Roundhouse Kick Research Articles

Effect of fatigue on reaction time, response time, performance time, and kick impact in taekwondo roundhouse kick

Reaction time and response time are considered important abilities and can potentially affect combat performance. This study investigated the effect of a specific fatigue protocol on reaction time, response time, performance time, and kick impact. Seven male athletes reported to the laboratory on two different days. During day one, athletes performed a specific progressive taekwondo test, and on day two, a protocol for determining reaction time, response time, performance time, and kick impact before and after a time to exhaustion test at an intensity level corresponding to the maximal kick frequency obtained during the specific progressive taekwondo test. Muscle activation from rectus femoris and kick impact of the preferred limb were assessed. No differences were observed for response time and performance time. However, kick impact decreased (43 ± 27 to 13 ± 10 g, p < 0.01) while reaction time increased (145 ± 51 to 223 ± 133 ms, p < 0.05). Moderate correlation was observed between kick impact and response time (r = 0.565; p < 0.01), and kick impact and performance time (r = 0.494; p < 0.05). Results indicate that coaches and athletes may use taekwondo training programmes on coordination-based exercises leading to improve response time and to reduce fatigue effects in order to improve technique effectiveness and enhance the possibilities of scoring in a competitive situation.

Kicking modality during erratic-dynamic and static condition effects the muscular co-activation of attacker

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of different kicking modality, i.e., erratic-dynamic target (EDT) versus static target (ST) on the performance of the roundhouse kick in two groups of taekwondo athletes of different skill level. Three-dimensional analysis and surface electromyography (SEMG) analysis were performed on 12 (Group A: six sub-elite, Group B: six elite) athletes to investigate muscle co-activation pattern under two conditions, i.e., EDT versus ST. In the results, the muscle recruitment ratio of the agonistic muscles was higher for Group A, whereas Group B had higher recruitment ratio for antagonist muscles. Overall, the co-activation index (CI) of hip joints appeared higher in the extensors for Group A, whereas higher CI was observed in flexor muscles for Group B with comparatively higher CI during EDT condition than ST condition. Higher value of CI was observed in flexor muscles of the knee joints among Group A during EDT conditions, in contrast, higher CI in the extensor muscles was observed among Group B during ST conditions. In conclusion, the study confirmed that erratic-dynamic movements of target could change the movement coordination pattern to maintain the joint stability of participants.

Segment coupling and coordination variability analyses of the roundhouse kick in taekwondo relative to the initial stance position

ABSTRACTThe initial stance position (ISP) has been observed as a factor affecting the execution technique during taekwondo kicks. In the present study, authors aimed to analyse a roundhouse kick to the chest by measuring movement coordination and the variability of coordination and comparing this across the different ISP (0°, 45° and 90°). Eight experienced taekwondo athletes performed consecutive kicking trials in random order from every of the three relative positions. The execution was divided into three phases (stance, first swing and second swing phase). A motion capture system was used to measure athletes’ angular displacement of pelvis and thigh. A modified vector coding technique was used to quantify the coordination of the segments which contributed to the overall movement. The variability of this coordination (CV) for each ISP was also calculated. Comparative analysis showed that during the stance phase in the transverse plane, athletes coordinated movement of the trunk and thigh with a higher frequency of in-phase and lower frequency of exclusive thigh rotation in the 0° stance than the 90° stance position (P < 0.05). CV was also influenced by the different ISP. During the first swing and the majority of the second swing phase, predominant in-phase coordination of the pelvis and thigh was observed. Including exercises that require in-phase movement could not only help athletes to acquire coordination stability but also efficiency. The existence of a constraint such as ISP implies an increase of the variability when the athletes have to kick from ISP they are not used to adopt (i.e., 0° and 90° ISP) as an evidence of adaptability in the athletes’ execution technique.

テコンドーの前回し蹴り動作における素早さとは

テコンドーの前回し蹴り動作における素早さとは

Comparison of Lower Limb Segments Kinematics in a Taekwondo Kick. An Approach to the Proximal to Distal Motion.

