The Effects of Taekwondo Training on Brain Connectivity and Body Intelligence

Abstract

ObjectiveMany studies have reported that Taekwondo training could improve body perception, control and brain activity, as assessed with an electroencephalogram. This study aimed to assess body intelligence and brain connectivity in children with Taekwondo training as compared to children without Taekwondo training.MethodsFifteen children with Taekwondo training (TKD) and 13 age- and sex-matched children who had no previous experience of Taekwondo training (controls) were recruited. Body intelligence, clinical characteristics and brain connectivity in all children were assessed with the Body Intelligence Scale (BIS), self-report, and resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsThe mean BIS score in the TKD group was higher than that in the control group. The TKD group showed increased low-frequency fluctuations in the right frontal precentral gyrus and the right parietal precuneus, compared to the control group. The TKD group showed positive cerebellum vermis (lobe VII) seed to the right frontal, left frontal, and left parietal lobe. The control group showed positive cerebellum seed to the left frontal, parietal, and occipital cortex. Relative to the control group, the TKD group showed increased functional connectivity from cerebellum seed to the right inferior frontal gyrus.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the effect of Taekwondo training on brain connectivity in children. Taekwondo training improved body intelligence and brain connectivity from the cerebellum to the parietal and frontal cortex.

Effects of regular Taekwondo exercise on mood changes in children from multicultural families in South Korea: a pilot study

“…More specifically, Brown et al reported that a 9-week aerobic exercise program resulted in a significant increase in the Vigor-Activity score 13 ) , whereas Sakuragi and Sugiyama reported that a 4-week walking exercise program led to a significant reduction in the Tension-Anxiety and Anger-Hostility scores 14 ) . In particular, TKD training during childhood has been reported to promote emotional and social development, mitigate anxiety, improve independence and leadership, and effectively control aggression 15 , 16 ) , all of which support the findings of our study. Additionally, TKD exercise was effective for improving Vigor, Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Fatigue, and Confusion among POMS sub-variables 17 ) .…”

Taekwondo Training Improves Mood and Sociability in Children from Multicultural Families in South Korea: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

“…It has also been reported that the number of children participating in TKD is increasing globally [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Several recent studies have reported the significant health benefits of regular TKD training [ 11 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. For example, Fong and Ng (2011) critically reviewed 23 TKD-related papers and investigated the effect of regular TKD training on the improvements in physical fitness [ 11 ].…”

“…Furthermore, Lee and Kim reported that TKD training can be effective in improving physical fitness and growth and development in children [ 13 ]. By using functional magnetic resonance imaging to observe the brains of children who participated in regular TKD training, Kim et al reported a significant improvement in the activation of the brain, implying that TKD training can have a positive effect on the growth and development, fitness, and certain aspects of the health of the brain including cognitive function [ 15 ].…”

Biological underpinnings of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: directions for future research

“…Recent evidence suggests that environmental factors (e.g., diet) and lifetime experiences (e.g., cognitive training, exercise, and substance abuse) may alter brain connectivity [58][59][60][61]. In one study, adaptive working memory training altered connectivity between frontoparietal networks and both the lateral occipital complex and inferior temporal cortex.…”