IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE

Background. To verify the effects of taekwondo training on physiological markers of bone remodeling, muscle strength, and functional autonomy of older women.
Problem and aim. Bone loss associated with a decline in muscle strength can impact the ability to perform the activities of daily living (ADLs) in older women. Therefore, this study is justified by presenting combat sports, specifically taekwondo, with the possibility of reducing risks to the health of older people associated with the loss of bone mass with aging. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of taekwondo training on physiological markers of bone remodeling, muscle strength, and functional autonomy in older women.
Methods. Twenty-seven older women inexperienced in taekwondo were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n = 14) and a control group (CG; n = 13). The EG practiced taekwondo (3 times/week, 40 min/session) for 12 weeks. Muscle strength was analyzed by Rikli and Jones’ elbow flexion and sit and stand tests. Functional autonomy was analyzed using the functional autonomy GDLAM protocol. Blood samples were collected for analysis of bone biomarkers (alkaline phosphatase, serum phosphorus, vitamin B12, vitamin D and parathyroid hormone [PTH]).
Results. ANOVA (2 x 2) with repeated measures showed that there was an increase in muscle strength in the EG (p<0.05) in the intragroup and intergroup comparison (post-intervention) in both tests (elbow flexion and sit and stand). There was an increase in functional autonomy (p<0.05) in the EG in the intragroup evaluation. In the evaluation of bone biomarkers, differences (p<0.05) were found in all variables analyzed in the intragroup comparison (pre vs. post) in the EG.
Conclusion. The results found in this experimental study support the effectiveness of taekwondo practice on physiological markers of bone remodeling, muscle strength, and functional autonomy in older women.