorders in taekwondo athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence and eating disorders with mental health disorders in taekwondo athletes and to provide gender-specific comparisons. A quantitative sample of 29 taekwondo athletes aged 13-17 was used as a research method. The Trait Emotional Intelligence Adolescent Short Form model was used to measure emotional intelligence and the EAT-26 model was used to measure eating disorders. The data analysis technique uses a correlation test. Based on data processing and analysis using SPSS, the results show a relationship between emotional intelligence and eating disorders in 13-17-year-old male taekwondo athletes, and there was no relationship between emotional intelligence and eating disorders in female taekwondo athletes. The conclusion of this research is that there is a negative and significant relationship between emotional intelligence and eating disorders in adolescent taekwondo athletes.

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.

Comparing the Core Muscles Endurance and Postural Sway of Iranian Taekwondo Female Athletes With and Without Hyperlordosis

Background and Aims Postural sway is evaluated based on changes in the body's center of pressure and is directly related to postural control and balance. Several factors are involved in the proper control of postural sways and, as a result, proper maintenance of balance, the most important of which is core stability. Weakness of core muscles causes an interruption in the transfer of energy from the trunk and limbs to each other, and this leads to decreased sports performance and increased risk of injury. Hyperlordosis is one of the disorders that can affect the endurance of core muscles. In some sports, such as taekwondo, this is of great importance. The present study aims to assess whether there is any difference in postural sway and core muscle endurance between taekwondo female athletes with or without hyperlordosis in Iran. Methods The study population consists of all professional Iranian female taekwondo athletes, of whom 60 were purposefully selected and divided into two groups of 30: With hyperlordosis (Mean age: 22.17±2.35 years, mean height: 166±3.95 cm, mean weight: 55.37±5.53 kg) and without hyperlordosis (Mean age: 20.63±2.38 years, mean height: 165±4.23 cm, mean weight: 53.7±4.91 kg). Postural sway was measured by the foot pressure distribution on a single leg. The core muscle endurance was measured by the McGill test. Independent t-test was used for examining the difference in the results. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results Independent t-test results showed a significant difference between the two groups only in endurance of abdominal flexor muscles (P=0.013). No significant difference in endurance of other core muscles (P&gt;0.05), postural sway based on two factors of path length (P=0.30) and movement area (P=0.16) were observed between the two groups. Conclusion The endurance of the abdominal flexor muscles in taekwondo female athletes with hyperlordosis is poor. Considering the possibility of further changes in the core muscles which can affect other areas of the body, longitudinal and follow-up studies are recommended on this group of athletes.

Predictive model for dysmenorrhea level in female Taekwondo athletes: Investigating the influence of BMI and micronutrient intake

Disturbances during menstruation such as dysmenorrhea affect the performance of female athletes. However, research on the physiologic conditions of female Taekwondo athletes was still very limited. This study aimed to obtain a predictive model for the level of dysmenorrhea and to test which variable had the most influence on the rate of dysmenorrhea. The research design adopted cross-sectional methods. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the effect of BMI and micronutrient intake of nine elite regional and national female Taekwondo. The results showed that the average female athlete had a normal BMI, while for micronutrient intake per day, the average intake of vitamin E was low, the vitamin B6 intake was low, Magnesium intake was low and Calcium intake was fulfilled. The most influence on the occurrence of primary dysmenorrhea in female Taekwondo athletes was calcium intake. This study was limited to measurements of BMI and dietary micronutrient intake, which might help provide data that coaches, athlete nutritionists, and athletes could be used to predict and assess the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea. More research could use the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), which could better explain how often athletes consumed certain food ingredients over a specific time period.

Effect of Probiotic Yogurt Supplementation(Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12) on Gut Microbiota of Female Taekwondo Athletes and Its Relationship with Exercise-Related Psychological Fatigue.

The gut microbiota plays a critical role in regulating human health and athletic performance. Probiotic supplementation has been shown to modulate gut microbiota composition and improve exercise performance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of probiotic yogurt supplementation on gut microbiota and its relationship with exercise-related psychological fatigue in female taekwondo athletes. Twenty female taekwondo athletes were randomly assigned to either a dietary intervention group (DK) or a control group (CK). The athletes' exercise-related psychological fatigue was measured using the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ) before and after an 8-week intervention. High-throughput sequencing was used to profile the gut microbiota, and functional prediction of the microbial community was performed. The effect of the dietary intervention on the athletes' exercise-related psychological fatigue clearance rate and its relationship with the gut microbiota were explored. (1) The probiotic supplementation of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12 for 8 weeks significantly increased the ABQ scores of the DK group compared to the CK group (p < 0.05). (2) The abundances of Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Lachnospiraceae, family _Lactobacillaceae, and genus _Lactobacillus were significantly higher in the DK group than in the CK group after probiotic supplementation, while Escherichia coli was significantly lower in the DK group than in the CK group. (3) The ABQa scores were positively correlated with Proteus; ABQb scores were positively correlated with Streptococcus and Enterococcus; and ABQc scores were positively correlated with Klebsiella, Bacteroides, and Streptomyces. (4) The DK group had significantly higher levels of L-arginine biosynthesis I (via L-ornithine), fatty acid biosynthesis and oxidation, and L-isoleucine biosynthesis III pathways compared to the CK group. Tyrosine degradation I (via 2,3-dihydroxyphenylpropionate) was significantly lower in the DK group than in the CK group. Probiotic yogurt supplementation of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis can promote the clearance of exercise-related psychological fatigue in female taekwondo athletes by upregulating beneficial gut microbiota, inhibiting harmful gut microbiota, and regulating relevant metabolic pathways.

ACUTE EFFECTS OF CLUSTER SET AND TRADITIONAL SET POST-ACTIVATION POTENTIATION PROTOCOLS ON VERTICAL JUMP PERFORMANCE

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of different post-activation potential (PAP) protocols on Countermovement Jump (CMJ) performance in female athletes. Twelve elite female taekwondo athletes (age 15.17±.718 years, height 168.66±4.81 cm and body weight 49.25±2.37 kg) participated in the study voluntarily. The resistance training methods of the traditional set (1RM 75% x 3 sets x 12 repetitions and 180 s rest between sets) and cluster set (1RM 75% x 3 sets x 4+4+4 (total 12) repetitions, 30 s rest between sets and 180 s rest between sets) were applied to the research group. CMJ test performances were recorded for 30 s, 4 min and 8 min before and after both PAP protocols. Paired sample t-test was applied for pre-posttest comparison. In the traditional set structure, there was a statistically significant difference between CMJ pre test and CMJ 4 min test. In the cluster set structure, a statistically significant difference was found between CMJ pre test and CMJ30 sec, between CMJ pre test and CMJ 4 min and between CMJ pre test and CMJ 8 min. As a result, the PAP effect is better with the cluster set structure than with the traditional set due to the intermittent rest that will be given with the cluster set structure due to the sudden replenishment of energy stores.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0017/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

The effect of taekwondo training applied with differential learning approach on the technical skills

Alongside the fact that the classical learning method has been used for many years in the area of sports such as tae-kwon-do, there have been searches and attempts for unconventional approaches to teaching. One of these is the differential learning approach, it is important the repetitions vary in the differential learning approach and that the attention is given to the basis of the technique rather than the perfect execution of the move. Examining the literature, no study has been found which investigates the outcomes of the taekwondo training program applied with a differential learning approach despite the fact that other branches have supported the positive contribution of the differential learning approach in the literature. The aim of this research is to examine the effect of differential learning on the technical skill development of male and female taekwondo players with red-black belts in the 12-14 age group. A total of 16 taekwondo players, who have a red-black belt in the 12-14 age group star category and have a license of at least three years, participated in the research. In this quantitative research, the pre-test and post-test study group models (within quasi-experimental design) was used. Wilcoxon Test was used to examine the pre-test and post-test between the test values of taekwondo players. When the findings were examined, the differential learning approach has a positive effect on the technical skill development of the female and male taekwondo athletes.

The effects of tempo and loudness variations during warm-up with music on perceived exertion, physical enjoyment and specific performances in male and female taekwondo athletes.

