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Effect of Sequential Kicks on Programming Time and Movement Time in Taekwondo
Chung-Yu Chen1, Ching-Hui Yu2, Ti-Yu Chen2
1Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan University of Sport, Taichung, Taiwan.
Journal of Human Kinetics
|August 21, 2025
Summary
Executing multiple kicks in combat sports, like taekwondo, increases reaction time (RT) and movement time (MT). More complex kick sequences require additional preparation time, potentially slowing overall execution.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Combat Sports Analysis
Background:
- Consecutive kicks are a vital offensive strategy in combat sports.
- Understanding the temporal dynamics of multi-kick sequences is crucial for performance optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of increasing the number of kicks in a sequence on reaction time (RT) and movement time (MT).
- To analyze the temporal differences between single, double, and turning kick responses in taekwondo athletes.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-eight experienced taekwondo athletes participated in a simple reaction time (RT) paradigm.
- Four tasks were assessed: single fist (A), single round kick (B), double kick (C), and turning kick (D).
- Electromyography and accelerometer data were used to measure premotor and movement times.
Main Results:
- All multi-kick tasks (B, C, D) significantly increased RT compared to baseline.
- Task D (turning kick) exhibited the longest RT, followed by C (double kick) and B (round kick).
- Movement time increased with task complexity; the double kick (C) and turning kick (D) were slower than the single round kick (B).
Conclusions:
- Executing multi-kick combinations requires significantly more preparation and execution time.
- Increased complexity in kick sequences, involving more individual movements, leads to slower overall movement times.
- Athletes need to account for the temporal costs associated with executing advanced kicking techniques.
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