Evaluation of Core Stability and Foot Kinematics of Taekwondo Athletes

Abstract

To score in taekwondo competition requires faster kicking. Among the factors that influence kicking velocity, core stability is important, but the relationship between core stability and kicking velocity in taekwondo is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between core stability and foot segmental COM velocity at the moment of kick. A total of 13 taekwondo instructors (gender: male, height: 172.6±7.3 cm, weight: 64.3±11.78 kg, age: 29±4 years) participated in this study. The center of mass velocity of the left foot segment at the moment of the kick and the level of core stability was measured using the Sahrmann core stability test. During the Naraechagi, the velocity of the foot segment COM relative to the laboratory origin at the moment of the aerial phase kick was positively correlated in the forward and backward directions X-axis. Moderate correlation in the left and right direction Z-axis. Very strong correlation in the up and down direction Y-axis. Through the current experiment, we found a strong correlation between core stability and kicking speed in the forward and backward and up and down directions. Therefore, we believe that adding core stability training to taekwondo training has the potential to increase kicking speed.