The ergogenic effect of pre-selected warm-up music with the tempo and loudness variations on the performance of combat sports' athletes as well as the difference between sexes is not well established. The present study aimed to assess the effects of listening to music with different tempos and loudness during warm-up on perceived exertion, physical enjoyment and physical performances in young taekwondo athletes. In a randomized study design, 20 taekwondo athletes (10 males, mean ± SD: age: 17.5 ± 0.7 years, taekwondo experience: ≥ 6 year) performed the taekwondo specific agility test (TSAT) and the 10s and multiple frequency speed of kick test (FSKT-10s and FSKT-mult) after warming-up with or without music. The music was played at high (140 beats·min-1) or very high (200 beats·min-1) tempo combined with low (60 dB) or high (80 dB) loudness, resulting in four experimental and control conditions. The ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES) were assessed after each condition. After normality, homogeneity and sphericity checks, two-way (or multivariate) analysis of variance and Bonferrroni (or Friedman's and Wilcoxon's test) post-hoc test were operated when necessary. For TSAT, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB induced better performance compared with 200 beats·min-1+80 dB, 200 beats·min-1+60 dB, control and the 140 beats·min-1+60 dB conditions. For FSKT-10s, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB condition induced higher performance compared with 200 beats·min-1+60 dB, 200 beats·min-1+80 dB, 140 beats·min-1+60 dB and the control conditions. For FSKT-mult, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB induced higher number of techniques compared with 200 beats·min-1+60 dB, 140 beats·min-1+60 dB, control and the 200 beats·min-1+80 dB conditions. Moreover, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB induced lower decrement index (DI) compared with the other conditions and lower DI in 140 beats·min-1+60 dB compared with 200 beats·min-1+80 dB and control conditions. Moreover, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB resulted in greater PACES scores compared with 200 beats·min-1+80 dB and control conditions. Better performance was found for males compared with females in TSAT, FSKT-10s and FSKT-mult (i.e., techniques' number), as well as lower DI and higher RPE post-FSKT-10s. Pre-selected warm-up music played at 140 beats·min-1 and 80 dB is an efficient strategy to enhance physical activity enjoyment and specific performances in taekwondo.

Profil Karakteristik Antropometri dan Kardiorespiratori Atlet Kota Serang

In order to prepare athletes to take part in the Banten Regional Sports Week event, each athlete needs to know their fitness condition before undergoing training camp because physical condition can be used as a benchmark by the coach as a basis for determining the training program during the training camp. Therefore, this study aims to describe the profile of aerobic capacity and anthropometry in athletes in Serang City. This research will focus on sports that have many numbers to win medals, namely fencing, Pencak Silat, Futsal and Taekwondo. This type of quantitative descriptive research is used in this study by using a total sampling technique in sampling so as to produce a total of 60 athletes who come from the sports branches of Fencing, Pencak Silat, Taekwondo, and Futsal from Serang City. The results of this study indicate that the average aerobic capacity of male athletes in fencing, taekwondo, and pencak silat are 40.2 ml/kg/min, 34.1 ml/kg/min, 41.2 ml/kg/min, respectively. . Meanwhile, the aerobic capacity of female athletes in fencing, taekwondo, pencak silat, and futsal were 29.4 ml/kg/min, 34.5 ml/kg/min, 34.1 ml/kg/min, and 37, respectively. 4 ml/kg/min. Based on the results of the research and discussion in this study, the conclusions obtained are the average aerobic capacity of male fencing athletes, female pencak silat, female taekwondo, and female futsal athletes are in the less category. While the average aerobic capacity of female fencing athletes is in the very poor category.&#x0D; Keywords: Anthropometry, Cardiorespiratory, Athlete

Between Stigma and Status: The Experiences of Generation Z Ghanaian Female Taekwondo Athletes

