Isokinetic Strength, Dynamic Balance, and Injury Risk in Adolescent Taekwondo Athletes
A recent study published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living examined how differences in muscle strength and dynamic balance between dominant and non-dominant legs may increase the risk of injury among adolescent Taekwondo athletes. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring functional symmetry in training programs to prevent long-term injuries.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living examined how differences in muscle strength and dynamic balance between dominant and non-dominant legs may increase the risk of injury among adolescent Taekwondo athletes. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring functional symmetry in training programs to prevent long-term injuries.
Evaluation and Methodology
The research involved 40 adolescent Taekwondo athletes (27 males and 13 females), with an average age of 16 and more than seven years of training experience.
Isokinetic strength of the knee and ankle joints was assessed at angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s, while dynamic balance was measured using the Y-Balance Test (YBT) on both limbs. Anthropometric data and injury history were also recorded.
Key Findings
The study revealed significant asymmetries in knee extensor strength of the dominant leg at 60°/s, along with additional differences in ankle dorsiflexor strength at 180°/s.
Although overall balance scores from the YBT did not show statistically significant differences between limbs, several athletes scored below the 85% reference threshold, indicating an elevated potential for injury.
Correlation analyses further showed that athletes with greater bilateral isokinetic strength imbalances reported a higher incidence of previous injuries, particularly in their dominant limb — a trend especially noticeable among right-leg-dominant participants.
Practical Implications
The results suggest that muscle asymmetry and dynamic balance deficits are relevant injury risk factors during adolescence, a critical stage for motor and technical development.
The authors recommend incorporating bilateral strengthening programs, neuromuscular balance exercises, and periodic isokinetic and YBT evaluations within Taekwondo training structures.
In modern Taekwondo —where electronic scoring and high-speed kicking techniques demand precision and control— maintaining functional balance between both legs may prove essential not only to prevent injuries but also to optimize competitive performance.
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Scientific Source: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living – “Isokinetic Strength, Dynamic Balance, and Injury Risk in Adolescent Taekwondo Athletes”, 2025.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2025.1599516/full
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