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Long-term Taekwondo training enhances inspiratory muscle function and physical fitness in school-aged boys
Min-Jeong Kang1, Hak-Duk Kim2, Ying-Ying Xiang1
1Department of Physical Education, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea.
Background:
Childhood is a critical period for physical and respiratory development. Although Taekwondo training is known to improve physical fitness, limited evidence exists regarding the effects of training duration on respiratory muscle function and its association with physical fitness in children.
Methods:
Sixty-four male Taekwondo practitioners aged 8-10 years were categorized into three groups based on training experience (Gup, N.=20; 1st Poom, N.=29; 2nd Poom, N.=15). Body composition, basic physical fitness, isometric muscle strength, and inspiratory muscle function were assessed. Differences among groups were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to investigate the relationships between respiratory function, basic physical fitness, muscular strength, and total training duration.
Results:
The 2nd Poom group demonstrated significantly superior performance in basic fitness (grip strength, standing long jump, side-step, and shuttle run) compared to the Gup and/or 1st Poom groups. Regarding respiratory function, only the 2nd Poom group showed significantly higher S-index, peak inspiratory flow (PIF), and energy values compared to the Gup group. Furthermore, significant positive correlations between respiratory function and physical fitness variables were observed exclusively in the 2nd Poom group. Total training duration was positively correlated with S-index, PIF, and energy across all participants.
Conclusions:
Longer duration of Taekwondo training in childhood is associated with enhanced basic physical fitness, greater muscle strength, and better respiratory muscle function. These findings suggest that sustained Taekwondo practice may provide sufficient stimulus to promote the co-adaptation of the respiratory and neuromuscular systems.
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