Comparative Analysis of Exercise Intensity in Taekkyeon Training Movements

Abstract

Background: Taekkyeon is designated as Korea’s Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 76 and listed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. This study aimed to analyze the exercise intensity of Taekkyeon, with a focus on Honjayikhigi (“the movements for practice on their own while moving or in place; the basic movements of Taekkyeon”), Bondaeboegi (“the method of practicing movements that harmoniously connect Taekkyeon’s offense and defense movements”), and Majumegigi (“the method of practicing hand and kick movements for offense”) training movements, which are components of Taekkyeon. Methods: Eleven Taekkyeon instructors were included in this study. The performance of Taekkyeon movements was assessed at Dongguk University in March 2022. During Honjayikhigi, Bondaeboegi, and Majumegigi training movements, heart rates were measured using a polar monitor. For all variables, the means and standard deviations were calculated using descriptive statistics, and a paired sample t-test was used to compare the heart rates among Honjayikhigi, Bondaeboegi, and Majumegigi training movements. Statistical significance was set at α = 0.05. Results: The average heart rates during Honjayikhigi, Bondaeboegi, and Majumegigi training movements were 131.42 ± 8.85, 128.53 ± 8.43, and 126.34 ± 9.26 beats/min, respectively. The exercise intensity of Honjayikhigi was significantly higher than that of Majumegigi (p = 0.200). In Honjayikhigi, the exercise intensities of Naagamyoegigi (p = 0.007) and Mannajungikhigi (p = 0.017) were significantly higher than that of Seoseoikhigi. In Bondaeboegi, the exercise intensities of Apaugery Yeodulmadang and Diaugery Nemadang were not significantly different. In Majumegigi, the exercise intensities of Ikhimsu (p < 0.001) and Majuchagi (p < 0.001) were higher than that of Majugeori, whereas those of Ikhimsu (p = 0.003) and Majuchagi (p < 0.001) were higher than that of Maguemgil. The exercise intensities of Ikhimsu (p = 0.001) and Majuchagi (p < 0.001) were higher than that of Allermegigi. Conclusions: Adjusting the training sequence and duration according to Taekkyeon level must be considered when establishing a training program because of the apparent differences in exercise intensity among the training movements. Our findings suggest that a greater training efficacy can be achieved if training levels in each Taekkyeon movement are properly classified and customized for beginners.