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ABSTRACT ABSTRACT
Taekwondo has evolved from a traditional martial art into a modern-day Olympic combat sport. Despite this transition, knowledge of the physiological demands of this combat sport is in its infancy. This thesis investigates the physiological demands of competitive Taekwondo using experienced male international Taekwondo competitors.
Physiological measures and activity profile information were initially collected in championship Taekwondo competition to determine the fundamental physiological demands of this combat sport. The activity profile of championship Taekwondo combat elicited near-maximal heart rate (HR) responses and high blood lactate concentrations. The activity levels and physiological responses (e.g. HR and blood lactate) increased significantly between round 1 and 3 of combat. These data collectively suggest that the activity pattern of Taekwondo combat imposes high aerobic and anaerobic demands on the competitors, and these energetic requirements are increased as the rounds progress. The activity profile in championship combat was also modulated by a competitor’s weight division. Most notably, the data highlighted a predominance of fighting activity for heavy weights, and longer preparatory actions and less frequent fighting exchanges for feather weights.
A Taekwondo competition simulation was devised and implemented to examine the physiological and hormonal responses to Taekwondo combat in simulated and championship settings. The championship Taekwondo combats elevated the physiological (e.g. HR, plasma lactate, glucose and glycerol) and hormonal responses (e.g. plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline) in comparison to simulated combats performed in a controlled setting. These divergent responses were evident even though both combat settings exhibited comparable activity profiles. This suggests that the contrasting physiological and hormonal responses were mediated by the stress responses to fighting in championship events.