Effects of Taekwondo on Bone Mineral Density: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Short-term Interventions and Long-term Participation.

Context

Taekwondo provides impact and multidirectional loading, but its effects on bone mineral density (BMD) across life stages remain uncertain.

Objective

To evaluate femoral, spinal, and whole-body BMD after short-term taekwondo interventions and long-term participation. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Web of Science, KISS, RISS, DBpia, CNKI, and Wanfang Data were searched from inception through July 22, 2026. STUDY SELECTION Controlled studies of healthy participants reporting dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry-derived BMD after 8 to 16 weeks of training or ≥2 years of participation. STUDY

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 2. DATA EXTRACTION Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Random-effects models generated mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs; life-stage-specific analyses were primary.

Results

A total of 18 studies involving 820 participants were included: 8 short-term randomized controlled trials and 10 cross-sectional studies of long-term participation. Long-term participants had higher femoral-region BMD among children and adolescents (MD, 0.15 g/cm2; 95% CI, 0.08-0.21) and young adults (MD, 0.17 g/cm2; 95% CI, 0.10-0.23). Lumbar spine BMD was also higher in both life-stage groups (MD, 0.08 and 0.09 g/cm2, respectively). For short-term interventions, the most consistent finding was higher femoral neck BMD in children and adolescents (MD, 0.14 g/cm2; 95% CI, 0.09-0.19), which remained stable in change-score analyses. Whole-body findings were less consistent, and several adult results came from single studies. All short-term trials were judged to have a high overall risk of bias; among the long-term studies, 9 had a serious overall risk and 1 had a critical risk of bias.

Conclusion

Taekwondo may support site-specific skeletal health, particularly femoral neck BMD during growth. Evidence in middle-aged and older adults remains limited, long-term associations are vulnerable to residual confounding, and an effective training dose cannot yet be defined.