Impact of Taekwondo training on cognitive and physical function in elderly individuals: A comprehensive review of randomized controlled trials

Background

Researchers have investigated the physical and psychosocial advantages of Taekwondo for older adults. However, prior studies of Taekwondo's impact on physical function and psychological well-being in this demographic have produced inconsistent findings. Thus, this systematic review aimed to assess how Taekwondo practice affects the physical function and psychological well-being of older adults.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Korea Education and Research Information Service, Korean Studies Information Service System, Korean National Assembly Library, Research Information Sharing Service, National Digital Science Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from their inception to December 2023. Two reviewers independently selected and extracted data from each study. We calculated effect sizes using a random-effects model with a 95 % confidence interval (CI) and evaluated study quality using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale.

Results

This review included ten studies with 227 participants aged 66.1–73.6 years. The meta-analysis revealed significant enhancements in cognitive function [Korean Version of Mini-Mental State Examination, standard mean difference (SMD) = 0.700, 95 % CI (0.364–1.037), I² = 0 %, p < .001], blood indicators [β-amyloid, SMD = 0.613, 95 % CI (0.103–1.123), I² = 34.920 %, p < .05; brain-derived neurotrophic factor, SMD = 0.566, 95 % CI (0.166–0.966), I² = 0 %, p < .01; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, SMD = 0.677, 95 % CI (0.357–0.966), I² = 0 %, p < .001; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, SMD = 0.809, 95 % CI (0.376–1.242), I² = 42.621 %, p < .001; and total cholesterol, SMD = 0.979, 95 % CI (0.603–1.356), I² = 22.221 %, p < .001], and physical function [lean body mass, SMD = 0.465, 95 % CI (0.109–0.821), I² = 0 %, p < .05, and handgrip strength, SMD = 0.929, 95 % CI (0.194–1.663), I² = 48.217 %, p < .05].

Conclusions

This meta-analysis indicates that Taekwondo training is a beneficial therapy with protective effects on cognitive function, physical function, and body composition in older adults. These findings highlight its potential significance in cognitive rehabilitation and physiological health promotion among this demographic population.