Differences of physiological characteristics of taekwondo junior players vs pencak silat junior players

Abstract

Introduction: Because of the fact that detailed data on the physiological characteristics of Pencak Silat are still limited. The primary purpose of this study to assess the physiological responses of Pencak Silat athletes and a secondary aim is to compare the physiological responses of Pencak Silat athletes with physiological responses of Taekwondo athletes. Material and Methods: This study has included 17 male junior martial art athletes (aged 15–16 years). This study requires all participants to completed one familiarization session and two experimental sessions. During the first session (laboratory condition), anthropometry was measured in the laboratory, and during the second session (on-court condition), the participants completed tests for anaerobic capacity (sprint test 60-m, vertical jump, push-ups, and sit-ups) and VO2max test. Results: The statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in anthropometry, vertical-jump, sit-ups, push-ups, and 60-m sprint results among TKD and PKS groups. Furthermore, the TKD group had significantly higher VO2max (p=0.015), when compared with the PKS group. Conclusion: The present investigation describes similar physiological characterizes, such as weight, height, BMI, BMR, body fat and also performances of vertical jump, sit-ups, push-ups, and 60-m sprint tests among Taekwondo and Pencak Silat athletes. However, in comparison with junior Pencak Silat athletes, the junior Taekwondo athletes have better VO2max.