Self-Esteem and Body Image in Older Women Practicing Taekwondo with Low Bone Density: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise can take on a multivariate form, including combat sports, specifically Taekwondo, a Korean sport characterized by strikes involving the hands and feet. This sport has been gaining popularity worldwide in recent years and is being practiced by diverse populations, including the older women. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Taekwondo training on self-esteem and body image in older women with low bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: This is an experimental research with a two-group design, where assessments were conducted pre- and post during a 12-week intervention period. The sample consisted of 27 inexperienced older women in taekwondo practice, aged between 60 and 70 years, randomly distributed into the experimental group (n=14) and Control Group (n=13). BMD, self-esteem, and body image were assessed. For the evaluation of self-esteem, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) was utilized. For the evaluation of body images, the body image questionnaire was administered. RESULTS: The results showed that the practice of taekwondo improved (p<0.001) body image in the variables, including physical condition, body skills, and health, while the variable appearance showed no difference (p=0.581). CONCLUSION: The results of this experimental study indicate an improvement in the self-esteem and body image of older individuals practicing Taekwondo.

Taekwondo win-loss determining factors using data mining-based decision tree analysis: focusing on game analysis for evidence-based coaching.

BACKGROUND: Purpose In this study, the purpose of this study is to identify the determinants of winning and losing in taekwondo by applying decision tree analysis, one of the data mining techniques, based on the 2022 World taekwondo championships women's competition. METHODS: 272 women's games in the taekwondo championships in Guadalajara held by the WT in 2022 were used. For data processing, an independent sample t-test was performed for differences in game content variables according to the win/lose group, and a decision tree analysis was performed to confirm game content variables affecting the win/lose group. To check the predictive power of the model, classification accuracy, standard error, and misclassification estimates were calculated. All statistical significance levels were set at 0.05. RESULTS: First, it was found that there was no statistically significant difference only in body attack (attempt) and number of kicking variables according to the winning and losing groups(p > .05), and there were differences in all other game content variables(p < .05). Second, as a result of conducting a decision tree analysis to confirm the determinants of winning and losing in taekwondo sparring, winning situation, tie situation, and number of kicks were identified as important variables. CONCLUSION: The World taekwondo championships are analyzed in the currently changed taekwondo competition rules to identify important factors, and at the same time, based on this, data-based coaching is expected to improve performance.

The Cognitive Function and Taekwondo-Specific Kick Performance of Taekwondo Athletes at Different Hydration Statuses.

PURPOSE: Successful participation in taekwondo (TKD) requires athletes to possess quick decision-making abilities and demonstrate technical proficiency during competition. Dehydration, occurring during both training and competition, is widely recognized to have various negative effects. METHODS: This study investigated the impact of different levels of dehydration on cognitive function, as measured by the Vienna Test System, and the specific performance of kicking techniques among TKD athletes. Using a randomized crossover design, 12 participants were involved in the study. Before and after 1 hour of training at 80% of maximal heart rate, participants were weighed and provided urine samples. All participants were randomly assigned to 3 different hydration conditions: the euhydrated (EUH) group had unrestricted access to fluid consumption, while the hypohydrated (HYP) and severely HYP (S-HYP) groups experienced reductions of 2.0% and 4.0% of their initial body weight, respectively. RESULTS: The EUH group exhibited better reaction speed in reaction-time test-form S1 than the HYP and S-HYP groups. Notably, the EUH group demonstrated a significantly higher success rate in the front-side kick (EUH 98%, HYP 90%, S-HYP 88%; P < .05). However, the success rates of back roundhouse kick and free head kick were similar among the 3 statuses. Furthermore, postexercise heart rates were found to be significantly higher in the HYP and S-HYP groups compared with the EUH group. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insight into the negative effects of dehydration on cognitive function and TKD-specific performance. It is recommended that TKD athletes maintain optimal hydration levels during training and competition to ensure optimal performance.

Older Persons Participation in Hard Martial Arts: Opportunities to Improve Psychological Well-Being? A Scoping Review.

