Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the differences in basic fitness, muscular strength and respiratory muscle function in 8–10 years old children according to their level of Taekwondo training. Methods 67 male Taekwondo practitioners aged 8–10 years were divided into 3 groups according to Taekwondo level (Gup, n = 20; 1st Dan, n = 29; 2nd Dan, n = 18). Body composition, basic physical fitness, isometric muscle strength, and inspiratory muscle function were assessed. Differences in each group were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with the LSD post-hoc test. Pearson correlations were used to investigate the relationships between respiratory function and basic physical fitness and muscular strength in each group. Results The 1st Dan and 2nd Dan showed better performance than the Gup in the basic fitness test. The 2nd Dan had greater performance in grip strength (right), standing long jump, side-step, and shuttle run than the 1st group. Furthermore, 1st Dan and 2nd Dan had better muscular strength than Gup. The 2nd Dan had higher strength in the biceps brachii, rectus femoris (left), and hamstring (right) than the 1st Dan. In respiratory function, only 2nd Dan showed better than Gup in s-index, peak inspiratory flow, and energy. In addition, only 2nd Dan had a positive correlation between respiratory function and fitness (grip strength, biceps brachii, rectus femoris, and hamstrings). Conclusions Higher Taekwondo level in childhood is associated with greater basic fitness, greater muscular strength, and enhanced respiratory muscle function.
Kang et al. (Fri,) studied this question.
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