In taekwondo, there is a lack of consensus about how the kick sequence occurs. The aim of this study was to analyse the peak velocity (resultant and value in each plane) of lower limb segments (thigh, shank and foot), and the time to reach this peak velocity in the kicking lower limb during the execution of the roundhouse kick technique. Ten experienced taekwondo athletes (five males and five females; mean age of 25.3 ±5.1 years; mean experience of 12.9 ±5.3 years) participated voluntarily in this study performing consecutive kicking trials to a target located at their sternum height. Measurements for the kinematic analysis were performed using two 3D force plates and an eight camera motion capture system. The results showed that the proximal segment reached a lower peak velocity (resultant and in each plane) than distal segments (except the peak velocity in the frontal plane where the thigh and shank presented similar values), with the distal segment taking the longest to reach this peak velocity (p < 0.01). Also, at the instant every segment reached the peak velocity, the velocity of the distal segment was higher than the proximal one (p < 0.01). It provides evidence about the sequential movement of the kicking lower limb segments. In conclusion, during the roundhouse kick in taekwondo inter-segment motion seems to be based on a proximo-distal pattern.

Target effect on the kinematics of Taekwondo Roundhouse Kick - is the presence of a physical target a stimulus, influencing muscle-power generation?

Taekwondo is famous for its powerful kicking techniques and the roundhouse kick is the most frequently used one. In earlier literature, the influence of a physical target (exiting or not) on kicking power generation has not been given much attention. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the kinematics of roundhouse kick execution and its factors related to power generation. 6 ITF taekwondo practitioners voluntarily participated in this study. They were asked to perform kicks with and without a physical target. The first kick aimed at breaking a board while the second one was a kick into the air. A Smart-D motion capture system (BTS S.p.A., Italy) was used to quantitatively determine their kinematic characteristics during each kick. The main findings showed that kicks aiming at a breaking board were significantly slower than kicks without a physical target (maximal kick-foot velocities were 10.61 ± 0.86 m/s and 14.61 ± 0.67 m/s, respectively, p < 0.01), but the kicking time of the former was shorter (0.58 ± 0.01 s and 0.67 ± 0.01, respectively, p < 0.01). The results suggest that a physical target will negatively influence the kick-foot velocity, which is not necessarily a disadvantage for creating a high quality kick. Possible motor control mechanisms are discussed for the phenomenon. The study made it clear: trainings with and without physical targets would develop different motor control patterns. More studies are needed for identifying the effectiveness of different controls and efficiencies of their training.

テコンドーの前回し蹴りにおける力学的エネルギーフロー

テコンドーの前回し蹴りにおける力学的エネルギーフロー

Effects of Rhythmic Hop on Response Times and Kicking Velocities of Taekwondo Kicks

Most athletes execute rhythmic hop as a preparatory motion in Taekwondo sparring. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of rhythmic hop on the response times and kicking velocities of Taekwondo kicks. Twelve male elite Taekwondo athletes performed a roundhouse kick and a back kick as fast as possible immediately after seeing an external stimulus in rhythmic hop and in no hop, respectively. The three-dimensional marker data of the whole body were measured at sampling rate of 200 Hz. Paired t-tests were used to compare dependent measures between hop and no hop conditions. Results indicated that the rhythmic hop did not affect response time statistically but improved the kicking velocity significantly than no hop did. Different instants of detecting an external stimulus in rhythmic hop for the back kick showed significantly different response times. Conclusively, rhythmic hop is recommendable for the purpose of kicking velocity, but not for the purpose of response time. Athletes should be careful in executing rhythmic hop as their preparatory motions for the back kick, since the response time could be shortened or lengthened according to the instant of detecting an external stimulus.

Agonist and antagonist muscle activation in elite athletes: influence of age.