This study aims to explore the potential psychological and cognitive advantages for older individuals engaged in hard martial arts (HMA), through a comprehensive scoping review of literature up to 2023. Specifically, it examines the extent of changes in cognition, mental state, and quality of life among elderly participants of HMA. Inclusion criteria were studies conducted on healthy persons who were over 50 years of age. Only papers published in the English language were included. The search was undertaken in electronic databases and sources of grey literature. Thirteen papers with a total of 514 participants met the inclusion criteria. Improved cognition and decreased levels of anxiety and depression were emerging themes. Together, these factors contributed to the quality of life of participants. HMA was found to benefit cognitive abilities and psychological well-being, increasing quality of life more than traditional exercise alone. Findings suggested duration of training influenced change more than frequency. The limited number of studies exploring the effects of HMA on mental wellness and cognitive ability in older adults underscores the need for further research. The findings of this review suggest cognitive and quality of life improvements and reduced depression and anxiety in individuals engaging in HMA. This review serves as a foundation for soundly designed future research.

A Comparison of Different Strength Measurement in Taekwondo: Herman Trainer, Manual Tester, and Standing Long Jump.

Background and Objective: The accurate prediction of strength development relies on identifying the most appropriate measurement methods. This study compared diverse strength measurement techniques to assess their effectiveness in predicting strength development. Participants were taekwondo athletes competing at the red-black belt level or above. Methods: Technical striking forces (palding, dollyeo chagi, dwit chagi, and yeop chagi) were measured using a Herman Digital Trainer fixed to a striking stand. Quadriceps and hamstring strength were assessed with a Lafayette force measuring device. Explosive leg strength was evaluated through a standing long jump test, normalized for leg length. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine relationships between measurement methods. Results: The standing long jump test showed no significant correlation with other strength assessments. A moderate positive correlation was found between Herman digital trainer measurements and Lafayette digital hand-held dynamometer results. A high positive correlation (r = 0.736, p < 0.001) emerged between hamstring strength and palding chagi technical strike force results. Technical strike kicks showed a significant positive correlation with each other and, also, a right foot-left foot correlation was observed. Conclusions: It was concluded that the standing long jump test, which was shown as one of the explosive leg strength measurement methods in field studies as an alternative to laboratory tests, did not correlate with other strength tests; therefore, this test is weak and insufficient to predict strength skills in taekwondo. In addition, this study showed that the hamstring muscle was more predictive in the measurement of technical strength. In future studies, it might be more useful to measure hamstring muscle strength or technical kick strength instead of a standing long jump field test.

Exploring the relationship between super-leadership, self-leadership, and exercise commitment in university Taekwondo teams.

Introduction: Promoting super-leadership is crucial for the sustainable growth of college sport teams, especially as teams are experiencing a noticeable shift towards a more horizontal dynamic, where athletes themselves are emerging as leaders. However, there is a lack of research on the effectiveness of super-leadership and its possible outcomes in the context of collegiate Taekwondo teams. Methods: This study aims to investigate the impact of super-leadership on athletes' self-leadership and exercise commitment and examine the mediating role of self-leadership in this relationship among collegiate Taekwondo athletes in South Korea. A total of 147 survey data were analyzed by structural equation modeling. Results: The findings revealed that super-leadership was found to have a positive impact on both athletes' self-leadership (ß = 0.71, p < 0.001) and exercise commitment (ß = 0.30, p < 0.05). Additionally, the study reveals athletes' self-leadership significantly impacts exercise commitment (ß = 0.34, p < 0.05). Our findings also demonstrate that self-leadership was identified as a partial mediator in the relationship between super-leadership and exercise commitment (∆χ2 = 4.46, p > 0.05). Discussion: Theoretical and practical implications were discussed based on the current study's findings.

Action Recognition of Taekwondo Unit Actions Using Action Images Constructed with Time-Warped Motion Profiles.

