Effects of A-A-Q- Training Program on Quickness and Roundhouse Kick Ability for Junior Taekwondo Athletes

Abstract

Background and Aims: Junior taekwondo athletes are essential to the next generation of gifted martial artists because they teach them self-discipline, confidence, and physical conditioning at a young age. Their development helps the sport maintain its popularity and thrive both domestically and internationally. This research aimed to: (1) examine the effects of a Coordination-Agility-Quickness (C-A-Q) training program on quickness and roundhouse kick ability in junior Taekwondo athletes, (2) compare the effects of the C-A-Q training program between the experimental and control groups, and (3) compare the effects of the C-A-Q training within the experimental group across three time points: pretest, after week 4, and after week 8.

Methodology: A quasi-experimental design. The sample consisted of 30 male and female junior Taekwondo athletes selected through simple random sampling and divided into two groups of 15 based on roundhouse kick ability. The experimental group trained with the C-A-Q program three times per week for eight weeks, while the control group followed a standard training program. Assessments were conducted before training, at week 4, and at week 8. The variables measured included roundhouse kick ability, neuromuscular coordination, agility, and reaction time. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and one-way repeated measures ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni post hoc comparisons at a significance level of .05.

Results: The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in all variables after training. Roundhouse kick ability increased by 11.7%, neuromuscular coordination by 13.2%, agility by 10.1%, and reaction time by 17.9%. The control group showed no significant changes.

Conclusion: The C-A-Q training program, systematically designed and reviewed by experts, was effective in improving key physical fitness components, such as neuromuscular coordination, agility, and reaction time, leading to a noticeable enhancement in roundhouse kick ability among junior Taekwondo athletes. The findings can be applied to training programs developed by youth coaches and educational institutions aiming to enhance athlete performance efficiently. The results of this study can be applied to the design of structured training programs for youth Taekwondo coaches, aimed at systematically developing athletes’ foundational physical fitness. In addition, the program is well-suited for use in educational institutions offering physical education and sports curricula, especially in fostering essential movement skills during the developmental stage. It can also serve as a guideline for the long-term development of youth athletes toward higher levels of performance.