Age-related neuromuscular control adaptations have been investigated mainly in untrained populations, where higher antagonist activation in adults was observed with respect to children. In elite athletes age-related differences in neuromuscular control have scarcely been investigated. Therefore, this study aims at investigating differences in co-activation about the knee joint in two groups of karate athletes belonging to the Junior (JK) and Senior (SK) age categories, performing the roundhouse kick (RK). Six SK and six JK performed the RK impacting on a punching bag. Each participant performed three attempts during which kicking limb kinematics and sEMG from the vastus lateralis (VL) and from the biceps femoris (BF) were recorded. Co-activation index during knee flexion and extension (CIF; CIE) and agonist and antagonist activation areas of VL and BF (I AGO-VL; I AGO-BF; I ANT-VL; I ANT-BF) were computed. Hip and knee range of motion, peak angular velocity and minima and maxima of lower limb angular momentum were computed. During knee extension, the SK demonstrated higher CIE, higher IANT-BF and higher total angular momentum with respect to the JK. Significant relationships were observed between I ANT-BF and total angular momentum maxima, and between I ANT-BF and age. IANT-BF is partially related to the age of the group and to joint protection upon impact. Moreover, given the very brief duration of the task, a feed-forward mechanism modulating antagonist activation partly based on the stress imposed on the knee joint could be hypothesized. This mechanism potentially involves skill dependent re-modelling of the peripheral and central nervous system.

Self-efficacy and performance of the roundhouse kick in taekwondo

Development of self-efficacy scales allows the analysis of athletes’ perceptions and examination of the relationship between perception and performance. The aim of this paper was to: (1) develop a specific self-efficacy scale in a taekwondo task, the roundhouse kick, and (2) analyse the sport performance and its relationship with two self-efficacy scales (specific and general) outcomes according to the athletes’ gender.&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;Forty-three taekwondo athletes (33 male and 10 female) participated in this study. The Physical (PSE) and Specific (RKSES) self-efficacy scales were administered. Performance data (impact force and total response time) were acquired by athletes kicking twice to an instrumented target. Results showed that the specific self-efficacy scale has high reliability and is able to predict sport performance in males and females. Males had higher self-efficacy scores and also higher performance results than females. Females’ taekwondo psychological training should be focus on improving their self-efficacy perception in order to increase their performance in the roundhouse kick. This specific self-efficacy scale for the taekwondo roundhouse kick offers empirical information to coaches, sport psychologists and researchers that allow them to predict athletes’ sport performance in the roundhouse kick.

The Effect of Training Program to Improve Fine Motor Reaction Speed in Light of Kinematic Characteristics of Half Roundhouse Kick (Mawashi-Geri Jodan) within Karate Players

This study aim to identify Kinematic characteristics of the half roundhouse kick (Mawashi-geri Jodan) and Identify the effect of training program to improve fine motor reaction speed in light of kinematic characteristics of half roundhouse kick (Mawashi-geri Jodan) The researcher used the descriptive approach to identify Kinematic characteristics of Mawashi-geri Jodan skill and experimental approach with one group design for application of proposed program for development of fine motor reaction speed for skill under discussion. The research sample consists of (10) first-class players from Almonofiyah Karate region, also one international player selected as sample of kinematic analysis for skill under study The most important results: - Knee and pelvis joints represent great importance in Mawashi-geri kick for karate players - Body’s center of gravity plays a great role in success of performing motor requirement of Mawashi-geri for karate players. - It is important to use exercises similar to skill performance The researcher recommended using kinematic determinants derived from this research when developing speed training program and associate with other physical abilities like accuracy.

Effectiveness of roundhouse kick in elite Taekwondo athletes

The roundhouse kick is a powerful attack in Taekwondo. Most athletes intently perform this kick for scoring in competition. Therefore, kinematic and kinetic analyzes of this kick were the topics of interest; however, they were separately investigated and rarely recorded for impact force. Our objectives were to investigate knee and ankle joint kinematics and electromyographic (EMG) activity of leg muscle and compare them between high-impact (HI) and low-impact (LO) kicks. Sixteen male black-belt Taekwondo athletes performed five roundhouse kicks at their maximal effort. Electrogoniometer sensors measured angular motions of ankle and knee joints. Surface EMG activities were recorded for tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius medialis, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris muscles. Based on maximal impact forces, the athletes were classified into HI and LO groups. All athletes in both groups showed greater activation of rectus femoris than other muscles. The HI group only showed significantly less plantarflexion angles than the LO group during preimpact and impact phases (P<0.05). During the impact phase, the HI group demonstrated significantly greater biceps femoris activation than the LO group (P<0.05). In conclusion, rectus femoris activation could predominantly contribute to the powerful roundhouse kicks. Moreover, high biceps femoris co-activation and optimal angle of ankle plantarflexion of about 35° could help achieve the high impact force.

