One of the objectives of this study is to determine the effect of the eight-week fascial therapy program on flexibility, vertical jump, standing long jump, speed and anaerobic strength parameters in taekwondo athletes. Another aim of the research is to create a therapy protocol that can be used in athletes related to performance development through the relaxation of the fascial system, which is considered an indicator of physical fitness and has numerous functions in the body. This study included 32 taekwondo players who were licensed, actively attending taekwondo training. In the study, two groups were formed as fascial therapy group (FTG) (n = 16) and control group (CG) (n = 16). After the groups were randomized, fascial relaxation techniques were applied to the fascial therapy group for eight weeks, up to twice a week, and for 30 min. According to the findings obtained as a result of the research, FTG ([-0.36 ± 0.17] seconds [s]) for the 20 m (m) Sprint (T2-T1) had a lower mean time than CG (0.00 ± 0.07) s, FTG (0.06 ± 1.95) for the Flamingo Balance Test (T2-T1) had a lower mean fall than CG (1.25 ± 1.13), FTG ([3.56 ± 2.37] centimeters [cm]) for the Sit & Reach Test (T2-T1) had a lower mean fall than CG ([-0.19 ± 1.28] cm), FTG ([5.75 ± 2.54] cm) had a higher jump distance than CG ([1.88 ± 8.11] cm) according to the results of Vertical Jump Test (T2-T1) and finally FTG ([9.13 ± 5.56] cm) had a longer distance than CG ([-0.31 ± 1.85] cm) according to the results of Standing Long Jump Test (T2-T1). The result of our study has shown that fascial techniques can be used safely by experienced physiotherapists and can be included in the training program. It is recommended that coaches of sports disciplines work with experienced physiotherapists on this subject and include fascial methods in their training programs.
Keywords: Fascial manipulation; Fascial therapy; Physical fitness; Taekwondo.
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