Specificity Elicits Higher Maximal and Submaximal Cardiorespiratory Responses During a New Taekwondo Aerobic Test.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to propose and validate new taekwondo-specific cardiopulmonary exercise tests.

METHODS: Twelve male national-level taekwondo athletes (age 20 ± 2 yrs; body mass 67.5 ± 5.7 kg; height 175 ± 8 cm; training experience 7 ± 3 yrs) performed three separate exercise tests in a randomized counterbalanced order: 1) a Treadmill Running Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET); 2) Continuous and 3) Interval Taekwondo Cardiopulmonary Exercise Tests (cTKDet and iTKDet, respectively). The CPET was administered using an individualized ramp protocol. Taekwondo tests comprised sequences of turning kicks performed upon a stationary target. The impacts were recorded via an electronic scoring sensor used in official competition. Stages on the cTKDet and iTKDet lasted 1-min and progressively reduced the kick interval duration. These were guided by a sound signal, starting with 4.6s between kicks and reducing by 0.4s every minute until the test ended. Oxygen uptake (V̇O2 ), heart rate (HR), capillary blood lactate and ratings of perceived exertion were measured.

RESULTS: Modest differences were identified in V̇O2MAX between the tests (F2,22 =3.54; p=0.046; ES=0.16). HRMAX was higher during both taekwondo tests (F2,22 =14.3; p=0.001; ES=1.14) compared with CPET. Specific tests also yielded higher responses in the 1st ventilatory threshold V̇O2 (F2,22 =6.5; p=0.04; ES=0.27) and HR (F2,22 =12.3; p<0.001; ES=1.06), and HR at the 2nd ventilatory threshold (F2,22 =5.7; p=0.02; ES=0.72).

CONCLUSIONS: Taekwondo-specific cardiopulmonary tests enhance the validity of some cardiopulmonary responses, and might therefore be considered to optimise routine diagnostic testing and training prescription for this athletic group.