Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Sports Biomechanics, Sport Sciences Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
2 PhD Student, Department of Physical Education, School of Medicine, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Sports Physiology, Center of Physical Education, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
4 Lecturer, Department of Exercise Physiology, School of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Lamerd Branch, Lamerd , Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Taekwondo is one of the most famous martial arts in the world; according to its rules, kicks have full points. The purpose of this research was to investigate and compare the effect of strength and stretching with the method of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and their combined exercises on the range of motion (ROM) of kicks as a factor related to sports injuries in Iranian elite male taekwondo players.
Materials and Methods: The current research was semi-experimental. The statistical sample of the study was 24 Iranian elite male taekwondo players who entered the study voluntarily, were available, and completed the informed consent form. To compare the effect of three methods of strength training, stretching with PNF method, and combined on hip joint active, passive, and kick ROM, the subjects were divided into three groups of 8 people. The subjects underwent an 8-week training program consisting of three 45-minute gym sessions per week. Statistical analysis was performed using Shapiro-Wilk descriptive and inferential methods, correlated t, multivariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and pairwise comparisons. Moreover, the level of significance in the present study was considered 0.05.
Results: All three types of exercises significantly increased the hip joint active and kick ROM. Besides, two other exercises significantly affected the passive ROM except for strength exercises.
Conclusion: It seems that the combination of strength exercises with stretching exercises (PNF) can improve the ROM of the kick in elite taekwondo players more than each of these exercises alone.
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