This study set out to explore the socio-cultural experiences of five female taekwondo athletes within the age brackets of Generation Z in relation to their taekwondo practice. Using the ground theory approach, the five athletes were subjected to open interviews, with three of them again subjected to focus group discussion to reach theoretical saturation. The results show that although taekwondo practice, as with other martial arts, is expected to break gender barriers and discrimination in society, in the socio-cultural context of Ghanaian society, female taekwondo practitioners are considered by many as socially undesirable. They are taunted as “man-women,” which connotes a tomboy lifestyle that is believed to predispose women who practice martial arts to develop masculine features and physical aggression toward their future husbands. On the other side of their experience, the athletes attain high status when the media profiles them on television for their achievements in taekwondo tournaments. Together with their social media activities, as members of Generation Z are accustomed to, they earn a lot of friends and endorsement. These two contrasting experiences of the five participants in the study were explained within the theoretical constructs of stigmatization and status conferral. The study concludes that the socio-cultural experiences of these female taekwondo practitioners are context specific, and therefore, more insights are needed across jurisdictions for wider theorization. Meanwhile, stakeholders need to step up in their efforts to disabuse the minds of Ghanaians regarding the mistaken perceptions about taekwondo if martial arts are to be used as social re-engineering tools for female empowerment.

Endurance Analysis of Taekwondo Athletes in Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

This study aims to determine the endurance of athletes in the sport of taekwondo, Central Sulawesi Province. This research is a type of qualitative descriptive research. The population in this study were all Taekwondo athletes with a sample of 7 people. The data analysis technique in this study was carried out using a descriptive analysis design based on the results of tests and measurements. The results of the endurance test of male taekwondo athletes with the bleep test type, the overall average Vo2Max endurance of male taekwondo athletes with an average level is 9.00 and the return is 3.60, with the overall average score of male taekwondo athletes is 2.20 is included in the less category. Meanwhile, based on data on the physical condition of female taekwondo athletes with the bleep test type, the overall average Vo2Max endurance of female taekwondo athletes with an average level is 6.00 and the return is 5.50, with the overall average value of female taekwondo athletes is 2.00 included in the less category. Based on these data, it can be concluded that the average endurance value of male and female taekwondo athletes in Central Sulawesi is in the poor category.

The relationship between physical fitness and competitive performance of Taekwondo athletes.

The competition and physical fitness test results of the 2020 National Taekwondo Championship Series were analyzed using curve fitting, linear regression, and other statistical methods. As far as we know, it is the first Taekwondo competition that uses physical fitness test (PFT) scores as the 8-in-4 selection criteria. The results show that the probability of the final total score of the series of championships entering the top 8 or top 3 is exponentially related to PFT results. It finds that athletes with better PFT scores are more likely to enter the quarterfinals. Among athletes entering the semifinals, the athlete with the best physical fitness has the greatest probability of winning the championship. The difference in physical fitness between athletes is mainly reflected in the 30-meter sprint. Overall, the competitive performance of professional Taekwondo athletes is significantly positively correlated with their physical fitness, especially for female Taekwondo athletes. Through the results obtained, it is concluded that Taekwondo athletes need to strengthen physical training, specifically enhancing the explosive power.

Comparison of bilateral isokinetic and isometric strength differences in elite young male and female taekwondo athletes.

Definition of strength imbalance between legs and muscles does not only play a decisive role for higher performance but also prevents sport injury. The purpose of this study was to determine bilateral differences on isokinetic and isometric strength of knee extensor and flexor muscles in male and female elite young taekwondo athletes. Ten male (age: 19.40±0.84 years) and female (age: 18.24±1.42 years) taekwondo athletes of the Turkish national team between 17–20-year of age participated in the study. Concentric peak torque of hamstring (H) and quadriceps (Q) of the dominant (D) and nondominant leg (ND) was evaluated using isokinetic machine (Cybex Humac Norm) at 60° and 180°/sec. Isometric peak torque of both legs was determined at 60°. Significant differences were found between genders (P<0.05). Concentric and isometric knee strength was significantly greater in male than that of female (P< 0.05). Although no significant bilateral strength difference was found in both sexes in concentric and isometric strength (P>0.05), and isometric H strength was in favor of the dominant leg 15% for men athletes and 11% for women. H/Q ratio was similar between gender and legs. The study revealed no bilateral knee strength asymmetry in both male and female taekwondo athletes. However, male had 20%–30% higher isometric and concentric knee extensor and flexor strength than female in both legs.