Effects of Taekwondo Training on Regional BMD and Lower-Limb Function in Adolescents

This study examined the site-specific pattern of bone mineral density (BMD) adaptation and knee isokinetic muscle function associated with Taekwondo training in adolescent females. Twenty-three high school girls were recruited and allocated into a competitive Taekwondo group and age-matched controls. Regional BMD of the whole body, lumbar spine, femur, and forearm was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, while knee isokinetic strength was evaluated at angular velocities of 60°/sec and 180°/sec.Group differences in BMD were not randomly distributed but followed a structured spatial hierarchy, ranked as whole body → femur → lumbar spine → forearm. Weight-bearing regions demonstrated greater explanatory power and larger between-group differences, whereas the non-weight-bearing forearm exhibited relatively smaller variations. In addition, the Taekwondo group showed significantly greater peak torque in both knee extension and flexion compared with controls, indicating superior isokinetic muscle performance. These findings suggest that Taekwondo training during adolescence induces spatially organized skeletal adaptations primarily concentrated in weight-bearing regions, likely reflecting repeated mechanical loading and impact stimuli inherent to the sport. The concurrent enhancement in neuromuscular function further supports the presence of integrated musculoskeletal adaptations. Collectively, Taekwondo may serve as an effective weight-bearing exercise modality for promoting bone health and optimizing lower-limb functional capacity in adolescent females. Future longitudinal and intervention-based investigations are warranted to elucidate the causal mechanisms underlying these adaptations.