Introduction: Combat sports, especially taekwondo, require multi-component preparation programs; however, some are more determinant than others for sports performance. Aim of the study: This study aimed to explore the dimensionality of body composition and muscle strength variables in elite taekwondo athletes and to evaluate the associations between these variables. Material and methods: Fifteen elite athletes, five male and ten female (21.5 ± 3.9 years) taekwondo practitioners were evaluated. During the investigation, body composition, punching power, explosive strength, and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) in the half squat were measured. Results: Significant differences between men and women were observed in most of the variables analyzed (p < 0.05). Moderate and high correlations were found between muscle strength variables (explosive strength, 1RM) and muscle mass, and negative correlations with fat mass. Kicking power was correlated only with height and body mass. Principal component analysis reduced the data to four principal components that together accounted for 86.54% of the total variance. The variables with the highest contributions to the first component (PC1) were related to body size (height), muscle mass, and strength performance (1RM, countermovement jump, Abalakov). The analysis revealed a clear separation in the component scores between male and female athletes Conclusions: It is recommended that proper body composition and a specialized training program can maximize athletic performance in taekwondo.
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