Abstract
Objectives: There is a dearth of studies examining the kicks used in Tae Kwon Do (TKD). This study sought to compare the biomechanics of various TKD kicking techniques. Methods: A motion analysis video-camera based system was used to study the biomechanics of three different types of kicks performed by five Black Belt level athletes. The velocity of the kicking foot, the velocity of the pelvis, and the lower body linear momentum were estimated to compare the kicking techniques. Results: Similar patterns of ankle, knee, and hip movement were found for different kicks. The greatest peak foot velocity was observed for the front kick. The peak linear momentum of the lower body was highest for the side kick. Subjects who were able to simultaneously reach peak pelvis velocity and peak lower body linear momentum displayed the best performance. Techniques performed with a step forward after the kicks delivered a more powerful blow than techniques performed by returning to the initial position. Conclusion: This study shows that the fastest kick is the front kick and the most powerful kick is the side kick. The effectiveness of the technique is associated with the coordination of movement of the pelvis and lower body.
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