Kinematic Comparative Analysis of Roundhouse Kicks by Taekwondo Discipline Cho, Min-A Advisor : Prof. Jung, Jae Young Major in Phsical Education Gradute School of Education, Chosun University This study aimed to compare the kinematic characteristics o...
Kinematic Comparative Analysis of Roundhouse Kicks by Taekwondo Discipline Cho, Min-A Advisor : Prof. Jung, Jae Young Major in Phsical Education Gradute School of Education, Chosun University This study aimed to compare the kinematic characteristics of lower-limb segments during the execution of roundhouse kicks among Taekwondo athletes specializing in sparring, poomsae, and breaking disciplines. A total of 30 collegiate Taekwondo athletes (10 sparring athletes, 10 poomsae athletes, and 10 breaking athletes) participated in this study. Motion data were collected using inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors attached to the lower extremities and pelvis. The roundhouse kick was divided into two phases: Phase 1 (from foot-off to maximum knee flexion) and Phase 2 (from maximum knee flexion to target impact). The variables analyzed included movement time, pelvic rotation angle, maximum knee flexion angle, and knee joint acceleration. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and Scheffé post-hoc tests were performed when significant differences were identified. The results showed that sparring athletes demonstrated significantly shorter movement times during Phase 1 compared to poomsae and breaking athletes (p < .001). However, during Phase 2, sparring athletes exhibited significantly longer movement times than the other groups (p < .001). In terms of kinematic variables, sparring athletes showed significantly greater pelvic rotation angles than poomsae and breaking athletes (p < .01). Conversely, poomsae and breaking athletes demonstrated significantly greater maximum knee flexion angles than sparring athletes (p < .001). No significant differences were observed among the groups in peak or mean knee acceleration during either phase. These findings suggest that athletes from different Taekwondo disciplines employ distinct movement strategies when performing roundhouse kicks. Sparring athletes tend to utilize greater pelvic rotation and rapid initial movement to enhance responsiveness and tactical effectiveness, whereas poomsae and breaking athletes rely more on increased knee flexion to achieve technical accuracy and power generation. Therefore, discipline-specific characteristics should be considered when designing training programs for Taekwondo athletes. Keywords: Taekwondo, Roundhouse Kick, Kinematics, IMU Sensor