Lactate Kinetics and Fatigue Dynamics in Elite Taekwondo Athletes during a 30-Second Continuous Jump Protocol

Background: This study examines lactate kinetics and performance declines during a 30- second BOSCO jump protocol in elite Taekwondo athletes, providing insights into anaerobic performance and recovery. Methods: Anthropometric data, including age, height, and weight, were collected, with averages of 21.2 years (+/- 2.0), 181.4 cm (+/- 4.8), and 70.6 kg (+/- 4.3). Fatigue-induced changes were assessed by measuring jump heights, contact times, and power outputs using the Witty Jump Mat (Italy) during the first and last 5 seconds of the protocol. Blood lactate concentrations were measured with the Lactate Scout 4 (Germany) at baseline, immediately postexercise, and at 3, 6, and 9 minutes post-exercise. Results: Significant declines were observed in jump height (mean decrease = 13%, p = 0.01) and power output (mean decrease = 15%, p = 0.02), alongside an increase in contact time (mean increase = 18%, p = 0.03), reflecting the impact of fatigue on explosive performance. Athlete B showed the greatest reduction in jump height (31.36%), revealing notable inter-individual variability in fatigue resilience. Blood lactate levels increased significantly from baseline (mean = 0.78 +/- 0.08 mmol/L) to peak post-exercise (mean = 3.16 +/- 1.19 mmol/L, p < 0.001) and subsequently declined. Lactate clearance rates were calculated as 40.5% at 3 minutes, 60.5% at 6 minutes, and 65.5% at 9 minutes post-exercise. Athlete D exhibited the fastest clearance rate (72%, p = 0.02), while Athlete C demonstrated delayed recovery. Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for tailored conditioning programs to optimize anaerobic performance and recovery in Taekwondo athletes. Future research should explore the effects of targeted training on anaerobic capacity and competition readiness in combat sports.