Specificity Elicits Higher Maximal and Submaximal Cardiorespiratory Responses During a New Taekwondo Aerobic Test

Purpose:The purpose of the present study was to propose and validate new taekwondo-specific cardiopulmonary exercise tests. Methods:Twelve male national-level taekwondo athletes (age 20 ± 2 yrs; body mass 67.5 ± 5.7 kg; height 175 ± 8 cm; training experience 7 ± 3 yrs) performed three separate exercise tests in a randomized counterbalanced order: 1) a Treadmill Running Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET); 2) Continuous and 3) Interval Taekwondo Cardiopulmonary Exercise Tests (cTKDet and iTKDet, respectively). The CPET was administered using an individualized ramp protocol. Taekwondo tests comprised sequences of turning kicks performed upon a stationary target. The impacts were recorded via an electronic scoring sensor used in official competition. Stages on the cTKDet and iTKDet lasted 1-min and progressively reduced the kick interval duration. These were guided by a sound signal, starting with 4.6s between kicks and reducing by 0.4s every minute until the test ended. Oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR...