Balance Ability in Para Taekwondo Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the static and dynamic balance ability of para taekwondo athletes, taekwondo athletes, and sedentary healthy individuals.

METHODS

This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with 9 para taekwondo athletes, 9 taekwondo athletes, and 11 healthy individuals with sedentary lifestyles. Static balance ability and dynamic balance ability were evaluated.

RESULTS

The 2-leg static balance test area of the sedentary healthy group was lower than that of para taekwondo athletes. The duration of the single-leg static balance test was greater in para taekwondo athletes than in other groups, and the area was greater in taekwondo athletes than in other groups. The dynamic balance area was higher in the para taekwondo group than in the sedentary group.

CONCLUSION

Para taekwondo athletes with upper limb deficiency at or below the elbow level had worse static 2-leg and single-leg static balance. However, the functional balance of these athletes was better compared to that of healthy individuals.