Comparison of training loads and motoric properties of elite and non-elite taekwondo players

Aim: This study aims to compare weekly training loads and motoric characteristics of elite and nonelit taekwondo players for 1 month during the 2019-2020 season preparation training period and to reveal whether the difference between elite-nonelit taekwondo players is due to training loads or motoric features. Methods: A total of 16 competitor male volunteer taekwondo players, including elite eight and nonelit eight, who actively do sport in the 63-68-74 kg weight category of the big men in İstanbul participated in this study. The elite and nonelit taekwondo players in the study did not participate in any competition during the study and in weekly training programs, elite taekwondo players performed technical, tactical and explosive training five days a week. However nonelit taekwondo players performed just technical training three days a week. The study consisted of training load measurements and anthropometric, agility, sprint, isokinetic dynamometer tests. Anthropometric tests were done three days before the start of the study. Agility and sprint tests were done two days before the study. Isokinetic dynamometer tests were done one day before the study. Internal training loads were monitored for one month with the RPE method using the phone application called Fatigue Index Calculation Module. Results: According to the results of statistical analysis, body fat percentages, sprint and agility test times of elite taekwondo players are significantly lower compared to nonelit taekwondo players (p<0,05). In addition, the weekly average RPE and dominant-nondominant leg knee and hip flexion-extension values at angular speeds of 60-1800/sec of the elite taekwondo players were statistically higher and significant compared to nonelit taekwondo players (p<0,05). Conclusion: In the taekwondo branch, high training load value and good motoric features have been shown to be an important finding in being an elite athlete. Keywords: Taekwondo, Training Load, Internal Training Load, sRPE, İsokinetic Measurement, Sprint, Agility, Smartspeed.