PRECOMPETITION INJURY AND SUBSEQUENT TOURNAMENT PERFORMANCE IN FULL-CONTACT TAEKWONDO

Objective - To determine the pattern of injuries sustained by taekwond o competitors, and how previous injury affects performance in sporting competition. Methods - Competitors at a major New Zealand full-contac t taekwondo tournament were given a comprehensive questionnaire immedi ately before competition. Self reports of injuries sustained through t aekwondo in the previous 12 months were determined. Results - No signi ficant sex differences were found. The injury prevalence was high, but comparatively less than reported for other contact sports such as rug by football. However, one in 20 injuries was a closed head injury. No significant associations between prior injury and tournament outcome w ere found. Conclusions - Taekwondo can be a source of disabling injury , However, the fact that prior injury did not appear to be associated with impaired competition performance may militate against acceptance of control and regulation by competitors and coaches.