Taekwondo has evolved from a traditional martial art into an official Olympic sport. This study introduces a novel action recognition model tailored for Taekwondo unit actions, utilizing joint-motion data acquired via wearable inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors. The utilization of IMU sensor-measured motion data facilitates the capture of the intricate and rapid movements characteristic of Taekwondo techniques. The model, underpinned by a conventional convolutional neural network (CNN)-based image classification framework, synthesizes action images to represent individual Taekwondo unit actions. These action images are generated by mapping joint-motion profiles onto the RGB color space, thus encapsulating the motion dynamics of a single unit action within a solitary image. To further refine the representation of rapid movements within these images, a time-warping technique was applied, adjusting motion profiles in relation to the velocity of the action. The effectiveness of the proposed model was assessed using a dataset compiled from 40 Taekwondo experts, yielding remarkable outcomes: an accuracy of 0.998, a precision of 0.983, a recall of 0.982, and an F1 score of 0.982. These results underscore this time-warping technique's contribution to enhancing feature representation, as well as the proposed method's scalability and effectiveness in recognizing Taekwondo unit actions.

Comparison of Lower Extremity Alignment among Taekwondo Athletes of Various Subdisciplines.

Background and Objectives: Studies analyzing lower extremity alignment (LEA) LEA among taekwondo subdisciplines athletes are lacking. This study compared LEA in the dominant and nondominant legs intaekwondo athletes. Materials and Methods: Twelve measurements of LEA were analyzed for 157 athletes (63 sparring, 50 demonstration, and 44 poomsae athletes) registered with the Korea Taekwondo Association. LEA was measured in the standing, supine, and prone positions using alignment application, a goniometer, a bubble inclinometer, a height gage, and a palpation meter. Results: The analysis revealed that the dominant leg of poomsae athletes showed greater genu valgum alignment than that of sparring athletes (p < 0.01), whereas the dominant leg of sparring athletes showed greater rearfoot varum alignment than that of demonstration athletes (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the nondominant leg of poomsae athletes showed greater genu valgum alignment than that of sparring and demonstration athletes (p < 0.01), whereas the nondominant leg of sparring athletes showed greater rearfoot varum alignment than that of demonstration athletes (p < 0.01). In addition, demonstration athletes had better forefoot varus alignment than poomsae athletes (p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study revealed that LEA characteristics vary among taekwondo athletes according to their subdiscipline. The results of this study would help in designing training programs tailored to each subdiscipline that would best address their LEA characteristics and help to prevent injuries.

Effects of the Three-Direction Movement Control Focus Complex Pain Program and Neurodynamic Focus Complex Pain Program on Pain, Mechanosensitivity, and Body Function in Taekwondo Athletes with Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Preliminary Study.

We aimed to determine the effects of three-direction movement control focus complex pain program (3D-MCE) and neurodynamic focus complex pain program (NDT) on pain, mechanosensitivity, and body function in Taekwondo athletes with non-specific low back pain. This study used a two-group pretest-posttest design and was conducted at a university physiotherapy lab and training center. It included 21 Taekwondo athletes with non-specific low back pain from a Taekwondo studio and a University in Busan. Participants were divided into a 3D-MCE group (n = 10) and an NDT group (n = 10). The numerical rating pain scale (NRPS), pain pressure threshold (PPT), movement analysis, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were measured before and after the intervention. The intervention was performed for 45 min twice a week for 4 weeks. Each group performed movement control exercises and neurodynamic techniques. The NRPS, motion analysis, and ODI were significantly changed after the intervention in the 3-DMCE group. The NRPS, PPT, and ODI changed significantly after the intervention in the NDT group. Moreover, the PPT and motion analysis showed significant differences between the two groups. For Taekwondo athletes with non-specific low back pain, 3D-MCE improved the stability control ability of the lumbar spine. It was confirmed that neurodynamic techniques reduce muscle and nerve mechanosensitivity.

