Effects Of Life Kinetic Exercises On Dynamic Balance İn Taekwondo Athletes

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 8-week Life Kinetic exercises on dynamic balance in red belt and above taekwondo players aged 11-14 (x̄=12.67±1.01) years.

Method: This research is an experimental study with pretest-posttest control group. Thirty red belt and above taekwondo athletes with an average age of 12.67±1.01 were randomly divided into two groups as experimental and control groups. The experimental group athletes (n=15) practiced Life Kinetic (LK) exercises for 45 minutes two days a week for 8 weeks in addition to taekwondo training. Balance ability was assessed using the Performanz balance device and Y Balance test before and after the LK exercise program. Data were analyzed by two-factor mixed design ANOVA with repeated measures. The difference between variables was considered significant when the P value was less than 0.05.

Results: According to the results of the Performance Balance test, when the biped, right foot and left foot measurements were analyzed, the interaction of group and measurement factors made a significant difference on the measured values (P<0.05). According to the results of the Y Balance test, the interaction of group and measurement factor created a significant difference in the right and left foot Y Balance scores (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Based on these results, LK exercises may contribute to the development of dynamic balance skills of athletes. It was also concluded that the improvement seen in the experimental group was superior to the control group practicing traditional taekwondo training.