Male Taekwondo Research Articles

Lower Extremity Stretch-Shortening Cycle Performance in the Vertical and Horizontal Direction as Key Determinants of Success in Collegiate Male Taekwondo.

The underlying mechanisms of taekwondo-specific jumping ability among different competition levels are still unknown. This study aimed to compare vertical and horizontal stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) performance between athletes of different competitive levels and examine the relationships of force and power production abilities between those two directions in Taiwanese collegiate-level male taekwondo athletes. Seventeen male collegiate taekwondo athletes were divided into two groups: medalists (MG, n = 8) and non-medalists (NMG, n = 9); both groups performed countermovement jumps (CMJ) on a force platform and single-leg lateral hops (SLLHs) via an optoelectronic measurement system. Eccentric and concentric phase measures from CMJ and distant and temporal variables of SLLH were collected for further analysis. The MG achieved statistically superior jump height (JH), concentric peak velocity, eccentric peak force, force at 0 velocity, and eccentric displacement than NMG (d = 1.05-1.36). Although non-significant differences showed in SLLH variables, MG had better results than NMG (d = 0.40-0.84). Moderate relationships were identified between SLLH step 1 and JH, reactive strength index modified, peak concentric power, and peak concentric velocity of CMJ (r = 0.50-0.57, p < 0.05). Furthermore, step 2 ground contact time and lateral reactive strength index from SLLH were associated with CMJ peak eccentric force, peak concentric force, and force at 0 velocity (r = 0.53-0.59, p < 0.05). Taekwondo MG achieved superior CMJ and SLLH performance. In addition, jumping abilities in vertical and lateral directions shared specific underlying mechanisms in collegiate male taekwondo athletes.

Effect of a 10-week Training Program on Muscle Power, Endurance, and Jump Kick Performance in Young Male Taekwondo Athletes Using the 4D PRO&amp;reg; Bungee Trainer and Battle Ropes Exercises

Effect of a 10-week Training Program on Muscle Power, Endurance, and Jump Kick Performance in Young Male Taekwondo Athletes Using the 4D PRO&amp;reg; Bungee Trainer and Battle Ropes Exercises

The Effect of Six Weeks of Core Stability Training on Balance and Performance Improvement Among Male Taekwondo Athletes

The Effect of Six Weeks of Core Stability Training on Balance and Performance Improvement Among Male Taekwondo Athletes

Effect of 12-week Intensive Training on More Downward Limb Explosive Power of Adolescent Taekwondo Athletes

Objective: To explore the influence of enhanced training on the explosive force of more downward limbs of young taekwondo athletes, and to provide a reference for scientific training of young taekwondo athletes. Methods: Twenty-four young male taekwondo athletes were randomly divided into two groups:the intensive training group (12 people) and the control group (12 people). The subjects in the intensive training group received 60 minutes of intensive physical training three times a week. In contrast, the issues in the control group did not receive extra physical training except regular training. Results: Before and after intervention, it was found that the standing long jump and standing triple jump in the intensive training group were significantly higher than those before intervention (P &lt; 0.05), and the standing triple jump in the intensive training group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: After 12 weeks of intensive training intervention, the more downward limb explosive force quality of athletes have been significantly improved, so 12 weeks of intensive training can be used as a training means for more downward limb explosive force quality of young Taekwondo athletes.

Exploring the quadriceps muscle architecture variations in various sports disciplines: a comparative analysis of football, taekwondo, and athletics.

The purpose of this study was to comprehensively investigate and compare the architecture of the quadriceps muscle in football, taekwondo, and athletics, shedding light on potential differences and providing valuable insights for athletic training and performance enhancement. Thirty-five athletes (football[N.]=14. [7 women, 7 men]; taekwondo [N.]=11. [6 women, 5 men]; athletics [N.]=10. [5 women, 5 men]) aged 17-21 years participated in the study. After participant demographic data were collected, 2D real-time B-mode ultrasound (USG) and right (R) and left (L) leg quadriceps muscle group rectus femoris (RF), vastus intermedius (VI), vastus lateralis, pennation angle (PA), RF cross-sectional area (CSA), and subcutaneous fat thickness were determined. In the study, in female athletes, R-RF+VI (P=0.04, ES:4.34), R-VI (P=0.01, ES: 6.1), R-RF: (P=0.009, ES: 7.9), R-CSA (P=0.04, ES: 5.2), L-RF (P=0.002, ES: 10.4) and L-CSA (P=0.007, ES: 7.7) significant differences were found in favor of the Football group. In male athletes, R-CSA (P=0.004, ES: 9.05), L-RF (P=0.05, ES: 3.5) and L-SFT (P=0.00, ES: 13.6), there was a significant difference in favor of the Football group. L-PA (P=0.009, ES: 6.2). L-PA (P=0.009, ES: 6.2) was significantly higher in the male Taekwondo group. Our research findings show that there is a significant relationship between the type of exercise performed and the structural differences observed in the quadriceps muscle. Consequently, it is highly recommended to consider the outcomes of our study for enhancing the efficacy of training programs in the domains of football, taekwondo, and athletics.