Effects of Swedish Massage at Different Times of the Day on Dynamic and Static Balance in Taekwondo Athletes.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of different durations of Swedish massage on the static and dynamic balance at different times of the day in taekwondo athletes. Twelve taekwondo athletes who had been practicing on a regular basis for more than 5 years participated in this study. Taekwondo athletes completed static and dynamic balance tests either after a no-massage protocol (NMP), a five-minute massage protocol (5MMP), a ten-minute massage protocol (10MMP), or a fifteen-minute massage protocol (15MMP) two times a day in the morning (08:00-12:00) and in the evening (16:00-20:00), on non-consecutive days. The findings of this study suggest that the duration of the massage has a discernible impact on dynamic balance, particularly with regard to the right foot. Taekwondo athletes who received a 10MMP or 15MMP displayed significantly improved dynamic balance compared to those in the NMP. Importantly, these improvements were independent of the time of day when the massages were administered. It underscores the potential benefits of incorporating short-duration Swedish massages into taekwondo athletes' pre-competition routines to enhance dynamic balance. These findings highlight the potential benefits of incorporating short-duration Swedish massages into taekwondo athletes' pre-competition routines to enhance dynamic balance, a critical component of their performance, regardless of the time of day.

Los hábitos de vida saludables en relación al autoconcepto físico en taekwondokas ecuatorianos en tiempos de la pandemia "COVID 19"

La práctica de taekwondo, en el confinamiento de la pandemia del COVID 19, guarda relación con los hábitos de vida saludables y autoconcepto físico. En tal sentido, se determinó como el objetivo de esta investigación identificar las relaciones que puedan producirse entre las respuestas al CAF (Cuestionario de autoconcepto físico) y hábitos de vida saludables de los practicantes de taekwondo a nivel nacional. Se implementó un diseño ex post facto de carácter retrospectivo y correlacional, donde las variables independientes no son susceptibles de manipulación, se utilizó un muestreo no probabilístico discrecional, cuya muestra la componen 423 deportistas de taekwondo entre 12 y 58 años. Los participantes cumplimentaron el Cuestionario de autoconcepto físico (CAF) y el Cuestionario de hábitos de vida saludables. Los resultados, comprueban la importancia de los entrenamientos en confinamiento de taekwondo como aporte de una vida saludable, en relación con su propia percepción del autoconcepto físico de los participantes. Se concluyó que la práctica del taekwondo en época de pandemia aportó significativamente en el cuidado y desarrollo de los hábitos de vida saludables.

A prática do Taekwondo, no confinamento da pandemia da COVID-19, está relacionada a hábitos de vida saudáveis e ao autoconceito físico. Nesse sentido, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar as relações que podem ocorrer entre as respostas ao CAF (Questionário de Autoconceito Físico) e os hábitos de vida saudável dos praticantes de Taekwondo em nível nacional. Foi implementado um projeto retrospectivo e correlacional ex post facto, em que as variáveis independentes não são suscetíveis de manipulação. Foi utilizada uma amostragem não probabilística discreta, com uma amostra de 423 atletas de taekwondo entre 12 e 58 anos de idade. Os participantes preencheram o Questionário de Autoconceito Físico (CAF) e o Questionário de Hábitos de Estilo de Vida Saudável. Os resultados comprovam a importância do treinamento de confinamento do taekwondo como contribuição para um estilo de vida saudável, em relação à percepção dos próprios participantes sobre seu autoconceito físico. Concluiu-se que a prática do taekwondo em tempos de pandemia contribuiu significativamente para o cuidado e o desenvolvimento de hábitos de vida saudáveis.

The practice of Taekwondo, in the confinement of the COVID19 pandemic, is related to healthy lifestyle habits and physical self-concept. In this sense, the objective of this research was determined to identify the relationships that may occur between the responses to the CAF (Physical Self-Concept Questionnaire) and healthy lifestyle habits of Taekwondo practitioners nationwide. An ex post facto design of a retrospective and correlational nature was implemented, where the independent variables are not susceptible to manipulation, a discretionary non-probabilistic sampling was used, which sample is made up of 423 taekwondo athletes between 12 and 58 years old. The participants completed the Physical Self-Concept Questionnaire (CAF) and the Healthy Life Habits questionnaire. The results prove the importance of Taekwondo confinement training as a contribution to a healthy life, in relation to their own perception of the participants' physical self-concept. It was concluded that the practice of taekwondo during the pandemic contributed significantly to the care and development of healthy lifestyle habits.

