Taekwondo training improves balance in volunteers over 40

Effect of an adapted Taekwondo-based intervention on functional and motor abilities in elderly care home residents: a study protocol

This pilot protocol study aims to evaluate the effects of an adapted Taekwondo-based intervention on upper limb strength and overall functional capacity in elderly care home residents. Considering the global trend of population ageing, physical activity interventions in care facilities are essential to mitigate functional decline and enhance well-being among this population. 20 participants will be stratified into walking and non-walking groups to reflect the diverse functional levels within the facility. The primary outcome will focus on upper limb strength, which will be assessed using the handgrip test. In contrast, secondary outcomes will evaluate functional capacity through the Short Physical Performance Battery, the Senior Fitness Test and mobility assessments. With its emphasis on arm movements, the Taekwondo-based intervention is expected to improve upper limb strength and overall functional abilities, supporting active ageing and enhancing participants' quality of life.

Effects of Taekwondo intervention on balance ability: A meta-analysis and systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the effects of Taekwondo interventions on balance ability through meta-analysis and systematic review. Additionally, an optimal intervention protocol was proposed based on subgroup analysis of single-leg stance outcomes to enhance the overall effect.

METHODS

Systematic searches were conducted in Chinese (CNKI, WANFANG DATA), English (Web of Science, PubMed), and Korean (KISS, RISS, DBPIA) databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs), pre-post studies, and cross-sectional studies (CSS) evaluating Taekwondo's impact on balance. A total of 21 studies encompassing 972 participants were included. The risk of bias in the RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool version 2 (RoB 2.0), and the methodological quality of pre-post and cross-sectional studies was evaluated with the Methodology Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. Quantitative analyses focused on measures such as single-leg stance with eyes closed, marching in place with eyes closed, and assessments using the Win pod device. Qualitative analyses addressed other assessment methods.

RESULTS

The overall risk of bias results for the included RCTs indicated that four studies were classified as high risk, while the remaining studies demonstrated some concerns regarding risk. The methodological quality of the included non-RCTs was assessed as moderate. Furthermore, the quantitative outcomes indicated that Taekwondo interventions significantly enhanced both static (single-leg stance with eyes closed; ES = 0.862, p<0.001) and dynamic (marching in place with eyes closed; ES = 0.296, p = 0.036) balance abilities. However, analysis using the Win pod device for static balance showed no significant improvement (p>0.05). Subgroup analysis for the single-leg stance with eyes closed demonstrated the most substantial effects in adults (ES = 1.191, p = 0.001) and females (ES = 0.786, p = 0.005). The most effective Taekwondo intervention featured a duration of 12 weeks (ES = 1.375, p = 0.002), a frequency of once per week (ES = 1.406, p = 0.003), and a times length of 60-70 minutes (ES = 1.028, p<0.001). Qualitative assessments supported these findings, indicating overall beneficial impacts on balance from Taekwondo training across various populations and evaluation methods.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, Taekwondo interventions are effective for enhancing static and dynamic balance abilities, especially in adult females. It is recommended to follow a training protocol of 60-70 minutes per times, once weekly, for 12 weeks to optimize static balance improvements.

Adapted Taekwondo Improves Postural Balance and Health-Related Quality of Life Concerning Multicomponent Training and Walking Exercise in Older Females: A Randomized Controlled Trial (TKD and Aging Project)

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to assess and compare the effects of an adapted taekwondo (TKD) program, multicomponent training (MCT), walking exercise (WE), and inactive control group (CG) on blood pressure, morphological variables, frequency of food consumption, cognitive status, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical fitness tests, and postural balance in independent older females. Methods: A randomized controlled trial study was conducted with the following groups: TKD (n = 13), MCT (n = 12), WE (n = 12), and CG (n = 14), considering three/weekly 60-min/sessions for 16-weeks. A two-factor mixed analysis of the variance model with repeated measures was performed. Results: TKD improved significantly more in phonetic fluency (p = 0.021; ES = 1.89) than WE and in general health (p = 0.033; ES = 1.11) than CG. Both TKD and MCT improved significantly more than CG in the 30 s chair stand, arm curl, chair sit-and-reach, timed up-and-go, maximal isometric handgrip strength, and postural balance for the eyes closed condition in the area and anteroposterior velocity (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Only TKD improved the area (p = 0.008; ES = 1.00) and mediolateral velocity (p = 0.019; ES = 0.79) for the eyes open condition, and mediolateral velocity (p = 0.021; ES = 1.57) for the eyes closed condition. Blood pressure, morphological variables, and food consumption frequency showed no significant intragroup or intergroup interactions. TKD equivalently improved HRQoL and physical fitness to MCT, with better postural balance in older females.

