Comparison of fatigue and recoverability between different competition results of Taekwondo athletes during competition.

Introduction: The recoverability of athletes at different performance levels may be dissimilar. This study aimed to compare differences in fatigue level and recovery ability between champions and those who did not make it to the top three in the taekwondo category of the National High School Games. Methods: Nine champions were assigned to the excellent group (EXG) and 15 athletes who did not make it to the top three were assigned to the general group (GEG). Before and after the match, countermovement jump (CMJ) and maximum voluntary isometric contraction were evaluated. The selected parameters were jump height, 50ms, 100ms and maximal rate of force development (50ms, 100ms and maximal RFD). The differences in fatigue and recoverability between groups were examined with paired sample t-tests; independent sample t-tests were used to compare differences in percentage change in fatigue and recoverability between groups. Results: The 50ms RFD, 100ms RFD, and maximal RFD after the first match of the GEG were significantly lower than their levels before the first match (p < .05), while the group did not show significant fatigue (p >.05). The jump height of both the GEG and the EXG was significantly lower than that at pre-match (p < .05). The GEG showed significantly higher percentage reductions in 50ms RFD and 100ms RFD than the EXG (p < .05). However, the percentage change in recoverability did not differ significantly between the groups (p >.05). Conclusions: The 50ms RFD, 100ms RFD, and max RFD of the GEG were significantly reduced after the first match, indicating the group's evident fatigue level. Percentage reductions in 50ms RFD and 100ms RFD after the first match were significantly higher in the GEG than in the EXG. Both groups' CMJ height before the second match did not return to the same level as that before the first match. This study suggests that 50ms RFD and 100ms RFD can be used as an evaluation index for taekwondo athletes to determine their degree of fatigue and whether they have a competitive advantage. CMJ height may be an indicator of recoverability of taekwondo athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]