Author(s): DEL VECCHIO, F.B., VEIGA, R., SIQUEIRA, G., IAHNKE, N., DINIZ, R., Institution: FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF PELOTAS, Country: BRAZIL, Abstract-ID: 566

INTRODUCTION:
In taekwondo (TKD), physical demands are relevant for competitive success [1]. Additionally, due to combat dynamics, high levels of power and speed can increase the chance of victory [2]. Recently, specific kicking tests have been developed to measure the speed and anaerobic capacity of TKD athletes, but we found no comparisons between age divisions. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the physical competition of male TKD athletes, and to compare according age divisions (cadet and senior).
METHODS:
A cross-sectional observational study was carried out, in which male TKD athletes (5 cadets and 6 seniors) were evaluated. Age, practice time and weekly training frequency were recorded. Body mass and height were measured. The power of the lower limbs was estimated with Squat Jump (SJ), the speed was measured with the 10-second Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKT10), which consists of performing bandal tchagui rotating kicks, alternating right and left legs against a kick shield positioned at the height of athletes’ torso. Anaerobic capacity was quantified with the 5 sets of FSKT test (5FSKT), with 10 s recovery between sets [3]. Comparison between age divisions (12-14 versus +18 years old) was performed with an independent samples test. For the entire sample, we also applied Pearsons correlation test. Comparison of performance between sets on the 5FSKT was performed with an ANOVA with repeated measures.
RESULTS:
Regarding the characteristics of the athletes, differences were observed between seniors and cadets for age (21.5±2.3 and 13.0±1.0 years; p<.001), practice time (84±30 and 34 ±24 months; p=.017), weekly frequency (8.6±0.8 and 4±1 sessions; p<.001). Regarding anthropometry, the elderly were heavier (68.5±8.2 and 52.9±10.5 kg; p=.023), with no differences in height (174.5±8.5 and 161.6±18.0 cm; p=.15). Seniors performed better in the SJ (53.6±6.6 versus 30.3±5.2 cm; p<.001) and in the FSKT10 (23.8±0.6 versus 21.8±1.1; p=.004). In the 5FSKT, seniors performed better only in the first set (23.3±1.2 versus 20±2.1 kicks; p=.01), with no differences in following sets, as well as in fatigue index (13.1±2.7% and 9.9±5.9%; p=.27). In 5FSKT, a reduction was observed in the number of kicks applied throughout the sets (F=9.79; p<.001), with the first (p=.005) and third (p=.03) being different from the fifth.
CONCLUSION:
In the present study, senior TKD athletes exhibited greater body mass and superior performance in power and speed tests. In anaerobic capacity, in addition to the slight better results among senior athletes, there was a systematic reduction in the number of kicks throughout the sets.
REFERENCES:
[1] Markovic et al. Coll. Antropol. 2005;29:93-99.
[2] Del Vecchio et al. Biol. Sport 2011;28:75-78.
[3] Santos; Franchini. Sport Sci. Health. 2016;12:377-382.