A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Taekwondo on Physical Self-Concept.

In this meta-analysis we explored whether Taekwondo practice has improved its participants' physical self-concepts. We also tested the mediating influence of factors in past research such as country, participant age, and measurement properties in their associations with these taekwondo effects. We reviewed extensive data collected from Chinese, English and Korean participants in articles listed in Cnki, Wanfang, PubMed, Web of Science, KISS, RISS, and DBPIA databases. First, we evaluated the methodological quality of these published articles with Review Manager 5.4 software according to the Cochrane System Evaluation Manual. Then, we used Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3.7 software for statistical analysis. We based these analyses on nine research studies containing a total of 1154 participants. We found a significant association between taekwondo activity and an improved body self-concept (ES = .688, p < .001). Subgroup analyses showed a stronger association between these variables in Korea (ES = .90, p < .001) than in China (ES = .34, p < .001), a stronger association for children (ES = 1.04, p < .001) compared to adults (ES = .46, p < .001), and a stronger association with the modified version of the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ) (ES = .99, p < .001) than with the original PSDQ (ES = .57, p < .001). We concluded that practicing Taekwondo led to improved physical self-concept, especially in a younger population. In addition, the experimental design and measurement methods may influence the apparent link between these variables.

Biomechanics research on laterality effect between dominant and non-dominant during double roundhouse kick in the competitive taekwondo.

Background: The Double Roundhouse Kick (DRK) is one of the major scoring tools and athletes employ the leg of the dominant side (DS) or the non-dominant side (NS) for always attacking in an alternating state. The purpose is to examine the discrepancies in the biomechanical characteristics of the DS and NS of the leg of the DRK skills of sub-elite taekwondo athletes. Methods: Using the Vicon, Kistler, and Daedo brand Electronic Body Protector (EBP), collection of the DRK data (attack time, joint angle, joint angular velocity, joint moment, ground reaction force, etc.) of 12 sub-elite taekwondo athletes (19.6 ± 2.0 yr, 180 ± 7.3 cm, 70 ± 9.8 kg) with the DS leg and NS leg. The measured data analyses via Visual3D, and statistical methods using nonparametric tests paired with samples based on the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (The significance level is set as significant for P<0.05, and very significant for P<0.01). Results: (i) There is no statistically significant discrepancy between the DS and NS at the time of hit (P>0.05) and shift of the center of gravity (P>0.05). (ii) Attacking leg (AL): the maximum knee flexion angle (Knee-MFA) (P<0.05) and the peak linear velocity of attack of the foot in the vertical hitting direction (P<0.01) on the DS was greater than that on the NS during the first hit phase (P1). (iii) Supporting leg (SL): the peak hip extension moment (P<0.05) on the DS was reported to be higher than that of the NS during the second hit phase (P2). (iv) Symmetry Index (SI): In the P1, the vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) of the SL leads to SI = 10.19 %, and in the P2, the vGRF of the SL results in SI = 18.48 %. Conclusions: The DRK requires more and more symmetry between the DS and NS. The Knee-MFA of the AL and the line of attack speed of the foot in the vertical striking direction of the SL exhibited significant discrepancies. The DS has higher striking speed, athletes need to improve the striking speed of the NS leg in training, achieving more scoring opportunities in the game. Both the DS and NS revealed strong symmetry in the peak SI of the ground reaction force of the SL stirrup; however, weak symmetry was attained in the peak SI of the vGRF of the SL landing cushion.

Viewpoint-Agnostic Taekwondo Action Recognition Using Synthesized Two-Dimensional Skeletal Datasets.

