The comparison of sport injuries in 2 premier leagues of taekwondo and the study of the protective equipments effectiveness in it: seasons 2006-2007 and 2011- 2012

Introduction: Taekwondo is one of the most popular martial arts in the world and Iran. Taekwondo is a contact sport which contains a high rate of injuries. Thus, the more travelling through the time, the more protective equipments is provided to prevent injuries. The present study purposed to compare the sport injuries of premier leagues in 2 season and study the effectiveness of protective equipments such as protective gums, particular gloves and socks, and electronic Hugo in the Iranian taekwondo athletes. Method: For this prospective study, 197 athletes(with the mean age and body mass of 23.2 year-old and 70.52 kg, respectively) were studied for injuries incurred in 2011-2012 league. Afterward, the collected results were compared with the results of the same league in 2006-2007, descriptively. Results: As shown, the injury rate was declined from 69.5 injury per 1000 AE in 2006-2007 league to 19.09 injury per 1000 AE in 2011-2012 league. All injury types were decreased except epistaxis. Likewise, number of injuries in upper extremity, lower extremity, head and neck and trunk were decreased. Discussion: The injury reduction may be due to the application of protective equipments like electronic Hugo which was a main factor in reducing strikes’ power, and the usage of particular socks and gloves for more coverage and protection. Additionally protective gums could protect tooth and mandible from injury. Of course the effect of getting more professional and performing scientific conditioning trainings should not be ignored.