Effect of 4 weeks High-Intensity Intermittent Taekwondo Training on Body Composition and Physical Fitness in Zulu Descent, South African Taekwondo Athletes

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of 4 weeks high intensity intermittent Taekwondo (TKD) training program on body composition, physical fitness and performance of South African TKD athletes of Zulu ancestry. Thirty four (n=34) active TKD athletes aged 20–26 years volunteered for this study. The athletes were divided into control and experimental groups. The control participants (10 males and 7 females) were holders of green and lower belts with provincial exposure. The experimental group (10 males and 7 females) had blue or senior belts who qualified to represent the provincial club and to compete in International championships. Both groups were subjected to a 4 week of TKD and strength training. The experimental group performing high intensity intermittent (85–95%VO2max) training and control group performing interval TKD training of lower intensity (70–75% VO2max). All subject were pre and post-tested on body composition [body mass, BMI, body fat percentage (%BF), sum of 6 skinfolds (SS)], flexibility (sit & reach), leg power (standing broad jump), muscle strength and endurance (sit-ups and push-ups), and agility (T-test) and VO2max (20 m bleep test). Resting heart rate (RHR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured. Data was analyzed using paired t-test for independent samples and Z-score individual radar plots statistics. After 4 weeks of training, athletes in the experimental group showed a reduction in body weight (p<0.05), BMI (p<0.001), SBP (p<0.05), RHR (p<0.05), SS (p<0.05), and fat % (p<0.001) and improvement (p<0.001) in flexibility, muscle strength, power, agility and VO2max. In male controls, fat % was decreased (p<0.05), flexibility and VO2max were increased (p<0.05). In female controls, only flexibility was improved (p<0.05). The findings of this study support the effectiveness of 4 weeks high intensity intermittent training in Taekwondo athletes of Zulu ancestry improves body composition, cardiorespiratory response and physical performance that could contribute to health and enhanced combat skills.

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

“…However, it should be noted that at the elite level, these small differences determine success [ 49 ]. Previous studies have confirmed these results and have shown that 6 and 4 weeks of FT and RT training combined with regular taekwondo training enhances VO 2 max, exercise duration, and combat performance [ 40 , 50 ]. In contrast, no improvement in VO 2 max was reported in a study following strength training in trained female cyclists [ 51 ].…”

“…It is worth noting that the level of flexibility of taekwondo players is initially high and stretching exercises are part of the taekwondo workout program. In contrast, some FT [ 32 , 52 , 56 ] and TRT [ 27 , 50 ] interventions have reported improved flexibility. Mathunjwa et al (2020) determined that adding 3 sessions per week of RT for 4 weeks to taekwondo training significantly improves the flexibility of taekwondo players [ 50 ].…”

“…In contrast, some FT [ 32 , 52 , 56 ] and TRT [ 27 , 50 ] interventions have reported improved flexibility. Mathunjwa et al (2020) determined that adding 3 sessions per week of RT for 4 weeks to taekwondo training significantly improves the flexibility of taekwondo players [ 50 ]. Since stretching is part of the taekwondo workout, maybe its enhancement is related to the taekwondo workout itself.…”

Sports Training to Detect the Heart Rate and Body Temperature of Adolescents

“…The mood score of the moderate-intensity Tai Chi test is between 44 and 51 points, the mood score of the moderate-intensity badminton experiment is between 42 and 49 points, therefore, moderate-intensity badminton exercise has a health-promoting function for the mood of young people, it has a positive effect on maintaining and stabilizing the mental health of adolescents. 7 From Figure 1, before badminton training in hot environment, the systolic blood pressure of the badminton class is higher than the systolic blood pressure of the Taijiquan class; The change trend of systolic blood pressure after training has dropped significantly in badminton classes,Tai Chi class is gentler than badminton class,the decline is small; In the third minute of training, the systolic blood pressure of the Tai Chi class returned to the systolic blood pressure before running, in the Tai Chi class, the systolic blood pressure was returned from the pre-run systolic blood pressure in the 3rd minute after the run. There is a distance.…”