Long-term Taekwondo training enhances inspiratory muscle function and physical fitness in school-aged boys.

Authors

Min-Jeong Kang, Hak-Duk Kim, Ying-Ying Xiang, Jong-Hwa Won, Yi-Sub Kwak, Ji-Seok Kim

Published in

The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness. Aug 03, 2026. Epub Aug 03, 2026.

Abstract

Childhood is a critical period for physical and respiratory development. Although Taekwondo training is known to improve physical fitness, limited evidence exists regarding the effects of training duration on respiratory muscle function and its association with physical fitness in children.
Sixty-four male Taekwondo practitioners aged 8-10 years were categorized into three groups based on training experience (Gup, N.=20; 1^st Poom, N.=29; 2^nd Poom, N.=15). Body composition, basic physical fitness, isometric muscle strength, and inspiratory muscle function were assessed. Differences among groups were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to investigate the relationships between respiratory function, basic physical fitness, muscular strength, and total training duration.
The 2^nd Poom group demonstrated significantly superior performance in basic fitness (grip strength, standing long jump, side-step, and shuttle run) compared to the Gup and/or 1^st Poom groups. Regarding respiratory function, only the 2^nd Poom group showed significantly higher S-index, peak inspiratory flow (PIF), and energy values compared to the Gup group. Furthermore, significant positive correlations between respiratory function and physical fitness variables were observed exclusively in the 2^nd Poom group. Total training duration was positively correlated with S-index, PIF, and energy across all participants.
Longer duration of Taekwondo training in childhood is associated with enhanced basic physical fitness, greater muscle strength, and better respiratory muscle function. These findings suggest that sustained Taekwondo practice may provide sufficient stimulus to promote the co-adaptation of the respiratory and neuromuscular systems.

PMID:
42544427
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 03 Aug 2026.

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