Taekwondo and physical fitness components in middle-aged healthy volunteers : the Sekwondo study

For one year, healthy participants over the age of forty were given Taekwondo training. Several tests administered before and after this training period showed that the participants improved their balance in several respects and even demonstrated balance checks typically seen in younger people. Another noteworthy finding was that their coordination improved as well. These improvements could not be ascribed to an increase in muscle strength or flexibility, which suggests that these changes took place in the central nervous system. The study also found an improvement in several cognitive functions, which made multitasking easier. This, combined with the fact that the training was both safe and enjoyable, means Taekwondo can be recommended for people over the age of forty to help them maintain and improve their mental and physical condition