The effect of core training applied to taekwondo athletesbetween 14-16 years of age for 8 weeks on their speed,endurance, agility and flexibility skills

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of core training applied to taekwondo athletes between the ages of 14-16 for 8 weeks on their speed, endurance, agility and flexibility skills. A total of (n=31) licensed taekwondo athletes including 15 experimental and 16 control groups, voluntarily participated in the study. The endurance skills of the participants were measured using Yo-Yo Test, speed skills were measured using the 10m and 20m sprint tests, agility skills were measured using the pro agility test, and flexibility skills were measured using the sit-and-reach flexibility test. All data were recorded based on the pre- and post-test models. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS 22.0 statistical software. The Shapiro-Wilk Test was used to determine whether the data were normally distributed. Since the data did not show a normal distribution, non- parametric tests were preferred. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used to determine differences between pre- and post-tests for the experimental and control groups. According to the result of the statistical analysis, it was determined that the 8-week core training applied to the experimental group significantly improved participants' agility, aerobic endurance, 10 m sprint, 20 m sprint, and flexibility skills in the post-test. It was also found that the control group significantly improved their aerobic endurance and agility skills in the post-test. Core exercises play a critical role in optimizing performance parameters such as speed, endurance, agility, and flexibility, thereby improving the athletes' general athletic capacity. It can be recommended to include core training along with other methods for improving the physical fitness parameters of athletes. Keywords: Taekwondo, Speed, Endurance, Agility, Flexibility.