Gender-related Difference of Body Composition, Aerobic, Anaerobic Capacity and Isokinetic Muscle Strength in Collegiate Taekwondo Athletes

The purpose of the study was to analyze the gender-related differences of body composition, aerobic, anaerobic capacity and isokinetic muscle strength in collegiate Taekwondo athletes. Twenty athletes (male=10, female=10) were participated in the study. Body composition parameters were assessed by DXA (Hologic, QDR-4500W, USA). Maximal oxygen uptake, ventilatoty threshold, Wingate anaerobic power, isokinetic muscle strength were tested. The results of the study indicated that LBM, LBM+BMC, WBMC, FBMC, ABMC, WBMD in male athletes were significantly greater than female athletes (p.05, p.001). Percent body fat and fat tissue in male athletes were significantly lower that those of female athletes (p.001). Male athletes had higher VO2max, VEmax and exercise duration than female athletes (p.001). But no differences could be obtained in Ventilatory threshold and HRmax between two group. Peak power, lowest power and mean power was higher in male athletes than female athletes (p.001). Fatigue index in male athletes was lower than female athletes (p.05). Muscle strength(60%/sec) and muscle endurance(180%/sec) showed that male athletes had a greater power in extension and flexion than female athletes. In conclusion, these results suggested that gender differences exist on body composition. Male Taekwondo athletes has great aerobic anaerobic capacity and muscle strength than female athletes. Therefore, gender difference should be taken to account before establishing physical training program. Especially more emphasis should be focused on female athletes in order to improve aerobic and anaerobic capacity and isokinetic muscle strength.