Relationship between anthropometric, physiological and physical characteristics with success of female taekwondo athletes

The aim of this study was to investigate therelationship between anthropometric, physiological and physical characteristicswith success of elite female taekwondo athletes. Forty subjects were selectedfrom elite female taekwondo athletes who won medals in regional and nationalchampionships. Individual information forms were completed. The mean age,height and body mass index of subjects were 17.84±3.67 years, 167.56±6.92 cmand 19.12±2.45 kg/m2 respectively. All subjects were assessed forheight, weight, lengths, girths, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio andskin-fold thickness. Percentage of body fat was calculated from the sum of 3site measurements of skin-fold thickness. Aerobic and anaerobic power were alsocalculated using by cooper and Sargent vertical jump tests respectively andthen by placing into the standard recommended equations. Speed, agility,muscular endurance and flexibility were assessed using by 36m sprint, 4×9mshuttle run, push-ups and sit-and-reach tests respectively. From all ofanthropometric, physiological and physical characteristics, anaerobic andaerobic power, body mass index and fat percentage, speed and agility were significantlyrelated to success and had more importance for taekwondo athletes. Thus, thesecharacteristics have a major effect on taekwondo specially, in championshipgoals and should be considered in talent identification and training planningof this sport.