Can Acceleration, Velocity, and Kinematic Variables During Single Knife-Hand Block Distinguish Skilled and Less-Skilled Taekwondo Players?: A Smartphone-Based 2D Video Tracking

Purpose: This study aimed to compare velocity, acceleration, and upper limb kinematic variables during the execution of the knife-hand block between skilled and less-skilled Taekwondo Poomsae athletes.Methods: A total of sixteen athletes were classified into skilled and less-skilled groups based on their competition history.Two-dimensional video analysis was performed to measure peak velocity, positive and negative peak accelerations, elbow angles, wrist extension angles, and fingertip height during the knife-hand block.Results: Skilled athletes demonstrated significantly greater positive and negative peak accelerations (p< 0.05), indicating superior dynamic movement characteristics.However, no significant differences were observed between groups in peak velocity, elbow angle, wrist angle, or fingertip height, which are related to movement accuracy.Conclusion: These findings suggest that acceleration parameters may be more sensitive indicators of movement proficiency and expressive performance than velocity or positional accuracy alone.Training programs should incorporate strategies to improve both technical precision and dynamic movement qualities to enhance overall Poomsae performance.