Taekwondo Poomsae practise in slow motion and the balance of healthy older adults: A Pre-Experimental Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Poor balance confidence and functional balance can lead to falls in community-dwelling older adults. Exercises utilising slow movements have been shown to improve balance in this population. It is hypothesised that by superimposing the use of slow movements onto Taekwondo Poomsae, there could be similar benefits in improving balance confidence and functional balance in older adults.

METHODS

This was a pre - experimental study. Fifteen community-dwelling older adults received 11 weeks of Slow Poomsae (SP) training using a proposed 50-min protocol. Pre- and post-intervention scores of the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Simplified Scale (ABC-S), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and 'Timed Up and Go' test (TUG) assessments were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

Fifteen eligible participants with mean and standard deviation (SD) of age 73.8 (6.05) years completed the study. Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were seen in the pre-post differences between ABC-S, BBS, DGI, and TUG, with median score changes of 15 points (Z = -3.408), 3 points (Z = -3.306), 3 points (Z = -2.852), and 3.5 s (Z = -3.296) respectively.

CONCLUSION

The preliminary findings support the efficacy of SP as a potential balance training programme that is safe for healthy older adults to improve their balance confidence and functional balance. More research is required on this topic that leans towards a large population blinded randomised controlled trial with a longer intervention period and inclusion of a follow-up to further elucidate the effects of long-term practice and novelty of SP.

Dynamic balance improvement in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder after an extracurricular Service-Learning Physical Education program

This study aimed to examine the acute changes in dynamic balance Postural Control experienced by children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who undertook a 6-month extracurricular Service-Learning Physical Education (PE) program. The study used a quasi-experimental design with 23 participants divided into an experimental group and a control group. Limits of Stability protocol was used to measure the children's postural control. The results showed that the experimental group achieved statistically significant improvements. To conclude, this study provides substantial input about how extracurricular PE activities aimed at developing the general motor proficiency of ASD children can improve their dynamic balance.

Functional Benefits of Hard Martial Arts for Older Adults: A Scoping Review

The present scoping review focused upon the functional benefits of hard martial arts training for older adults. The AXIS Critical Appraisal Tool was used to appraise all studies included in the review. A systematic literature search identified 265 papers via electronic database and ten papers from additional sources. Of these, six studies featuring 240 participants were included in the final scoping review. Of the included studies, three were randomized control trials and three were comparative studies with concurrent controls. The available studies outlined improvements in functional fitness parameters for older adults participating in hard martial arts training (strength 9.3-34%; mobility 9.5-13.6%; aerobic endurance 13.4%; flexibility 11.1-316.7%; balance 20.5%). However, inconsistencies in training stimulus and a limited number of studies highlight the need for further research before hard martial arts can be recommended for older adults. Based upon the limited available literature, to improve functional fitness, hard martial arts training should be conducted for 60 to 90 minutes, at least twice a week for a minimum of eleven weeks.

Five weeks of Yuishinkai karate training improves balance and neuromuscular function in older adults: a preliminary study

Background

Martial arts training has shown positive impacts on balance and physiological measurements. Further investigation of the contents and feasibility of an effective therapeutic assessment of martial arts is needed in older adults, mainly for future applications and real-world implementation.

Methods

Sixteen older adults (8 male, 8 female, age 59–90 years), with or without chronic conditions, participated in a preliminary study using 5-weeks of karate training and a triple baseline control procedure. Group and single subject data analyses were conducted for dynamic balance, Timed Up and Go (TUG), hand grip, ankle plantarflexion force, and spinal cord excitability (via the soleus H-reflex) pre- and post-training.

