SURVEYING PHYSICAL FITNESS OF THE ADOLESCENT MALE TAEKWONDO ATHLETES OF IRAN NATIONAL TEAM

Abstract

O bjectives: To survey the physical fitness (anthropometrics and physiological characteristics) of the ad o le sc en t m ale T aekw ando a th letes o f Iran n a tio n a l team d u rin g 2002-2005 y ears. Study design: Descriptive study.
Subjects and Methods: Members of adolescent national team during 2002-2005 were examined as a static society composed of 10 members each year. Different factors of physical fitness and anthropometric characteristics (i.e. age, weight, height, vertical jump, sit ups, agility, flexibility and reaction time) were experimented. All the results were written on individuals’ registration cards. The data collected was based on the practical test done by all male Taekwondo athletes invited to National Team Camp during 2002 and 2005.
Results: The bestrecord in verticaljump (score= 53/9), sit ups (score=69), agility (score=16/69), flexibility (score=42) and reaction time (score=356/9) registered was during the year 2004. The worst ones registered included verticaljum p (score=49/2 in 2005), sit ups (score=55/7 in 2003), agility (score=17/36 in 2002), flexibility (score=36/9 in 2005) and reaction time (score=464/4 in 2002).
Conclusion: The best record registered was during year 2004 with 25 score, while the worst ones were registered in 2003 with 16 score. Successful Taekwondo athletes, therefore, had remarkable anthropometric and physiological characteristics.They also had a low amount ofbody fat, high speed in performing skills, and perfect agility for rapid movements.