The effect of a structured injury prevention program on injury severity and type in elite Adolescent and Young Adult Taekwondo athletes.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of the 'Get Set-Train Smarter' warm-up program on injury incidence, type, and severity in elite Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Taekwondo athletes.

DESIGN Cluster-randomized controlled trial.

SETTING Training centers in South Korea.

PARTICIPANTS 362 elite AYA athletes aged ≥16).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Injury incidence rate ratios (IRRs) per 1000 training hours, stratified by severity (Level I-III).

RESULTS While overall injury incidence did not significantly differ between groups (IRR = 1.05, 95% CI 0.95-1.16, p = 0.336), the intervention group showed a 34% lower rate of severe (Level III) injuries (IRR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.19-1.92, p = 0.001). Furthermore, ligament injuries were significantly reduced in the intervention group (IRR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.18-1.72, p < 0.001), despite a modest increase in minor muscle injuries.

CONCLUSIONS The 'Get Set-Train Smarter' protocol is a critical tool for mitigating high-burden injuries. While overall incidence remains influenced by the sport's contact nature, reducing severe ligamentous injuries is a vital strategy for safeguarding long-term joint health. By shifting injury patterns from catastrophic ligamentous injuries to minor muscular injuries, this protocol minimizes career-altering trauma and supports the sustained participation and competitive longevity of elite combat athletes.