Injury epidemiology in the Türkiye Open 2025 taekwondo tournament: a study of 2068 athletes from 60 countries.

Abstract

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the injury incidences, types, locations, mechanisms, and results after injuries during the Türkiye Open 2025 Taekwondo Tournament and to identify differences between competition categories. The tournament occurred in Antalya from February 8-16, 2025. A total of 2068 athletes from 60 countries participated in para taekwondo (PT), seniors (SC), juniors (JC), and cadets (CC) categories, with 1919 matches held. Injuries encountered by athletes were recorded by two sports medicine physicians using the International Olympic Committee (IOC) 'Daily Medical Report on Injuries and Illnesses' form. We defined an injury as an injury that occurs when the referee stops play and calls the medical team to the field. Injury incidence rates (IRs) were calculated per 1000 matches, per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs), per 100 athletes (clinical incidence). Injury incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated and compared regarding categories. A total of 147 injuries occurred during the matches: 18 in PT Kyorugi (K44), 39 in SC, 47 in JC, and 43 in CC. The IRs were as follows: PT K44: 211.7/1,000 matches, 19.14/100 athletes, 105,88/1000 AEs; SC: 84.4/1,000 matches, 8.2/100 athletes, 42,57/1000 AEs; JC: 63.8/1,000 matches, 6.21/100 athletes, 31,92/1000 AEs; CC: 67.6/1,000 matches, 6.28/100 athletes, 30,28/1000 AEs. PT had a significantly higher IRs compared to other categories. There were statistically significant differences between the genders of the injured athletes when the four categories were compared. Contusion was the most common type of injury across all categories, and the most frequent injury mechanism was contact with another athlete. In all categories, athletes continued to compete in the majority of injuries. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the injury epidemiology observed in international PT and taekwondo matches. Notably, the IRs was highest in the PT compared to other categories. These results may contribute to the enhancement of protective equipment design and the development of targeted injury prevention strategies aimed at reducing injury rates across all competitive levels especially in para taekwondo athletes.