Research in Sport Medicine and Technology

Introduction: Taekwondo is one of the most popular martial arts in the world and Iran. Taekwondo is a contact
sport which contains a high rate of injuries. Thus, the more travelling through the time, the more protective
equipments is provided to prevent injuries. The present study purposed to compare the sport injuries of premier
leagues in 2 season and study the effectiveness of protective equipments such as protective gums, particular gloves
and socks, and electronic Hugo in the Iranian taekwondo athletes.
Method: For this prospective study, 197 athletes(with the mean age and body mass of 23.2 year-old and 70.52
kg, respectively) were studied for injuries incurred in 2011-2012 league. Afterward, the collected results were
compared with the results of the same league in 2006-2007, descriptively.
Results: As shown, the injury rate was declined from 69.5 injury per 1000 AE in 2006-2007 league to 19.09 injury
per 1000 AE in 2011-2012 league. All injury types were decreased except epistaxis. Likewise, number of injuries in
upper extremity, lower extremity, head and neck and trunk were decreased.
Discussion: The injury reduction may be due to the application of protective equipments like electronic Hugo which
was a main factor in reducing strikes’ power, and the usage of particular socks and gloves for more coverage and
protection. Additionally protective gums could protect tooth and mandible from injury. Of course the effect of getting
more professional and performing scientific conditioning trainings should not be ignored.