Impact Force and Jump Performance in Taekwondo

The Relationship Between Relative Impact Force and Jumping Performance in Taekwondo Athletes

he goal of this study is to examine the relationship between countermovement jump performance and kick impact power in elite Taekwondo athletes and to evaluate these variables across gender and weight categories. The main questions it aims to answer are whether jump performance is associated with kick impact power and whether these variables differ according to weight class and gender.

Thirty-two elite Taekwondo athletes with international experience participated in the study. Participants performed countermovement jump tests to assess anaerobic power and sport-specific kicking tests to measure impact power. Data were analyzed using correlation, t-tests, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests, with post-hoc comparisons where appropriate.

Participants performed:

countermovement jump tests to assess explosive lower-limb power sport-specific kicking tests to measure impact force laboratory-based performance assessments using biomechanical measurements

This study employed a cross-sectional observational design to investigate the association between lower-limb explosive power and sport-specific striking performance in elite Taekwondo athletes.

Force and power-related variables were obtained under standardized testing conditions in a controlled laboratory environment. Participants completed countermovement jump (CMJ) assessments following a standardized warm-up protocol. CMJ performance was used as an indicator of global lower-limb explosive capacity.

Sport-specific impact performance was evaluated using standardized kicking tasks, including dominant and non-dominant Roundhouse Kick (RK) and Side Kick (SK) techniques. Impact-related variables were recorded using validated biomechanical measurement equipment capable of capturing force-related output during striking. All trials were performed with consistent target height and distance to ensure comparability between participants.

Athletes were grouped according to official weight categories and gender in order to examine potential inter-group differences in performance characteristics. Data normality was tested prior to inferential analysis. Depending on distribution assumptions, parametric or non-parametric statistical tests were applied. Relationships between CMJ performance and kick impact variables were examined using correlation analysis, while group differences were assessed using appropriate comparative statistical tests.

All measurements were completed in a single testing session to minimize inter-session variability, and multiple trials were used for each performance test to ensure reliability.

Inclusion Criteria:

Elite Taekwondo athletes with international competition experience Training regularly (minimum 6 sessions per week) No lower extremity injury affecting performance in the last 6 months Voluntary participation with written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

Current musculoskeletal injury or pain affecting performance History of lower limb surgery in the past 12 months Use of performance-enhancing drugs or stimulants before testing Failure to complete all performance tests (CMJ and kicking protocols) Non-compliance with pre-test instructions (diet, rest, or activity restrictions)