Pre-competition habits and injuries in Taekwondo athletes.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND: Over the past decade, there has been heightened interest in injury rates sustained by martial arts athletes, and more specifically, Taekwondo athletes. Despite this interest, there is a paucity of research on pre-competition habits and training of these athletes. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess training characteristics, competition preparation habits, and injury profiles of Taekwondo athletes. METHODS: A retrospective survey of Canadian male and female Taekwondo athletes competing in a national tournament was conducted. Competitors at a Canadian national level tournament were given a comprehensive survey prior to competition. Items on training characteristics, diet, and injuries sustained during training and competition were included. Questionnaires were distributed to 60 athletes. RESULTS: A response rate of 46.7% was achieved. Of those that responded, 54% dieted prior to competition, and 36% dieted and exercised pre-competition. Sixty-four percent of the athletes practised between 4-6 times per week, with 54% practicing 2 hours per session. Lower limb injuries were the most common (46.5%), followed by upper extremity (18%), back (10%), and head (3.6%). The majority of injuries consisted of sprains/strains (45%), followed by contusions, fractures, and concussions. More injuries occurred during training, including 59% of first injuries. CONCLUSION: More research needs to be conducted to further illustrate the need for appropriate regulations on weight cycling and injury prevention.

Author information

Author/s: Kazemi, Mohsen (M); Shearer, Heather (H); Choung, Young Su (YS);

Affiliation: Clinical education, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. mkazemi(-atsign-)cmcc.ca

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: BMC musculoskeletal disorders (BMC Musculoskelet Disord), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2005-; vol 6 (issue ) : pp 26

Dates: Created 2005/07/04; Completed 2006/01/31; Revised 2008/11/20;

PMID: 15921510, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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