The Effect of Different Levels of Cognitive Activities on Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Motor Coordination in Taekwondo Athletes (Poomsae)

Coordination is an important part of successful movements in daily life and sports. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different levels of cognitive activities on intrapersonal and interpersonal motor coordination in taekwondo athletes (Poomsae). The population consisted of Poomsae male athletes in Tehran city. 30 individual Poomsae athletes and 30 team Poomsae athletes (age range: 17 - 30 years old) were selected by convenience sampling method. The sample was divided into 3 groups: control, easy cognitive activities and difficult cognitive activities. The control group only performed the motor coordination task whereas the cognitive groups performed the dual task. The results of one-way ANOVA test showed a significant difference for two handed (P=0.003) and two legged (P=0.04) coordination in total time factor (speed). Also, there was a significant difference in the error percentage factor for interpersonal motor coordination (P=0.02). In a two by two group analysis, the easy (P=0.003) and difficult (P=0.001) cognitive activities groups in two handed motor coordination and the difficult cognitive activities group in two legged (P=0.02) and interpersonal (P=0.01) motor coordination performed better than the control group. It is suggested that difficult activities should be used in addition to regular physical activities.