Taekwondo training improves CVD risk factors in obese male adolescents

Background & Study Aim: Prevalence of obesity during growth periods has been increased remarkably worldwide. We placed special emphasis on after-school taekwondo training programs to prevent obesity. The aim of this study was knowledge about the effects of taekwondo training on cardiovascular disease risk factors in obese male adolescents. Material & Methods: Twenty three obese male adolescents who were above the 95^th percentile for body mass index: 29.7±2.26 kg·m^-2, aged 14.0±0.90 years, were randomly assigned to taekwondo training group (TTG, n = 12) and control group (CON, n = 11). Taekwondo training was conducted 60 min a day, 3 days per week for 16 weeks. Blood lipids, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness were measured as cardiovascular disease risk factors. health-related fitness including flexibility, muscle strength, muscle endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness were measured. Results: Taekwondo training significantly decreased body weight (F=8.667, p<.01), body mass index (F=9.261, p<.05) and improved right brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (F=5.707, p<.05). The values of sit and reach (F=9.436, p<.01), standing long jump (F=11.465, p<.01), sit-ups (F=7.429, p<.01), and peak VO₂ (F=4.513, p<.05) were significantly increased in TTG after 16 weeks of taekwondo training. Conclusions: Our study revealed that taekwondo training improves arterial stiffness as well as health-related fitness. Taekwondo training may be recommended as a sports-based physical activity program for improving cardiovascular health in obese male adolescents.