Adölesan Tekvandocularda Alt Ekstremite Fiziksel Uygunluk Parametrelerinin Ekstremiteler Arası Karşılaştırılması

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare lower extremity-specific balance, flexibility, power, and reaction time parameters and hip muscle strength between limbs in adolescent Taekwondo athletes. The secondary aim was to evaluate the test-retest reliability of the assessment method used to measure kick reaction time using the BlazePodTM device. Fifty healthy adolescent elite Taekwondo athletes were included in the study. The participants' hip muscle strength was assessed using a handheld dynamometer; lower extremity balance was assessed with the Y-balance test; flexibility was assessed using the modified sit-and-reach test; lower extremity power was assessed with the drop-jump test using the EzeJump power measurement platform; and reaction time was assessed with the BlazePod™ device. Significant differences in favor of the dominant extremity were found in isometric hip adductor and hip external rotator muscle strength (p<0.05). Additionally, the dominant extremity showed higher values in flexibility, average kick reaction time, and the number of light disks extinguished (p<0.05). There were no differences between the extremities in other variables (p>0.05). Moreover, the side kick reaction time test using the BlazePodTM device showed excellent test-retest reliability for measuring side kick reaction time (ICC=0.95) and the number of hits (ICC=0.91). Due to the unilateral nature of the kicking movement, long-term repetitive loading can result in asymmetries between extremities in terms of flexibility, reaction time, and hip muscle strength. Our results indicate that monitoring the lower extremity physical fitness parameters of Taekwondo athletes is important for identifying asymmetries between extremities. These assessments conducted pre-season, mid-season, and post-season, can help identify athletes at risk and guide the development of future preventive rehabilitation or training programs.