Does Taekwondo training improve physical fitness?

Background: Taekwondo (TKD) is a popular sport practiced by people of all ages in more than 180 countries and it is generally considered as being beneficial to health even though the scientific evidence for this is not conclusive. Despite its popularity, there are very few studies on the health benefits of TKD, therefore this article attempts to pull together the existing strands of relevant research. Aim: This paper aimed to review the effects of TKD training on physical fitness. Methods: A search of literature on both electronic and printed media was performed and 23 papers with relevance to the topic were included and critically reviewed. The main outcomes examined were anaerobic and aerobic fitness, body composition, muscle strength, endurance, power and flexibility. Results: There is no conclusive evidence in the literature that TKD practice can improve anaerobic fitness or muscle strength. However, TKD training may have some benefits in aerobic capacity, body composition (fat loss) and flexibility. Conclusion: Physiotherapists or fitness instructors may consider recommending TKD to their clients as a beneficial form of exercise to promote aerobic fitness and flexibility. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.