Physical Fitness and Characteristic Analysis of Korean National Prospective Badminton Team Members Stratified by Gender and Game Type

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated fitness levels of 47 athletes from the 2020 Korean National Prospective Badminton Team by gender and game type (singles or doubles). Methods: Our physical fitness evaluation items included height and weight measurements, grip strength test, back strength test, 20-meter shuttle run test, side step test, standing long jump test, sit and reach test, back extension test, and standing on one leg with eyes closed test. Results: Male singles players weighed significantly less than doubles players (p=0.002). However, there was no difference in height between both group. Male doubles players had significantly higher grip strength (right, p=0.006; left, p=0.002), back strength (p=0.007), and side step results (p=0.029) than did singles players, but male singles players performed significantly better on the 20-meter shuttle run (p ＜ 0.01). Male singles and doubles players did not differ significantly with respect to the results of the standing long jump, sit and reach, back extension, and standing one leg with eyes closed tests (p ＞ 0.05). Female singles and doubles players showed no significant difference in any physical fitness evaluation items (p ＞ 0.05). Conclusion: Male doubles players were heavier than male singles players but showed superior strength and agility. Male singles players showed higher cardiopulmonary endurance levels compared with male doubles players. Female singles and doubles players showed no difference between all physical fitness characteristics. Further studies can use our methods of evaluating fitness in badminton players to provide coaches and players with quantitative indicators for optimal game type classification (singles or doubles) and help to devise winning game strategies.