Performance-Related and Body Composition Differences Between High and Low-Performing Taekwondo Athletes: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Objectives: The main purpose of this exploratory study was to examine differences between high-performing (HP) and low-performing (LP) female taekwondo athletes in body composition, lower extremities power, and knee extension/flexion isokinetic torque. A secondary aim was to explore how body composition, torque, and power relate to performance in the multiple frequency speed of kick test (FSKTMULT). Methods: Twenty-six female taekwondo athletes (age: 18.0 ± 2.8 years; body mass: 58.1 ± 9.9 kg; height: 166.0 ± 0.05 cm) participated in the study. Athletes were classified as high performers (HP) or low performers (LP) based on their total score in the FSKTMULT. Measurements included body composition assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, countermovement jump (CMJ), standing long jump (LJ), and isokinetic knee extension and flexion at 60°/s and 240°/s. Results: High performers completed significantly more kicks during the first FSKTMULT set than low performers (19.8 ± 1.1 vs. 18.0 ± 0.9 kicks; p = 0.001). They also showed higher trunk lean mass (p = 0.038), greater total lean mass (p = 0.036), and better standing long jump performance (p = 0.016). Mean and peak knee-flexion torque at 60°/s were higher in HP compared to LP. When all athletes were analyzed as one group, moderate-to-large correlations were observed between FSKTMULT performance and body composition, as well as knee extension and flexion torque at both 60°/s and 240°/s. Conclusions: These findings indicate that high-performing female taekwondo athletes are stronger and generate greater power than low performers. Lean mass and knee extension and flexion torque showed moderate associations with FSKTMULT performance.