The Effect of Short-Term Outdoor Taekwondo Training on the Concentration and Mood of Taekwondo Players

Abstract

This study verified the effect of short-term outdoor taekwondo training on the attention and mood state of taekwondo players. Eighteen taekwondo players were divided into an indoor taekwondo group (n = 9) and an outdoor taekwondo group (n = 9). Concentration, mood state, and subjective exercise intensity were measured initially and after the training intervention. The results showed that first, taekwondo training in the natural environment was effective in improving the concentration of the players, versus the indoor taekwondo training (F = 4.736, p = 0.045). Second, interaction effects were found for the mood states of anger and hostility (F = 19.782, p < 0.001), vigor (F = 36.971, p < 0.001), and fatigue (F = 39.878, p < 0.001). The outdoor taekwondo group showed positive changes, as compared to the indoor taekwondo group. Third, although both groups underwent the same training, the group subjected to outdoor taekwondo training considered the training lower intensity than the indoor taekwondo group (t = 5.245, p < 0.001). The various physical stimuli that one experiences in a natural environment, such as plants, light, sound and air, act as refreshing sensations that have a positive effect on the concentration and mood state of taekwondo players. We suggest that training in a natural environment can help improve taekwondo performance.