title: Pre-competition habits and injuries in Taekwondo athletes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Over the past decade, there has been heightened interest in injury rates sustained by martial arts athletes, and more specifically, Taekwondo athletes. Despite this interest, there is a paucity of research on pre-competition habits and training of these athletes. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess training characteristics, competition preparation habits, and injury profiles of Taekwondo athletes.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective survey of Canadian male and female Taekwondo athletes competing in a national tournament was conducted. Competitors at a Canadian national level tournament were given a comprehensive survey prior to competition. Items on training characteristics, diet, and injuries sustained during training and competition were included. Questionnaires were distributed to 60 athletes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A response rate of 46.7% was achieved. Of those that responded, 54% dieted prior to competition, and 36% dieted and exercised pre-competition. Sixty-four percent of the athletes practised between 4-6 times per week, with 54% practicing 2 hours per session. Lower limb injuries were the most common (46.5%), followed by upper extremity (18%), back (10%), and head (3.6%). The majority of injuries consisted of sprains/strains (45%), followed by contusions, fractures, and concussions. More injuries occurred during training, including 59% of first injuries.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  More research needs to be conducted to further illustrate the need for appropriate regulations on weight cycling and injury prevention.
authors.affiliation: Clinical education, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. mkazemi@cmcc.ca
authors.forename: Mohsen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kazemi
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shearer
authors.forename: Young Su
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Choung
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019567:Back Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006184:Habits; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D016139:Martial Arts / Q000523:psychology*; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012944:Social Support; D013997:Time Factors; D015431:Weight Loss