Acute effects of plyometric-based conditioning activity and warm-up music stimuli on physical performance and affective state in male taekwondo athletes.

This study assesses the acute effects of combining a plyometric-based conditioning activity (CA) with different musical stimuli during warm-up on taekwondo (TKD) performance and related psychological aspects. In a randomized cross-over study design, 16 male TKD athletes (age: 19.94 ± 1.12 years) performed the TKD-specific agility test (TSAT), frequency speed of kick test (FSKT-10s) and its multiple version (FSKT-mult) under 7 experimental and one control condition. For the experimental conditions, participants experienced varying combinations of music selection process [self-selected (SSM) vs. pre-selected (PSM)], and music tempo [fast (F) vs. slow (S)], within preferred (PG) and non-preferred (NPG) music genre; all in the presence of a plyometric based-CA. Athletes were instructed to rate their perceived exertion (RPE) after each test and their felt arousal (FAS), feeling scale (FS), and motivation after testing completion. Findings showed that combining a plyometric-based CA with SSMPG at both fast and slow tempo improved TSAT, FSK-10s, FSKT-mult, FAS, motivation, and RPE post-TSAT greater than the other conditions (all p < 0.05). Additionally, FSSMPG combined with CA improved FS, and RPE after both FSKT-10s and FSKT-mult better than the other conditions (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, listening to fast self-selected music from a preferred genre in combination with a plyometric-based CA during warm-up setups an individualized warm-up strategy and serves to improve the subsequent specific performances and the related psychological aspects in TKD athletes.

Effects of Altitude Training on Recovery Ability and Maximum Oxygen Consumption of Elite Male Taekwondo

Background and Aim: To investigate the effects of high-altitude training on the physical recovery capacity and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) of elite male Taekwondo athletes. Methods: The study employed a combination of literature review, mathematical statistics, and experimental methods, with a primary focus on experimental approaches. (1) Study Participants: The study participants were elite male Taekwondo athletes who resided in plain areas and had a minimum of 5 years of training and competitive experience. (2) Variables Measured: The variables measured included resting heart rate (morning pulse), blood oxygen saturation, exercise heart rate, and maximal oxygen consumption.Results: (1) Five weeks of high-altitude training and exposure to a low-oxygen environment did not significantly affect the morning pulse of the athletes. (2) The 5-week high-altitude training resulted in a significant increase in blood oxygen saturation among the participants, with the most significant increase observed in the fourth week. On average, the blood oxygen saturation of the athletes increased by 3.51%. (3) Compared to the plain areas, the athletes showed no significant differences in resting heart rate and maximal heart rate before exercise. However, their heart rate exhibited a faster decline at the 3, 5, and 10-minute intervals of recovery. (4) The 5-week high-altitude training significantly improved the athletes' VO2max, enhancing their cardiopulmonary function and overall performance. Conclusion: High-altitude training can effectively enhance blood oxygen saturation, facilitate rapid post-exercise heart rate recovery, improve VO2max, and subsequently impact the athletes' physical recovery capacity.

The relationship between attitudes towards healthy nutrition and awareness levels of exercise addiction in male taekwondo athletes

Exercise has a vital role in the physical, mental, emotional and social health of individuals. However, excessive and uncontrolled exercise may have negative consequences instead of the expected benefits such as exercise addiction. Studies on exercise addiction in athletes are thus crucial. In this regard, the present study was aimed to examine the relationship between male taekwondo athletes’ attitudes towards healthy nutrition and their awareness levels of exercise addiction. Data for the study were collected in 2024 from 282 Turkish taekwondo athletes selected through convenience sampling. The average sports experience of study participants was 9.3 ± 5.7 years. The questionnaire for data collection had three parts: the personal information form, the Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition Awareness, and the Exercise Addiction Scale. A Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to analyze the relationships between variables wherein the data showed normal distribution. A simple regression analysis was performed to examine the effects. An independent t-test was conducted to explore differences between the national and non-national athletes. Results demonstrated that the national athletes had higher exercise addiction scores. The study found significant and positive relationship between male taekwondo athletes’ attitudes towards healthy nutrition and their awareness levels of exercise addiction (p &lt; 0.05). The attitudes towards healthy nutrition significantly predicted exercise addiction awareness (p &lt; 0.05; r = 0.186). The increase in positive attitudes towards healthy nutrition may bring greater awareness of exercise addiction. Efforts should be made to improve athletes’ attitudes towards nutrition for preventing exercise addiction as a negative outcome. Further studies are recommended to enhance athletes’ knowledge and attitude towards nutrition.

