Sport-Specific Tests for Endurance in Taekwondo: A Narrative Review With Guidelines for the Assessment

ABSTRACT To sustain the specific intermittent activity of an official taekwondo match, high demands are placed on both aerobic and anaerobic metabolisms. Studies determining the contributions of the energy systems during the simulated match found a 62–74% participation of the oxidative system. In parallel with the widespread use of general tests for assessing endurance in taekwondo athletes, research has focused on developing sport-specific tests. This narrative review aims to present the sport-specific tests available in the current literature for assessing endurance in taekwondo. It summarizes and analyzes the development and validation process of each test. Additionally, we provide practical applications, recommendations, and future perspectives as guidelines for assessment, with the ultimate objective of encouraging scientists, coaches, and physical trainers to use sport-specific methodologies. All the tests described in this review represent alternative methodologies to classical general tests. They are easily accessible, noninvasive, simple to conduct, and specifically designed for assessing endurance in taekwondo athletes. However, it is important to consider that each test has specific methodological and application characteristics and a different development and validation path. These factors must be taken into consideration when deciding which test to use.