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Anthropometric Characteristics of Elite Male Taekwondo Players Based on Weight Categories

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the anthropometric characteristics of elite taekwondo players based on weight categories, and to determine if the length of the lower extremities might influence player’s success-level. A total of 59 elite male taekwondo players (22.02 ± 3.07 years) participated in this study.

Methods

All anthropometric assessments were performed according to the standards and methodology of the International Society for Advancement of Kinanthropometry. The 18 anthropometrical variables were measured for each athlete and compared between 7 different weight categories. The players were also divided into two groups (national and international) and the ratios of sitting-height to stature were compared.

Results

There were significant differences (P < 0.05) between weight divisions in stature, body mass index, percentage of body fat, endomorphy, and mesomorphy, which were greater (P < 0.05) in heavy weight groups than light weight groups, and ectomorphy, which was greater (P < 0.05) in very light weight groups compared with the other weights. There was no significant difference in lean mass index (P > 0.05) between weight groups. Sitting height/stature ratio was significantly different (P < 0.05) between the two groups, where the international group had longer lower extremities than the national group.

Conclusion

The findings of this study provide a valuable framework to support talent identification programmes and the development of specialised preparatory strategies for different weight divisions with the sport.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all coaches and taekwondo players competing in the 2015 league for their participation and cooperation. The authors also wish to thank Iranian taekwondo federation for support with the data collection process.

Funding

The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Exercise Physiology, Physical Education and Sport Science College, Shahid Beheshti University, Velenjak, Tehran, Iran

    Mohsen Mirali

  2. Head of Health and Sport Studies Department, Strategic Studies and Research Center, Sport and Youth Ministry, Tehran, Iran

    Shahram Faradjzadeh Mevaloo

  3. Sports Nutrition and Performance Research Group, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Wilson CentreOrmskirk, L39 4QP, UK

    Craig Bridge

  4. Department of Exercise Physiology, Physical Education and Sport Science College, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

    Fariborz Hovanloo

Authors
  1. Mohsen Mirali
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  2. Shahram Faradjzadeh Mevaloo
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  3. Craig Bridge
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  4. Fariborz Hovanloo
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Correspondence to Mohsen Mirali.

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The authors declare that we have no conflict of interest and a relevant statement is provided within the acknowledgement section.

Ethics approval

The research has been conducted ethically according to international standards, which conform to the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki.

Consent to participate

All subjects were informed of the test procedures, benefits and potential risks, and written informed consent was attained from all participants using an institutionally approved informed consent form.

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The authors declare that we have consent to publish in journal Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise.

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Mirali, M., Faradjzadeh Mevaloo, S., Bridge, C. et al. Anthropometric Characteristics of Elite Male Taekwondo Players Based on Weight Categories. J. of SCI. IN SPORT AND EXERCISE 4, 91–97 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42978-021-00137-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42978-021-00137-x

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