Asymmetry of conventional and functional strength ratios in youth male taekwondo players

Asymmetry of conventional and functional strength ratios in youth male taekwondo players

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.

Impact of social and physical factors on psychological well-being under covid-19 lockdown in taekwondo athletes: A cross-sectional study

In sports and taekwondo in particular, it is of interest to understand the impact of sociodemographic and physical factors of athletes during this period, as well as their impact on psychological health. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between physical activity levels, demographic factors, and psychological well-being during the COVID-19 lockdown in Taekwondo athletes. Seventy-eight male Taekwondo athletes (35 ± 14.6 years) at national and international levels participated in an online survey during the COVID-19 Lockdown period in September 2020. The factors analyzed included expertise, socioeconomic status, education, and physical activity levels. The main findings of this study indicated that university education level was significantly associated with both well-being and lower distress (χ2 = 7.0; p = 0.03). Similarly, athletes with a moderate level of physical activity showed a significant association with their state of well-being (χ2 = 7.0; p = 0.03) and absence of distress (χ2 = 10.5; p = 0.00). However, no significant associations were found between technical level and age category with well-being or distress. Our findings showed that the lockdown negatively affected both total physical activity levels and psychological well-being in Colombian Taekwondo Athletes. A higher educational level allows for a greater understanding of the situations presented during the pandemic, and the level of physical activity is a determinant of the mental health of athletes. Keywords: public health, SARS-CoV-2, martial arts, mental health.

The Effect of Squat Jump and Box Drill Exercises on Increasing Leg Power in Male Taekwondo Athlete ATIA Lanal Lampung

Leg power strength is a very important component aspect in taekwondo martial arts, especially in basic kicking techniques in supporting the optimal kick. There are many modifications to the training model that can increase the power of the kick, one of which is the form of squad jump and box drill training. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the two training methods on increasing leg power in Atia Lanal Lampung athletes. The method in this study uses quantitative experimental research methods. In this study, there are 38 populations that will be divided using ordinal pairing with predetermined inclusion criteria, resulting in a total sample of 20 athletes.

Practical internal and external cooling methods do not influence rapid recovery from simulated taekwondo performance

Background/ObjectivesThe influence of post-exercise cooling on recovery has gained much attention in the empirical literature, however, data is limited in regards to optimizing recovery from taekwondo performance when combat is repeated in quick succession within the same day. The aim of this study was therefore to compare the effects of external and internal cooling after simulated taekwondo combat upon intestinal temperature (Tint), psychomotor skills (reaction time, response time, movement time), and neuromuscular function (peak torque, average power, time to reach peak torque). MethodsUsing a randomized counterbalanced crossover design, 10 well-trained male taekwondo athletes completed four recovery methods on separate occasions: passive recovery (CON), a 5-minute thermoneutral water immersion (35°C) (TWI), a 5-min cold water immersion (15°C) (CWI), and ice slurry ingestion (-1°C) (ICE; consumed every 5 min for 30 min). Heart rate (HR), blood lactate (Blac) concentrations, and Tint were determined at rest, immediately after combat, and at selected intervals during a 90-min recovery period. Neuromuscular functional (measured with isokinetic dynamometer) and psychomotor indices were assessed at baseline and after the recovery period. ResultsICE led to a significantly lower Tint at 30 min (P<0.01) and 45 min (P<0.01) after simulated combat; 15-30 min after cessation of ingesting ice slurry, compared with the CON and TWI conditions, respectively. However, there were no differences in Tint across time points between the other conditions (P>0.05). Psychomotor skills and neuromuscular function indices returned to baseline values after the 90 min recovery period (P>0.05) with no differences observed between conditions (P>0.05). ConclusionThe present findings suggest that internal (ICE) and external (CWI) recovery methods appear to have little impact on physiological and functional indices over the time course required to influence repeated taekwondo combat performance.

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.