Results

On average, participants completed a total of 2437 steps, 1762 turns, 3585 stance changes, 2047 punches, 2757 blocks, and 1253 strikes. Karate training improved dynamic balance performance such that the group average time was reduced (time to target (−13.6%, p = 0.020) and time to center (−8.3%, p = 0.010)). TUG was unchanged when considering the entire group (p = 0.779), but six participants displayed significant changes. Left handgrip (7.9%, p = 0.037), and plantarflexion force in the right (28.8%, p = 0.045) and left leg (13.3%, p = 0.024) increased for the group. Spinal cord excitability remained unchanged in group data analysis but 5 individuals had modulated H_max/M_max ratios.

Conclusion

5-weeks of karate training delivered in a fashion to mimic generally accessible community-level programs improved balance and strength in older adults. Whole-body movement embodied in karate training enhanced neuromuscular function and postural control. We met the overriding goal of this preliminary study to emphasize and assess feasibility and safety for the generalizability of martial arts interventions to real-world communities to impact health outcomes. Further quantitative work should explore threshold dose and development of martial arts training interventions as potential “exercise is medicine” functional fitness for older adults.

An Overview on Cognitive Function Enhancement through Physical Exercises

This review is extensively focused on the enhancement of cognitive functions while performing physical exercises categorized into cardiovascular exercises, resistance training, martial arts, racquet sports, dancing and mind-body exercises. Imaging modalities, viz. functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG), have been included in this review. This review indicates that differences are present in cognitive functioning while changing the type of physical activity performed. This study concludes that employing fNIRS helps overcome certain limitations of fMRI. Further, the effects of physical activity on a diverse variety of the population, from active children to the old people, are discussed.

Effect of Regular Taekwondo Self-Defense Training on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Markers in Postmenopausal Women

We aimed to investigate the effect of a 12-week Taekwondo self-defense training course on oxidative stress and inflammation in postmenopausal women. Sixteen middle-aged women participated and were randomized into two groups: a control group (CG, n = 8) and a Taekwondo self-defense training group (TSDG, n = 8). The TSDG was trained for 60 min, four times per week, for 12 weeks. Following the Taekwondo training intervention, side-step was significantly higher in the TSDG than in the CG (p < 0.001). Malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower after the intervention than before in the TSDG (p < 0.01). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were also significantly higher after the intervention than before in the TSDG (p < 0.001). After the Taekwondo training intervention, SOD levels were significantly higher in the TSDG than in the CG (p < 0.01). Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels were significantly lower after the intervention than before in the TSDG (p < 0.05). After the Taekwondo training intervention, TNF-α levels were significantly lower in the TSDG than in the CG (p < 0.05). The results of this study suggest that Taekwondo self-defense training is an effective exercise that improves agility, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses in postmenopausal women.

The Impact of Age, Gender and Technical Experience on Three Motor Coordination Skills in Children Practicing Taekwondo

The study aim was to investigate the age, gender and technical level on motor coordination abilities of Taekwondo children. One hundred and fifteen children (83 male, 32 female), aged 7.76 ± 1.71 years, divided in three different groups, under 8 (5–7 years), under 10 (8–9 years) and under 12 (10–11 years), underwent three coordination skills tests: the ruler drop test (RDT), assessing visual reaction time, the hexagonal test (HT), assessing agility, and the target kick test (TKT), assessing kicking ability. MANOVA showed significant gender differences for TKT, in which females showed higher scores than males (p = 0.033). Significant differences were found in HT and TKT, where the under 12 group showed higher scores than younger athletes (p < 0.001). No differences amongst different age groups were found in RDT, showing that this could be a good predictor of Taekwondo performance, assessed at an early stage. High-level athletes showed better scores in all the tests than the low levels, as it was expected. Coordinative performance improves with age and is positively influenced by practicing a sports activity. The predisposition to a particular sport with a well-planned training may lead to a motor proficiency comparable to that reached by older athletes and better than same-age athletes.

