DETERMINATION OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS OF TAEKWONDO ATHLETES

Abstract

Taekwondo (TKD) is a Korean combat sport, recognised by Olympics, involving the combination of kick movements which include power, speed, agility, muscular strength and endurance. Nutrition is an important determinant of physical tness of athletes. Cross sectional study was undertaken to investigate the nutritional status along with tness parameters of the 150 TKD players of 8-24 years age through purposive random sampling in training centres of Kolkata. Pre-tested questionnaire was used to elicit information on training pattern, physical, physiological, performance parameters and nutritional status. Mean Vo2max uptake in males ranged between 22.0±2.0-34.±1.8ml/kg/min in 8-24 year athletes whereas in female it was reported 22.3±1.7-32.5±1.9ml/kg/min indicating as low in majority of the athletes. Average performance was observed among the athletes on assessing physical tness components. Adequate consumption of cereals, pulses, milk and vegetables were reported however low consumption was noted in green leafy vegetables, fruits and nuts. Nutritional inadequacy of protein, iron and calcium as indicated through 24 hour diet recall was found signicant difference at 0.05 level. Therefore, guidance in nutrition is required to make prudent dietary choices that will improve the body composition, thereby increasing sport performance.