Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Department of Exercise Physiology, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
10.22080/jaep.2026.31316.2247
Abstract
Objectives: In recent years, limited information has been available regarding the physiological capabilities of elite taekwondo athletes in Iran. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the physiological profile of male elite taekwondo athletes in Iran.
Methods: In this descriptive study, sixteen male taekwondo athletes invited to the national team in 2025, representing eight international weight categories, participated. The athletes’ anthropometric characteristics, body composition, and physical fitness components were assessed, including aerobic power (Queens Step Test), muscular power (Sargent Jump Test), flexibility (Sit-and-Reach Test), agility (4 × 9 m shuttle run test), and speed (30 m sprint test).
Results: The most important findings were as follows: the mean ± standard deviation of the participants’ height was 179.1 ± 5.7 cm, leg length was 107.8 ± 3.8 cm, body fat percentage was 9.2 ± 2.3%, muscular power was 1003.9 ± 170.5 W, aerobic power was 41.3 ± 3.8 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, flexibility was 40.5 ± 7.6 cm, agility was 2.9 ± 0.3 s, and sprint speed (30 m) was 7.4 ± 0.2 s.
Conclusion: According to the results, although all components of the physiological profile of elite male taekwondo athletes were at an acceptable level, comparison with leading countries such as South Korea indicates that greater attention should be given to improving certain components, including aerobic power, muscular endurance, speed, and agility.
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