Performance Differences in Para Taekwondo by Impairment Profile and Sex: Implications for Evidence-Based Classification.

Abstract

Abstract: Para Taekwondo has become a prominent sport within the adapted community, especially since its inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 + 1 Paralympic Games. This study aimed to explore the distribution of female and male Para taekwondo athletes across body region-specific impairments (wrist, elbow, shoulder impairment, and limbs without amputation) considering different performance outcomes (gold, silver, bronze, and non-medalists) in international competitions from 2021 to 2024. A total of 902 matches were analyzed, comprising 450 female and 452 male matches, with multiple combats per athlete across 11 World Para Taekwondo events, representing 902 individual Para athletes. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between the body region-specific impairments and performance outcomes, with significance set at p < 0.05. The findings showed that Para taekwondo athletes with more body region-specific impairments had a significantly lower percentage of gold and silver medals compared to those with less body region-specific impairments (female: χ2 = 26.13; p = 0.002; male: χ2 = 36.04; p < 0.001). Additionally, a significant increase in participation was observed across both sexes over the past four years (χ2 = 172.25; p < 0.001). These results highlight the need to refine the Para Taekwondo classification system to ensure fairness, particularly concerning the impact of upper limb impairments on performance outcomes.