Issues of fairness and consistency in Taekwondo poomsae evaluation have often occurred due to the lack of an objective evaluation method. This study proposes a three-dimensional (3D) convolutional neural network-based action recognition model for an objective evaluation of Taekwondo poomsae. The model exhibits robust recognition performance regardless of variations in the viewpoints by reducing the discrepancy between the training and test images. It uses 3D skeletons of poomsae unit actions collected using a full-body motion-capture suit to generate synthesized two-dimensional (2D) skeletons from desired viewpoints. The 2D skeletons obtained from diverse viewpoints form the training dataset, on which the model is trained to ensure consistent recognition performance regardless of the viewpoint. The performance of the model was evaluated against various test datasets, including projected 2D skeletons and RGB images captured from diverse viewpoints. Comparison of the performance of the proposed model with those of previously reported action recognition models demonstrated the superiority of the proposed model, underscoring its effectiveness in recognizing and classifying Taekwondo poomsae actions.

Relationships between the magnitude of representational momentum and the spatial and temporal anticipatory judgments of opponent's kicks in taekwondo.

For successful actions in a fast, dynamic environment such as sports, a quick successful anticipation of a forthcoming environmental state is essential. However, the perceptual mechanisms involved in successful anticipation are not fully understood. This study examined the relationships between the magnitude of representational momentum (RM) as a forward displacement of the memory representation of the final position of a moving object (which implies that observers perceptually "see" a near future forthcoming dynamic environmental state) and the temporal and spatial anticipatory judgments of the opponent's high or middle kicks in taekwondo. Twenty-seven participants (university taekwondo club members and non-members) observed video clips of taekwondo kicks that vanished at one of 10 frame positions prior to the kick impact and performed three tasks consecutively: anticipatory coincidence timing (CT) with the arrival of kick impact, judgment of the kick type (high and middle kicks) by forced choice, and judgment of the vanishing frame position (measuring RM). Our results showed significant group effects for the number of correct kick-type judgments and the judgment threshold for kick-type choice (kick-typeJT), which was estimated in terms of individual psychometric function curves. A significant correlation was found between the magnitude of RM (estimated at kick-typeJT) and kick-typeJT, but not between the CT errors (estimated at kick-typeJT) and kick-typeJT. This indicates that the magnitude of RM may play an influential role in quick kick-type judgments, but not in coincidence timing while observing an opponent's kick motion. These findings suggest that subjective anticipatory perception or judgment of the future spatial state is vital to anticipatory actions under severe time constraints.

Headguard use in combat sports: position statement of the Association of Ringside Physicians.

Headguard use is appropriate during some combat sports activities where the risks of injury to the face and ears are elevated. Headguards are highly effective in reducing the incidence of facial lacerations in studies of amateur boxers and are just as effective in other striking sports. They should be used in scenarios - especially sparring prior to competitions - where avoidance of laceration and subsequent exposure to potential blood-borne pathogens is important. Headguards are appropriate where avoidance of auricular injury is deemed important; limited data show a marked reduction in incidence of auricular injury in wrestlers wearing headguards.Headguards should not be relied upon to reduce the risk of concussion or other traumatic brain injury. They have not been shown to prevent these types of injuries in combat sports or other sports, and human studies on the effect of headguards on concussive injury are lacking. While biomechanical studies suggest they reduce linear and rotational acceleration of the cranium, changes in athlete behavior to more risk-taking when wearing headguards may offset any risk reduction. In the absence of high-quality studies on headguard use, the Association of Ringside Physicians recommends that further research be conducted to clarify the role of headguards in all combat sports, at all ages of participation. Furthermore, in the absence of data on gender differences, policies should be standardized for men and women.

Correlation between Ethical Sensitivity as Well as Doping Attitude and Dispositions in Taekwondo Kyorugi Athletes: Athlete Career and National Team Moderation Effect.