Low- or moderate-carbohydrate calorie–restricted diets have similar effects on body composition and taekwondo performance after high-carbohydrate recovery meals

ABSTRACT Low-carbohydrate (LC) diets are popular among general and athletic populations attempting to lose body mass. This study investigated the effect of a 7-day LC or moderate-carbohydrate (MC) calorie–restricted diet followed by 18-h recovery on body composition and taekwondo-specific performance. In this randomised cross-over study, 12 male taekwondo athletes consumed an LC (10% of carbohydrate, 41% of protein, 49% of fat, and 15.8 ± 0.4 kcal/kg/day) or an isocaloric MC diet (60% of carbohydrate, 30% of protein, and 10% of fat) for 7 days. The participants then consumed a carbohydrate-rich recovery dinner (39.2 ± 3.1 kcal/kg) followed by breakfast (6.2 ± 0.4 kcal/kg) in both the trials. Three repeated sprint ability (RSA) tests were conducted after breakfast. The taekwondo-specific reaction battery was administered before the first RSA test and after each RSA test. The participants experienced similar magnitudes of significant loss of body mass in the LC (−2.4 ± 1.7%) and MC (−2.3 ± 1.7%) trials. Fat mass and fat percentage significantly decreased in the MC trial but remained unchanged in the LC trial after body mass loss. Fat free mass was maintained in both the trials. The average and peak power in the RSA tests and the premotor reaction time were similar between the trials. The participants experienced significantly higher fatigue in the LC trial. In conclusion, both the diets can help athletes rapidly lose body mass while maintaining performance as long as an adequate amount of carbohydrate is consumed during the recovery period.

남자 태권도 품새와 우슈 장권 선수의 생리학적 특성

본 연구의 목적은 남자 태권도 품새 선수와 우슈 장권 선수의 신체구성 및 체력요인을 측정하고 비교 분석하여 종목별 선수 및 지도자들에게 유용한 정보를 제공하는 것이다. 본 연구의 목적을 달성하기 위해 중국 내 C지역 남자 태권도 품새 및 우슈 장권 선수 각15명을 대상으로 신체구성 및 체력요인을 측정하여 비교 분석하였으며, 다음과 같은 결과를 도출하였다. 첫째, 신체구성 항목에서 체지방률, 체질량지수는 우슈 장권 선수가 태권도 품새 선수에 비해 유의하게 높은 결과를 나타냈다. 둘쨰, 체력요인은 악력의 경우 우슈 장권 선수가 태권도 품새 선수에 비해 높게 나타났으며, 사이드스텝, 눈감고외발서기, 좌전굴의 경우 태권도 품새 선수가 우슈 장권 선수에 비해 높게 나타났다. 셋째, 유·무산소성 운동능력을 비교한 결과 최대산소섭취량, 피로지수에서 우슈 장권 선수가 태권도품새 선수에 비해 우수한 것으로 나타났다. 넷째, 슬관절 등속성 근 기능의 측정 결과 각속도 60°/sec, 180°/sec, 240°/sec에서 측정된 근력, 근 파워, 근지구력 모두 신근력은 태권도 품새 선수가 우슈 장권 선수에 비해 높게 나타났으며, 굴근력의 경우 모든 각속도에서 우슈 장권 선수가 태권도 품새 선수에 비해 높게 나타났다. 본 연구 결과에서 나타난 태권도 품새 및 우슈 장권 선수의 신체구성 및 체력요인의 특성은 태권도 품새에 비해 선행연구가 절대적으로 부족한 우슈 장권 선수 및 지도자들에게 유용한 정보를 제공할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

A dual-mode neurostimulation approach to enhance athletic performance outcome in experienced taekwondo practitioners

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a growing empirical approach to improve athletic performance. Some recent studies have investigated the effects of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) on the motor performance such as reaction time. TDCS and tsDCS can lead to alteration of the spontaneous neural activity, and the membrane potentials of motor neurons in cerebral cortex and spinal interneurons, respectively. Given the paucity of experimental studies on the non-invasive brain stimulation in the field of sports neuroscience, especially martial sports, the present study aimed at investigating the effects of neurostimulation in potentiating the motor and cognitive functions in experienced taekwondo practitioners. The study sample included 15 experienced male taekwondo players who received real or sham direct current stimulation on the primary motor cortex (M1) and the lumbar spinal segment (T12-L2) over two sessions, 72 h apart. Next, the performance of the participants was evaluated through a simulation of taekwondo exercise directly after the sham and real sessions. Moreover, a cognitive platform (CBS: Cambridge Brain Science) was used to investigate the participants’ cognitive profile in each instance. Unlike sham stimulation, real tDCS was associated with improved selective attention and reaction time in both in the simulated task performance and cognitive examination. The concurrent cortical and trans-spinal tDCS was found to improve selective attention (31% performance improvement) (P < 0.0001) [EFFECT SIZE; 1.84]. and reduce reaction time (4.7% performance improvement) (P < 0.0001) [EFFECT SIZE; 0.02]. Meanwhile, the intervention failed to leave a significant change in cognitive functions evaluated through CBS (P > 0.05). As informed by our results, the present dual-mode neurostimulation could improve motor functions potentially through the effect of tsDCS over the spinal interneurons and tDCS over the primary motor cortex. Likewise, our findings suggested an improved performance in simulated taekwondo task after real- but not sham-stimulation. This study paves the way for designing neurostimulation protocols to improve the performance of professional athletes, namely martial art practitioners, including their accuracy and velocity of reactions. Such positive effects of neuostimulation in athletic performance as demonstrated in this research and similar reports are expected to enhance the athletes’ success in professional competitions.

