Introduction: Few studies assessed the effect of functional training (FT) emphasized through stabilizer subsystems on athlete’s performance. Some authors have studies muscles as an isolated functional unit while others emphasized muscular subsystems and whole body movements.
Methodology: Twenty seven taekwondo male elite athlete participated (with mean age 24.4±4.9 years, weight 75.7±15.1 kg and height 181.4±7.8 cm) were divided into control (n=12) and experimental (n=15) groups. Participants in the experimental were recommended 8 weeks (FT) individualized exercise program in four stages. Stage 1 and 2 consist, exercises addressed inhibition with using roller foam and stretch of tight muscles. In stage 3, activation exercises of isolated weak muscles was enhanced and finally, stage 4 emphasized integrated action with focus on specific exercises of global stabilizer subsystems (Deep Longitudinal Posterior Oblique and Anterior Oblique, Lateral) (2). Participants in the control group received no specific intervention. Pre- and post-test scores were analyzed for each of the outcome measures within the both group using Y balance test (YBT) and tests assessment of speed (TAS) and movement time (TAMT) of Douliou up Chagy kick of both feet as the Performance tests.
Results: Eight weeks after training, when compared with the values of pre-test, all YBT, TAS and TAMT scores showed the significant results (p<0.05) in the experimental group than those in the control group.
Discussion: (FT) with stress muscle isolation and muscular self-depended slings (muscular subsystems) significantly increased balance in all three points, increased speed of kick and also decreased movement time of kick in both feet. In the end participants reported a positive experience of the program.