Comparison of Isokinetic Muscle Function and Anaerobic Exercise Capacity in the Knee According to Kukki Taekwondo Training Type

This study’s purpose was to measure and compare isokinetic muscle function and anaerobic exercise capacity of knee joints according to the three Kukki Taekwondo competition types. Methods: A total of 21 elite Korean male poomsae (forms), gyorugi (sparring), and demonstration athletes majoring in Taekwondo were selected as the subjects of the study. Subjects’ physical fitness levels were measured using standardized strength, endurance, agility, balance, and flexibility tests. In particular, the isokinetic muscle function measurement system was used to measure the muscle function of subjects’ knee joints, and the Wingate test was used to measure their anaerobic exercise ability. Results: Gyorugi athletes showed better results than their poomsae and demonstration counterparts in nearly all metrics, including body composition, physical fitness factors, isokinetic muscle function (60°/sec), muscle power (180°/sec), and anaerobic exercise capacity. Gyorugi athletes were also taller and showed higher muscle mass, strength, muscular endurance, and agility. However, poomsae athletes showed a higher level of flexibility. The results found isokinetic muscle function and anaerobic exercise capacity of the knee joint to be most important for gyorugi athletes and then for demonstration and poomsae athletes, in that order. Conclusions: This study provides useful information needed to identify the physical fitness factors of the different Kukki Taekwondo athletes, and, in turn, it is may serve as important fundamental data for developing future systematic Taekwondo training programs.