Abstract - Relationship between frequency speed of kick test performance, optimal load, and anthropometric variables in black-belt taekwondo athletes
Aim. The purpose of this study was to verify the relationship between frequency speed of kick test (FSKT) performance, optimal load, and anthropometric characteristics in taekwondo athletes.
Material and Methods. Sixteen black-belt taekwondo athletes volunteered to participate in the study. FSKT performance with durations of 10s and 90s, optimal load in jump squat and bench throw, and anthropometric characteristics were measured, including somatotype.
Results. Significant correlations were found between height and FSKT10s (rs = -0.53 [large]; p = 0.017), height and FSKT4 (rs = -0.514 [large]; p = 0.021), and body fat (kg) and FSKT4 (rs = -0.606 [large]; p = 0.006). The ANOVA (F 1.68, 25.20 = 23.28; p<0.001; η² = 0.608 [large]; post hoc observed power: 1.00) results indicated that the number of kicks during FSKT1 (Mean±SD: 21±2) was superior to FSKT2 (20±2), FSKT3 (19±2), FSKT4 (18±2), and FSKT5 (18±2) (p <0.01). The number of kicks during FSKT2 was superior to FSKT3, FSKT4, and FSKT5 (p <0.05). The number of kicks during FSKT3 was superior to FSKT4 (p <0.05).
Conclusions. The FSKT is a field test that correlates with physical characteristics important to the performance of taekwondo athletes and which can be conducted in training centers. Additionally, FSKT is a new field taekwondo test that presents peak of kicks, total kicks and kick decrement index. Coaches and strength and conditioning professionals will benefit from using this tool to monitor taekwondo athletes.