Sustainable Service-Learning in Physical Education Teacher Education: Examining Postural Control to Promote ASD Children's Well-Being

As classrooms become more and more diverse, it is imperative to provide physical education teacher education (PETE) students with opportunities to develop competencies that promote quality education for all students. In this study, PETE students applied a physical education service-learning (SL) program aimed at enhancing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children’s motor domain and general well-being—objectives that are connected to the third focus of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Traditionally, research on SL has focused on students’ outcomes, and there is a call to examine SL’s effects on service receivers, which is the gap this paper aspires to fill. The aim of this study was to measure the postural control of children with ASD who were involved in a 6-month SL program in comparison to ASD peers in a control group. A quasi-experimental design was used in which a total of 29 children with ASD participated. The results of the experimental group showed a significant improvement in the vestibular pathways, an improvement trend in the somatosensorial and visual pathways and improvements in the dynamic tests. This study provides valuable feedback about how SL programs can benefit ASD children to improve their postural control, thus contributing to the third SDG concerned with well-being promotion.

Physical, physiological and psychological profiles of elite Turkish taekwondo athletes

Study aim: To identify the physical, physiological and psychological profiles of elite Turkish taekwondo athletes.

Material and methods: Twelve players of the Turkish national taekwondo team (age = 22.7 ± 2.8 years, BMI = 22.2 ± 1.4 kg/m2, body fat = 12.8 ± 3.4%) participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements including leg length and foot size were assessed. Maximal oxygen uptake, explosive power of leg extensors, isokinetic peak torque, muscular endurance, anaerobic power, agility, flexibility, maximal speed, reaction time, and postural balance were examined by incremental treadmill running, vertical jump, isokinetic strength, sit-ups and push-ups, Wingate, shuttle run, sit-and-reach, 30-meter sprint, multiple-choice reaction time, and General Postural Stability and Athlete Single Leg stability tests, respectively. Psychological characteristics including mental skills and mood states were evaluated using OMSAT-3 and POMS tests.

Results: VO2max, isokinetic peak torque and Wingate test mean power values were 54.1 ± 4.4 mL ∙ kg−1 ∙ min−1, 191.7 ± 19.2 N ∙ m, and 9 ± 0.7 W/kg, respectively. Postural stability index 0.18 ± 0.06, single leg stability index 0.82 ± 0.11, reaction time 0.344 ± 0.032 s, 10 × 5-m shuttle run 17.09 ± 0.68 s, 30-meter sprint 4.60 ± 0.23 s, and vertical jump 43.5 ± 6.1 cm were the other values reported. The highest scores for the 12 mental skills in OMSAT-3 were for goal setting (6.25 ± 0.45) and self-confidence (6.16 ± 0.45). The lowest score was for Imagery (5.64 ± 0.36). The results of six mood states of POMS showed higher scores on the Vigor-activity, Anger-Hostility and Tension-Anxiety scales and lower scores on Depression-Dejection, Fatigue-Inertia and Confusion-Bewilderment than norms.

Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed the physical, physiological, and psychological characteristics in taekwondo. The results of the tests could be useful for performance assessment of taekwondo players.

Taekwondo Training Improves Mood and Sociability in Children from Multicultural Families in South Korea: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Purpose: Children from multicultural families face physical, social, mental, and intellectual hurdles; however, relative interventions are lacking in South Korea (hereafter Korea) in this regard. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of regular Taekwondo (TKD) training on physical fitness, mood, sociability, and cognitive functions in these children. Methods: This study included 30 children from multicultural families in Korea who were randomly assigned to a TKD group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15). The children in TKD group underwent 16 weeks of TKD training once a week for 60 min. Each participant underwent a basic fitness test and sociability questionnaire before and after the intervention. Furthermore, we examined the changes in the mood and cognitive function by determining the profile of mood states (POMS), and Stroop color and word test, respectively. Results: Results of the Stork test of balance were significantly higher in the TKD group after intervention (p < 0.05). In terms of sub-variables, POMS, tension, and depression scores were significantly lower (p < 0.05) after the intervention, while the vigor score was significantly higher in the intervention group than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, sociability and ‘being left out’ score, a sub-variable of sociability, was significantly lower (p < 0.05) after the intervention, while sociability score was significantly higher (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that participation in regular TKD training can be effective for balanced improvements in variables of basic fitness and that it exerts a positive effect on the mood and development of sociability.

