Determining the Injury Risk Levels of Kyorugi and Poomsae Taekwondo Athletes and Comparing Them With Selected Athletic Performance Parameters

Abstract

Background. Different disciplines within the same sport can lead to varying injury risks and performance requirements due to differences in energy systems, techniques, and competition rules. Problem and aim. This study assesses and compares injury risk levels among taekwondo athletes in the kyorugi and poomsae disciplines alongside selected athletic performance parameters. Material and Method. The study included 10 women (22 +/- 2.37 years) and 10 men (22 +/- 1.25 years) from the kyorugi discipline, and 10 women (19.4 +/- 2.55 years) and 10 men (18.8 +/- 3.29 years) from poomsae. All participants had competed in licensed elite-level competitions for at least 4 years. Injury risk and performance were evaluated using the Y balance test (YBT), reactive strength index (RSI), and functional movement screen (FMS). Results. Significant differences were found between male kyorugi and poomsae athletes in rotary stability (p=0.042), dominant leg Y balance (p=0.012), and composite scores (p=0.012). For female athletes, differences in dominant leg Y balance (p=0.049), anterior reach (p=0.027), RSI (p=0.001), and jump height (p=0.001) were noted. Female poomsae athletes had RSI values below normative standards. According to the YBT, the male poomsae group had the lowest number of athletes at risk of injury, whereas the female kyorugi group had the highest. Conclusions. Generally, taekwondo athletes displayed low injury risks based on FMS and YBT values, with moderate to low RSI risk levels. Increased reactive strength may correlate with higher injury risk. Female poomsae athletes should work to improve RSI scores, while kyorugi athletes should focus on strategies to address asymmetry-related injuries.