Gender and Inter-Limb Differences in Hip Muscle Strength and Lower Extremity Kinematics in Elite Adolescent Taekwondo Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study aimed to investigate gender and inter-limb differences in hip muscle strength and lower extremity kinematics among high-level adolescent taekwondo athletes. Material and Methods: Thirty-one (15 male, 16 female; aged between 14-18 years) postpubescent adolescent taekwondo athletes were included in this cross-sectional study. A 2 dimensional movement analysis system was used to analyze lower extremity and trunk kinematics during single-leg squats at 60° and peak knee flexion positions. Hip muscle strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer. Results: Female athletes demonstrated higher knee-to-hip ratio (F1,55=4.345, p=0.042) at peak knee flexion. Male athletes exhibited higher trunk lateral flexion angle both at 60° (F1,55=5.411, p=0.024), and at peak knee flexion (F1,55=12.346, p=0.001) positions. Whereas females demonstrated higher hip frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) both at 60° (F1,55=4.402, p=0.040), and at peak knee flexion (F1,55=4.584, p=0.037) positions. Non-dominant side hip FPPA (F1,55=4.108, p=0.048) was higher for both genders. Gender effects were significant across all parameters of hip muscle strength (p<0.05). No interaction between interlimb and gender was found (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results highlight distinct movement patterns in the frontal and sagittal planes during single-leg squats among female and male adolescent taekwondo athletes. These biomechanical differences should be considered when designing corrective exercise programs and interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of knee injuries in taekwondo athletes, particularly during adolescence.