Nikolaidis PT, et al. – An inspection was carried out of the anthropometry and neuromuscular fitness of Taekwondo (TKD) athletes, by sex and age variations. The obtained data served as a reference for the assessment of athletes by their coaches. Owing to the anthropometric characteristics and neuromuscular fitness differing by sex (i.e., highest scores in males, except flexibility) and age (i.e., highest scores in the 18–32 age group) with unique sport–specific patterns in TKD athletes, the for the development of results would be significant for specific training programs.

Methods

• 393 athletes (7-48 years old), separated into six age groups (7–9, 10–11, 12-13, 14-17, 18-32, and 33+) were enrolled for this study.
• The candidates were examined for anthropometry and performed a series of neuromuscular fitness tests (flexibility, agility, muscle power, and isometric strength).

Results

• An age x sex interaction on body mass, body height, and body fat percentage (BF, p≤0.003, η²≥0.045), but not on body mass index (p=0.172, η²=0.020), was noted.
• Here a larger increase was reported in body mass and body height from 12-13 to 14-17 groups, among males than in females.
• The sex difference in BF increased from 12-13 to 14-17 age group.
• An age x sex interaction on sit-and-reach (SAR) test, mean power output in the Bosco test, and Abalakov jump (p≤0.038, η²≥0.031) was illustrated with larger variation between 12-13 and 18-32 groups in males than in females.
• In SAR, the male athletes achieved similar scores as female athletes in the 18-32 group.
• An age x sex group interaction on measures of isometric muscle strength (right and left handgrip, trunk, and legs) was seen (p≤0.002, η²≥0.068).
• Herein, larger differences were brought to light, in male than female athletes between the 12-13 and 14-17 groups.