Factors Influencing the Impact Force of the Taekwondo Roundhouse Kick

The roundhouse kick is a powerful taekwondo move, commonly used in sparring matches. The kick’s power could be derived from the angular position and activation of muscles controlling the ankle joint. The aim of this study was to investigatethe ankle joint angle and activation of the lower leg muscles at different levels of impact force. Twenty Thai,black-belt, male, Taekwondo athletes performed roundhouse kicks with their maximal effort. Ankle joint motion was recorded using an electrogoniometer sensor. Activations of gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles were monitored using surface electromyography. The athletes were divided into two groups based on their maximal impact forces: high (HI; 172.03 ± 19.36 N) and low (LO; 110.14 ± 20.20 N). Comparisons between the two groups showed that the HI group demonstrated significantly less plantarflexion angle and gastrocnemius activation than the LO group (P < 0.05). This indicates that impact force of the roundhouse kick may depend on the ankle joint position and gastrocnemius activation.

テコンドーの前回し蹴りにおけるバイオメカニクス

本研究の目的は, テコンドーの前回し蹴りを三次元動作分析することで, テコンドー特有の ｢速い｣ かつ ｢早い｣ 蹴り動作について知見を得ることであった. そこで, 蹴り脚のキックスピードに対する下胴および蹴り脚各関節の運動におけるキネマティクス的貢献を算出した. その結果, インパクト時の膝関節伸展動作による貢献はキックスピードの約60%を占めていた. 上位群は下胴左回旋, 股関節屈曲角速度を適切なタイミングで大きくすることにより, 膝関節伸展に作用する膝関節力を生成していた. したがって, 膝関節伸展動作による貢献を増加させ, ｢速い｣ かつ ｢早い｣ 蹴り動作を行うために, 下胴および股関節の動きが重要であると推察された.

Biomechanics of head injury in olympic taekwondo and boxing.

ObjectiveThe purpose was to examine differences between taekwondo kicks and boxing punches in resultant linear head acceleration (RLA), head injury criterion (HIC15), peak head velocity, and peak foot and fist velocities. Data from two existing publications on boxing punches and taekwondo kicks were compared.MethodsFor taekwondo head impacts a Hybrid II Crash Dummy (Hybrid II) head was instrumented with a tri-axial accelerometer mounted inside the Hybrid II head. The Hybrid II was fixed to a height-adjustable frame and fitted with a protective taekwondo helmet. For boxing testing, a Hybrid III Crash Dummy head was instrumented with an array of tri-axial accelerometers mounted at the head centre of gravity.ResultsDifferences in RLA between the roundhouse kick (130.11±51.67 g) and hook punch (71.23±32.19 g, d = 1.39) and in HIC15 (clench axe kick: 162.63±104.10; uppercut: 24.10±12.54, d = 2.29) were observed.ConclusionsTaekwondo kicks demonstrated significantly larger magnitudes than boxing punches for both RLA and HIC.

MECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ROUNDHOUSE KICK ACCORDING TO HEIGHT AND DISTANCE IN TAEKWONDO

Competition regulation in taekwondo has experienced several changes during the last few years, for example, kicks to the head score more points than kicks to the chest. In addition, some external factors such as the height of target and execution distance seem to affect the kick performance. The aim of this study was to analyse selected biomechanical parameters (impact force, reaction time, and execution time) according to the height and execution distance in two different male groups (experts (n = 12) and novices (n = 21)). Athletes kicked twice from every execution distance (short, normal and long) and towards two different heights of target (chest and head) in a random order. Novices kicked to the head with a longer reaction time than to the chest (p < 0.05) but experts were able to kick with similar performance for both heights. From short and normal distances experts kicked with similar performance; whereas from the normal distance novices had longer reaction and execution time than from the short distance (p < 0.05). In conclusion, in counterattacking situations, experts should perform the roundhouse kick to the head instead of to the chest, because it produces better scores with similar performance; whereas novice athletes should avoid kicking to the head because they are not able to kick with similar performance. Moreover, it is recommended that during counterattacks higher-level taekwondo athletes should intend to kick from normal distances.

Intra-limb coordination in karate kicking: Effect of impacting or not impacting a target

This study aimed to investigate the kicking limb coordinative patterns adopted by karate practitioners (karateka) when impacting (IRK), or not impacting (NIRK) a target during a roundhouse kick. Six karateka performed three repetitions of both kicks while kicking limb kinematics were recorded using a stereophotogrammetric system. Intra-limb coordination was quantified for hip and knee flexion–extension from toe-off to kick completion, using the Continuous relative phase (CRP). Across the same time interval, thigh and shank angular momentum about the vertical axis of the body was calculated. For all trials, across all participants, CRP curve peaks and maximum and minimum angular momentum were determined. A RM-ANOVA was performed to test for differences between kicking conditions.The CRP analysis highlighted, during the central portion of both kicks, a delayed flexion of the hip with respect to the knee. Conversely, during the terminal portion of the CRP curves, the NIRK is performed with a more in-phase action, caused by a higher hip angular displacement. The NIRK is characterized by a lower angular momentum which may enhance control of the striking limb. It would seem that the issue of no impact appears to be solved through the control of all segments of the kicking limb, in contrast to the primary control of the lower leg only observed during the IRK.

Technical and tactical analysis of high level kickboxing matches

The purpose of the study was to analyze the technical and tactical aspects of high level Kickboxing matches. A total of 45 matches (135 rounds) from the World Championship 2009 and 2011 of male kickboxers were analyzed using notational analysis system to determine the technical and tactical aspects (i.e., offensive, defensive techniques and combined actions) considering combat rounds, weight divisions and match outcome. Kickboxers were engaged in offensive actions more than defensive ones (P<0.001). The most used techniques were straight punches, roundhouse kick, block/parry and foot defense (P<0.001), while punch combinations were the most used combination type. Winners used more offensive (i.e., hook punches), defensive techniques (i.e., foot defense and clinch) and punch combinations than losers. Significant interation effect of weight category, match outcome and rounds were found on offensive and defensive techniques. The activity in international kickboxing competitions was modulated by weight categories with a significant effect of combat stage. Winners applied more offensives and defensives techniques than defeated athletes. Our findings suggest that to win a match, athletes should be motivated by developing the most used offensives techniques and coaches should structure specific training to maintain a high rate of techniques ‘delivery during the combat.

Effect of stance position on kick performance in taekwondo

In taekwondo, the stance position can potentially affect kick performance. The aim of this study was to analyse mechanical variables in the roundhouse kick in taekwondo according to three stance positions (0°, 45°, 90°). Nine experienced taekwondo athletes performed consecutive kicking trials in a random order according to these three relative positions of the feet on the ground. Measurements for the mechanical analysis were performed using two 3D force plates and an eight-camera motion capture system. The taekwondo athletes’ reaction and execution times were shorter when starting from the 0° and 45° stance positions than from the 90° position (P < 0.05). Moreover, the ground reaction force was negatively correlated with execution time and positively with velocity of thigh and shank. Our results suggest that the stance position affects the execution technique of taekwondo athletes’ kicks. It is suggested that athletes should not adopt the 90° stance position because it will not enable them to achieve the best performance in the roundhouse kick.

Kinetical Comparative Analysis of Roundhouse Kick for Attack and Counterattack of Taekwondo

Kinetical Comparative Analysis of Roundhouse Kick for Attack and Counterattack of Taekwondo