Background: We aimed to examine the effect of ethical sensitivity on doping attitude and dispositions for Taekwondo athletes, as well as whether there was a difference depending on the athlete's career and national team status. Methods: Overall, 331 Korean adult Taekwondo athletes were enrolled. Data were collected using sports ethical sensitivity and Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale (PEAS) tools as the research tools. For data processing, frequency analysis was performed to confirm demographic characteristics, and the fitness index was calculated by applying the Rasch model to confirm the validity and reliability of ethical sensitivity and PEAS. An independent sample t-test was performed to confirm the difference between ethical sensitivity and doping attitude and dispositions according to demographic characteristics. Pairwise parameter comparison values were used using multi-group analysis of path analysis to confirm the effect of ethical sensitivity on PEAS and the moderating effect was calculated. Results: First, according to the demographic characteristics of Taekwondo athletes, there were statistically significant differences in ethical sensitivity and PEAS only by gender. Second, as ethical sensitivity factors, both intentional behavior factors and intentional collusion factors had statistically significant effect on PEAS. Third, in the effect of ethical sensitivity on doping attitude and dispositions, there was no moderating effect of athlete experience and national representative status. Conclusion: Ethical sensitivity has a positive linear correlation with PEAS. In other words, enhancing the ethical sensitivity of sports players will enhance athletes' ethical consciousness and prevent unethical behavior, and furthermore, doping.

Effects of Complex Pain Control Programs on Taekwondo Athletes with Recurrent Low Back Pain: A Case Study.

Background and Objectives: Practitioners of martial arts such as Taekwondo are likelier to experience back pain during training or competition. As the back pain of taekwondo athletes shows various symptoms depending on the athlete's characteristics, such as technique and movement, a case study was conducted to verify the intervention effect suitable for individual traits. We examined the effects of a complex pain control program on pain, mechanosensitivity, and physical function in a Taekwondo athlete with recurrent low back pain (LBP). Materials and Methods: A Taekwondo athlete with LBP was recruited from D University, Busan. The intervention program was performed for 45 min twice a week for 3 weeks, and the patient was followed up with after 2 weeks. The numerical rating pain scale (NRPS), pain pressure threshold, mechanosensitivity, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were measured before and after the intervention. Therapeutic massage and nerve stimulation therapy were performed. Lumbar flexion, extension, and rotation were performed in the movement control exercise group, whereas the sliding technique, a neurodynamic technique of the tibial nerve, was applied in the neurodynamic technique group. This effect was verified by comparing the average measured values before and after the intervention. Results: Pain (NRPS) and mechanosensitivity reduced, range of motion and tactile discrimination abilities improved, and physical function (ODI) improved. The effect of the improved intervention lasted 2 weeks. Conclusions: These results indicate that application of complex pain control programs considering the four aspects of pain mechanisms for 3 weeks can be an effective intervention in Taekwondo athletes with recurrent LBP.

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

Background/Objectives: The 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). Methods: Using 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. Results: ICE 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). Conclusion: The 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.

Effect of foot orthoses on dynamic balance in taekwondo athletes with flexible flatfoot: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Flexible flatfoot (FFF) cause biomechanical and sensorimotor disorders of the foot and ankle complex and reduce of postural stability. Postural stability is an important movement skill that affects the performance of taekwondo (TKD) athletes and can lead to fall injuries. The purpose of this study is the effect 12-week application of foot orthosis (FOs) on dynamic balance in TKD athletes with FFF. METHOD: In this trial, 30 girls of the TKD athletes with FFF were recruited. They were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 subjects in each group). The experimental group used FOs with medial longitudinal arch support for 12 weeks, and the control group did not have any intervention. The outcome measures include navicular drop and balance in three directions: anterior-posterior, medial-lateral and overall stability. Covariance analysis was used to compare the results between two groups. RESULTS: The covariance results showed that the experimental group compared to the control group with a high effect size had a significant difference in reducing of navicular drop (P = 0.000, ηp2 =0.512), anterior-posterior sway (P = 0.000, (ηp2 =0.397) medial-lateral sway (P = 0.019, ηp2 = 0.186) and overall stability sway (P = 0.008, ηp2 = 0.232). CONCLUSIONS: The FOs with medial longitudinal arch support leads to FFF correction and provides mechanical stability of the foot and ankle complex. Also, the impulses sent from plantar receptors are increased and a better understanding of postural sway is transmitted to the central nervous system and balance strategies are improved.