Health benefits of hard martial arts in adults: a systematic review

Participation in organized sports is promoted as a means of increasing physical activity levels and reducing chronic disease risk in adults. Hard martial arts practice (i.e. using body contact techniques), has gained in popularity over time. This review explores the evidence for health benefits of "hard" martial arts practice within the adult population. A systematic electronic database search was conducted, and quality assessments applied the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria, examining balance, cognitive function, muscular skeletal status, psychological, cardiovascular fitness, and metabolic effects. The majority of studies reported positive effects resulting from hard martial arts practice, showing some improvement and maintenance of balance, cognitive function and psychological health. Benefits may be obtained regardless of the age of practice commencement. However, quality of the evidence is affected by methodological weaknesses across the studies. "Hard" martial arts seem to have potential to improve balance and cognitive functions that decline with age, which can lead to poorer health outcomes among the elderly (e.g. cognitive decline, falls and fractures). Benefits should be further investigated with improved intervention studies, representative samples and longer follow-up periods in order to establish associations with morbidity and mortality in the long term.

Effects of Taekwondo intervention on balance in children with autism spectrum disorder

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week Taekwondo (TKD) intervention on balance in children with autism spec-trum disorder (ASD). A total of 14 children with ASD participated in this study. Eight children (eight males; mean age, 10.25±2.38 yr) completed TKD intervention (50 min/2 times/8 week), and six children received no intervention serving as controls (five males, one female; mean age, 10.00±2.83 yr). A computed posturography system with a long forceplate (NeuroCom Balance Master) was used to evaluate static (double and single leg stance with various test conditions) and functional balance (step-quick-turn). Balance was measured before and after the intervention. A mixed-model analysis of variance showed a significant group by time interaction in single leg stance balance. After the intervention, the TKD group displayed a greater improvement in single leg stance balance with eyes closed condition than the control group (P=0.046). Within-group analysis showed that the TKD group significantly improved single leg stance balance with eyes open condition (P=0.014). In addition, TKD group displayed trends of improvements in double leg stance balance with unstable surface under eyes closed condition (ES=0.83) and step-quick-turn (Cohen d [ES]=0.70). The control group did not show any significant changes in balance outcomes. In conclusion, TKD training can help children with ASD improve their balance. Children with ASD also showed a high rate of adherence (92%) to the TKD training. Our findings suggest that TKD can be a fun, feasible, and effective therapeutic option for balance improvement of children with ASD.

The effects of five weeks of kickboxing training on physical fitness

AIM

the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of kickboxing training on physical fitness.

METHODS

30 subjects were randomized into a kickboxing-group (n=15) and control group (n=15). Each group trained approximately 1-hour per day, three-times per a week during five weeks. Muscle-power (upper-body: bench-press-test, medicine-ball-test; lower-body: squat-jump and counter-movement-jump-test), flexibility, speed and agility, aerobic (progressive maximal exercise test), anaerobic fitness (Wingate test) and body composition were assessed before and after the training period.

RESULTS

the kickboxing group showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) in upper-body muscle power, aerobic power, anaerobic fitness, flexibility, speed and agility after training whereas body composition, squat jump and counter movement jump (height, power and velocity components) did not change for both groups.

CONCLUSION

kickboxing-practice was effective to change many physical variables. Thus, this activity can be useful for enhancing physical fitness, but complementary activities and/or nutritional interventions should be necessary.

Cognition Improvement in Taekwondo Novices Over 40. Results from the SEKWONDO Study

Age-related cognitive decline is associated with increased risk of disability, dementia, and death. Recent studies suggest improvement in cognitive speed, attention, and executive functioning with physical activity. However, whether such improvements are activity specific is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to study the effect of 1 year age-adapted Taekwondo training on several cognitive functions, including reaction/motor time, information processing speed, and working and executive memory, in 24 healthy volunteers over 40. Reaction and motor time decreased with 41.2 and 18.4 s (p = 0.004, p = 0.015), respectively. Digit symbol coding task improved with a mean of 3.7 digits (p = 0.017). Digit span, letter fluency, and trail making test task-completion-time all improved, but not statistically significant. The questionnaire reported "better" reaction time in 10 and "unchanged" in 9 of the 19 study compliers. In conclusion, our data suggest that age-adapted Taekwondo training improves various aspects of cognitive function in people over 40, which may, therefore, offer a cheap, safe, and enjoyable way to mitigate age-related cognitive decline.