Validity of aerobic capacity indicators derived from the progressive specific taekwondo test for prescribing...

The Progressive Specific Taekwondo Test (PSTT) is used to determine indicators of aerobic capacity (heart rate deflection point [HR_DP] and kick frequency at the HR_DP [KF_DP]) useful for prescribing sport-specific training. The aim of this study was to prescribe a sport-specific interval training (IT) session at the KF_DP, identified during the PSTT, and to investigate HR response and muscle power performance.

Thirteen taekwondo athletes of national and international level (mean ± SD: age: 17.6 ± 2.7 years) voluntarily participated in the study. In two experimental sessions, athletes performed: the PSTT to identify HR_DP and KF_DP; a sport-specific IT at the KF_DP, using the technical action of bandal-chagi (3 rounds × 2 min/1 min of recovery in-between). During each round of the IT, the HR was recorded to identify the HR_ROUND. Before and after each round of the IT, muscle power performance was assessed through three countermovement jump (CMJ) tests.

HR_ROUND was significantly correlated with HR_DP (r = 0.774-0.789; p < 0.01). During round 1, HR_ROUND was significantly lower (p = 0.008) than HR_DP. In rounds 2 and 3, there were no difference (p = 0.067 and p = 0.653, respectively) between HR_ROUND and HR_DP. No difference was observed between pre- and post-IT CMJ performance (p = 0.210). Post-IT CMJ performance was significantly greater (p = 0.009) than that in the interval between rounds 1 and 2.

During the IT rounds, expected HR responses emerged and muscle power performance was not compromised. Thus, these results support the use of PSTT-derived HR_DP and KF_DP as practical, sport-specific indicators for tailoring IT intensity in taekwondo athletes.