Fracture injuries in elite Korean taekwondo sparring athletes

Abstract The aim of the study was to analyze fracture injuries and post-fracture management in elite taekwondo sparring athletes, with a specific focus on weight classes. Data were collected through a survey of 182 Korean taekwondo athletes using convenience sampling and self-administration methods. Approximately 58% of participants experienced taekwondo-related fractures, with heavyweight players having a significantly higher rate than lightweight players (χ²=3.87, p = .049). Overall, taekwondo-related fractures were most common in the hand region, during defensive maneuvers and caused by a player contact mechanism. Heavyweight players were more likely to sustain fractures during competition, while lightweight players were more likely to sustain fractures during training (χ²=6.39, p = .011). Heavyweight players were more likely to have surgery after fractures, whereas lightweights were more likely to have conservative treatment (χ²=4.270, p = .039). About half of the players (51.4%) returned to play without a diagnosis of bone union after their fractures, and the greatest psychological distress for players after fractures was concern about re-injury (57.2%). The current findings suggest that the fracture injury characteristics of elite taekwondo sparring athletes differ by weight class, highlighting the importance of a weight class-specific injury prevention and management program.