Can Match-Mimicking Intermittent Practice Be Used as a Simulatory Training Mode of Competition Using Olympic Time Frame in Elite Taekwondo Athletes?

Abstract

Aim: The physiological realities between Taekwondo (TKD) simulation kicking training and TKD competition according to the Olympic time frame remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to establish an Olympic match-simulated kicking model and compare its effects with real TKD competition on physiological challenges and hormonal responses during serial matches in elite athletes. Method: Sixteen elite TKD athletes randomly were assigned into either a TKD match-simulated kicking group (TMSK; N = 8, age: 21.3 ± 0.2 years) or a simulated TKD competition group (STC; N = 8, age: 21.6 ± 0.5 years). Both groups performed either simulated kicking or TKD competitions in the same time-course order, and all physiological parameters and blood sampling time-points were identical between groups. The heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded during each match-simulated kicking and TKD competition session. Blood samples were obtained before competition (Pre-Comp.), after competition—in ths case meaning four consecutive matches (End-Comp.), and 24 h after the first match (Next day) for determination of biomarkers of muscle damage (myoglobin and CK), hematological profiles, and hormonal profiles (testosterone and cortisol). Results: The responses of HR, RPE, and blood lactate levels during the consecutive testing sessions showed no differences between TMSK and STC. The changes in CK and myoglobin were greater in STC ( p < 0.05), and a greater decrease in red blood cell (RBC) loss was observed in the STC group ( p < 0.05). Compared with TMSK, the inflammatory state, reflected by the ratios of neutrophils-to-lymphocyte (NLR) and platelets-to-lymphocyte (PLR), was higher in STC ( p < 0.05). Moreover, the catabolic state (cortisol/testosterone) was greater in STC than in TMSK ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: We demonstrated that, compared with TMSK, the STC produced greater muscle damage, inflammatory responses, and catabolic stress in the Olympic competition time frame in elite male TKD athletes. Although TMSK is capable of eliciting similar physiological challenges as TKD competition, the muscle damage and hormonal profiles provoked by TMSK were not comparable to TKD competition. Our findings provide science-based data and better understanding for coaches, athletes, and sports scientists to develop TKD-specific training programs for Olympic preparation.

The effects of acute high intensity interval training on hematological parameters and neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio in elite taekwondo athletes according to gender

“…The authors speculated that LYM reduction may be related to cytotoxic agents released from injured muscles and altered immune cell balance profiles during recovery after combat exercise. 36 In our study, it was also observed that, in the proportional distribution of leukocyte subparameters, it was observed that the % of LYM decreased significantly more in males. This was a finding supporting the proportional distribution of NEU % within the leukocytes subparameters in males than in females.…”

“…The authors declared that this increased systemic immune response is associated with many endocrine, metabolic and immune processes that occur with the effect of exercise. 36 On the other hand, in a study conducted in 2016 among elite Taekwondo athletes, it has been claimed that the increase of approximately 48% in the NLR value measured after 10 weeks of competition preparation training after an 8-week period of no training may be related to the anti-inflammatory effect of regular exercise. 37 Our study had particularly limitations, as well.…”

Comparing the effects of traditional resistance training and functional training on the bio-motor capacities of female elite taekwondo athletes

“…It is currently held in more than 210 countries worldwide [ 2 ]. Taekwondo competitions include three rounds, each for 2 min, separated by 1-min rest between rounds in the Olympics [ 1 – 4 ]. The winner is the fighter who completes two out of three rounds in his/her favor [ 5 ].…”

“…The winner is the fighter who completes two out of three rounds in his/her favor [ 5 ]. Athletes may have to fight in 4–5 matches in one day to reach the final match; as such, they encounter excessive physiological fatigue during the competition [ 3 , 4 ]. Therefore, taekwondo can be described as a high-intensity combat sport, to defeat the opponent by using accurate hand and foot strikes [ 6 ].…”

Combat Response Training Tester Based on Intelligent Force-Measuring Sensor and Digital Circuit

“…The reaction time of human boxing is completed by the timer of MSP430 single-chip microcomputer. Therefore, the combat trainer can be used as a continuous boxing exercise and can also be used to test the reaction time, boxing speed, and boxing strength of a boxing [14]. Literature [15] takes judo competition as the object and puts forward a time-motion performance evaluation method.…”