The Effect of Eight Weeks of High-Intensity Interval Training on Physical Performance in Young Taekwondo Athletes

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

• Ages 16 to 18 years
• Men only
• Healthy volunteers accepted
• Child, Adult

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

About this study

Conditions

Hight Intensity Interval Training

Being tested

Taekwondo-Specific Agility Test (TSAT), Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKT), Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKT10s), Multiple Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKTmult), Kick Decrement Index (KDI)

Keywords

Agility, explosive power, Hight intensity interval training, Sport-specific test, taekwondo

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

• Taekwondo-Specific Agility Test (TSAT), Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKT), Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKT10s), Multiple Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKTmult), Kick Decrement Index (KDI)Other

  After pre-test measurements, the experimental group performed an eight-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program three times per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) alongside their regular taekwondo training. The control group continued with their regular taekwondo training only. After the eight-week intervention, post-tests were administered to both groups, and the results were recorded by the researchers.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

1. Taekwondo-Specific Agility Test (TSAT)

   As previously described, the test begins with the athlete in a guard position, with both feet positioned behind the starting/finishing line, and proceeds sequentially as follows:

   1. The athlete must move as quickly as possible into the center point while maintaining the guard position.
   2. The athlete must change direction, turn toward Partner 1, and perform a Palding kick with the left leg.
   3. The athlete must move toward Partner 2 and perform a Dollyo-Chagi kick with the right leg.
   4. The athlete must return to the center.
   5. The athlete must move forward in the guard position, and perform a Double Palding kick toward Partner 3.
   6. Finally, the athlete must return to the starting/finishing line while maintaining the guard position.

   Measured: For 8 weeks from the start of the study

2. Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKT10s)

   To assess the best possible single FSKT score, athletes were subjected to the FSKT10s. In this test, athletes were instructed to perform as many mid-level kicks as possible within a 10-second period, with the total number of valid kicks recorded as the score. Following a five-minute rest, the protocol was repeated, and the best score from the two trials was recorded as the FSKT10s . According to the FSKT classification, athletes who performed 16 or fewer kicks were classified as "very poor," those with 17 kicks were categorized as "poor," 18-21 kicks as "average," 22-23 kicks as "good," and 24 or more kicks were classified as "excellent".

   Measured: For 8 weeks from the start of the study

3. Multiple Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKTmult)

   To assess the athletes' FSKTmult scores, the FSKT test was conducted in five consecutive sets, with 10-second rest intervals between each set. Each set consisted of the maximum number of kicks the athletes could perform within 10 seconds, as previously described. At the end of the five sets, the total valid kicks performed by the athletes in each set (FSKT1, FSKT2, FSKT3, FSKT4, FSKT5) and the overall total (FSKT5x10s total) were recorded for analysis.

   Measured: For 8 weeks from the start of the study

4. Kick Decrement Index (KDI)

   To indicate performance decrement in the FSKT5x10s test, the KDI (%) ratio was used. This ratio incorporates the number of kicks performed in each set and the potential maximum number of kicks, calculated using the equation provided below.

   KDI (%) = [1-(FSKT_1+FSKT_2+FSKT_3+FSKT_4+FSKT_5)/(Best FSKT x Number of Sets)] x 100

   Measured: For 8 weeks from the start of the study

5. Vertical Jump Test

   The TKK 5406 jump meter was used to apply the vertical jump test. Prior to the test, athletes were allowed sufficient repetitions to familiarize themselves with the equipment. During the test, athletes were instructed to stand with both feet on the mat of the measurement device and jump as high as possible when the device's light signal was activated. Arm and leg swings were permitted during the jump. Care was taken to ensure that athletes landed on both feet simultaneously. The vertical jump distance for each athlete was recorded from the device's display after the jump. The test was repeated three times, with a 1-minute rest interval between attempts. The best jump from the three trials was recorded as the athlete's vertical jump performance.

   Measured: For 8 weeks from the start of the study

6. Standing Long Jump Test

   Athletes were positioned with their toes just behind the starting line, feet at a normal width, and with their arms extended forward and knees bent in a pre-jump stance. They were instructed to jump as far as possible, using their arms for momentum, and both feet were to land simultaneously. The distance from the starting line to the athlete's heels was measured in centimeters and recorded. Athletes were given two attempts, and the best result was taken for analysis.

   Measured: For 8 weeks from the start of the study

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

1. First posted26 Sep 2025
2. Study start18 Jan 2023
3. Primary completion21 Sep 2023
4. Study completion21 Nov 2023

Resources

• Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
• Other trials for Hight Intensity Interval TrainingStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
• More trials run by Selcuk UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
• What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.