Anthropometric characteristics and physical performance of taekwondo athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to measure anthropometric and physical performance variables of TKD athletes from the city of Pelotas - RS. Forty-five athletes aged 16.4 ± 5.2 years and time of practice of 3.25 ± 3.6 years were evaluated. Athletes performed anthropometric evaluation and physical, general and specific performance tests. In the sum of seven skin folds, men presented lower values (106.1 ± 49.5 mm versus 143.4 ± 43.2 mm, p <0.002). Male seniors presented better performance in the vertical jump compared to beginners (42.3 ± 8.5cm versus 24.8 ± 10.1cm, p <0.03) and to women (22.1 ± 4.3cm, p <0.03). Graduated individuals perform higher number of arm pushups than beginners and women and more repetitions in the abdominal test. Male junior and senior athletes had higher isometric handgrip strength than females (48.3 ± 3.9 kgf and 38.1 ± 12.6 kgf versus 29 ± 5.6 kgf, p <0.001). Men covered longer distance in the yo-yo test than women (606.6 ± 233.8m versus 200 ± 113.1m, p <0.001). In the Wingate test, men produced greater peak and average relative power. No differences in flexibility were observed. In the single kick test, seniors kicked faster than less experienced athletes (200.6 ± 12.3m/s versus 258 ± 5.6m/s, p <0.001) and performed greater number of kicks in the 21s, 6 ± 2.1 reps versus 15.5 ± 0.7 reps, p <0.001). It was concluded that there are differences between male and female TKD athletes regarding anthropometric and motor characteristics, and that more experienced athletes exhibit greater general and specific physical fitness.