Effect of 8 weeks of pre-season training on body composition, physical fitness, anaerobic capacity, and isokinetic muscle strength in male and female collegiate taekwondo athletes

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of 8 weeks pre-season training on body composition, physical fitness, anaerobic capacity, and isokinetic strength in collegiate taekwondo athletes. Thirty-four collegiate athletes (male: 22, female: 12) participated. Body composition, bone mineral density, physical fitness, anaerobic capacity, and isokinetic muscle strength were tested. After statistical analysis was performed the results indicated that there were significant decreases in body weight, percent body fat, and fat tissue after 8 weeks of pre-season training. Bone mineral density increased significantly only in males. There were significant improvements in the 50 m shuttle run and 20 m multistage endurance run in both males and females. The sit & reach test and standing long jump were not significantly changed after 8 weeks. Relative peak power and anaerobic capacity were significantly improved in males. Significant increases in angular velocity were observed for knee extension at both % BW 60°/sec and 180°/sec in both males and females. A significant increase in angular velocity was seen for right knee flexion at % BW 60°/sec for males, but it decreased at % BW 180°/sec for both males and females. In conclusion, this study suggests that 8 weeks of pre-season training has a positive effect on body composition, physical fitness, anaerobic capacity, isokinetic muscular strength, and endurance. Nevertheless, an exercise approach with the goal of increasing lean tissue, and improving power in knee flexors and flexibility of athletes, should be included in the training program.

Relationships between anthropometric features, body composition, and anaerobic alactic power in elite post-pubertal and mature male taekwondo athletes

“…In group M, the significantly higher values of bM, FFM, and SMM, lower levels of bF, with relatively minor differences in bH were undoubtedly the result of more advanced development, longer training experience, and larger training loads. As mentioned, various anthropometric measures were found to be highly correlated with TKD performance [4,9,10]. This was confirmed by our study, where the very high correlations observed between bM, FFM, SMM, and P max are indicative of a series of cause-effect relationships.…”

“…In a study by Noh et al [8], the -80 kg weight class had the highest mesomorphic and the lowest endomorphic component value. Other works have indicated that even 8 weeks of pre-season TKD training is beneficial in reducing bM, %bF, and fat tissue [9], thus impacting technical skills and moves. The beneficial effects of TKD training were also indicated by Toskovic et al [13], who estimated that around 30 min of TKD practice three times per week was sufficient in controlling bM and enhancing fat loss.…”

“…As established in numerous studies, one of the key factors determining the effectiveness of a TKD athlete is body size [6][7][8][9]. It was concluded that a number of anthropometric and physiological characteristics appeared to be highly correlated with performance in TKD [4,9,10].…”

“…It was concluded that a number of anthropometric and physiological characteristics appeared to be highly correlated with performance in TKD [4,9,10]. For instance, Heller et al [1] determined that the physiological profile of male and female TKD black belts consisted of very low percentage body fat (%bF) and high fat-free mass (FFM) along with high anaerobic potential.…”

The Relationship between Body Composition and Jumping Performance of Volleyball Players

“…The most effective criterion in determining performance in sports is body height and body weight. Body height and body weight are among the anthropometrical prerequisites which are needed in the selection athletes and their development (Sevim, 2002;Savaş & Uğraş 2004). Therefore, it is highly important to deal with body composition and the skill of jumping which are very important in especially volleyball together.…”