ANÁLISE DE HEMOGLOBINA APÓS TREINAMENTO DE SOBRECARGA EM ATLETAS

ABSTRACT Introduction: The cardiovascular system provides athletes with the proper conditions for blood circulation, ensuring the stability and normal metabolism of the body's internal environment during exercise. Objective: Investigate the effect of overload training on the hemoglobin of male taekwondo athletes. Methods: Twenty-one male taekwondo athletes (level 2 or higher) were selected and trained for four weeks, five days per week, with an initial load intensity of 60% of the maximum heart rate and a weekly intensity increase of 10%. Before training and on every weekend during training, hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), reticulocyte count (Ret) were checked, RBC volume distribution width (RDW), hemoglobin content distribution width (HDW), mean reticulocyte volume (MCVr), mean reticulocyte hemoglobin concentration (CHCMr), serum iron (Fe) and ferritin (Fer). Results: After four weeks of increasing load training, athletes showed a progressive and significant decrease in Hb (P&lt;0.01), manifested as exercise-induced hypohemoglobin, and MCV, MCH, MCHC, CHCMr, HDW, and serum ferritin were significantly or extremely decreased(P&lt;0.) 05, P&lt;0.01); RDW increased significantly (P&lt;0.05); Changes in Ret and serum iron showed no statistical significance (P&gt;0.05). Correlation analysis found that hemoglobin concentration had the highest correlation with MCHC and CHCMr. Conclusion: Four-week incremental load training can induce exercise-induced hypohemoglobin in male taekwondo athletes, its changes being most correlated with MCHC and CHCMr, but without significant correlation with serum Fe, RDW, HDW, and MCV. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Studies -Investigation of Outcomes.

Effect of Yoga Asanas on Flexibility among Taekwondo Players in India

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of yoga asanas on flexibility among taekwondo players. Thirty (30) male taekwondo players who participated in the state-level competition were selected randomly from Tamil Nadu, India. The subject’s age ranges from 18 to 25 years. The selected subjects were divided into two equal groups consisting of 15 subjects-the experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent yoga asanas for ten weeks. The control group did not take part in any training during the course of the study. Flexibility was taken as a criterion variable in this study. The selected subjects were tested on flexibility and were measured through sit and reach tests. A pre-test was taken before the training period, and a post-test was measured immediately after the ten-week training period. Statistical technique t-ratio was used to analyze the means of the pre-test and post-test data of the experimental and control groups. The results revealed a significant difference found in the criterion variable. The difference is found due to combined yoga asanas given to the experimental group on flexibility when compared to the control group.

Anthropometric characteristics of elite male taekwondo athletes according to weight category and performance level

The aim of this study was to: 1) compare the anthropometric characteristics of elite male taekwondo athletes between selected weight categories using the ‘full’ International Society for Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) profile; and 2) compare the index of sitting height/stature ratio, and lower-limb segment lengths between standards of competitors. Thirty-two elite male taekwondo athletes volunteered to take part and they were categorised according to five competition weight categories (&lt;58, &lt;63, &lt;68, &lt;74, and &lt;87kg). Anthropometric measurements were performed according to the ISAK profile protocol (42 measures), and the data were compared between the weight categories. Athletes were also divided into two groups based upon their previous success and selected variables were compared between the groups. Significant differences were identified in a range of anthropometric variables between athletes’ weight categories, including percentage of body fat [%BF], skinfold thickness, measurement girths, lengths and widths, and somatotype components. Such differences were generally more notable between the lighter (&lt;58kg) and heavier (&lt;63, &lt;68, &lt;74, and &lt;87kg) weight categories, with lighter weight categories tending to exhibit lower %BF, skinfold thickness, smaller/shorter specific limb girths, breadths, and lengths, and lower endomorphy when compared with their heavier weight counterparts. International level athletes displayed significantly lower sitting height/ stature ratio, and greater iliospinale and tibiale laterale height than their national level counterparts (p &lt; .05). The findings of this study provide focused reference values to assist preparations for selected weight categories within the sport, and they offer a framework to support talent identification programmes.