The Optimal Stepping-in-place Tempo and Type of Roundhouse Kick for the Strong Impact Force in Taekwondo

The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of stepping-in-place tempo on the impact force of roundhouse kicks and to determine whether the impact force varied according to different types of roundhouse kicks: front leg body (FLB), front leg head (FLH), rear leg body (RLB), and rear leg head (RLH). Fifteen Taekwondo experts performed four types of roundhouse kicks at five different stepping-in-place tempos: 100, 120, 140, 160, and 180 beats per minute (bpm). Each participant performed 60 kicks to both body and head targets in a randomized order. The impact force data were analyzed using a 4 (kick type) × 5 (tempo) repeated measures ANOVA. The estimated impact force was significantly greater at 140 bpm compared to 100 bpm. In terms of kick types, FLB and RLB produced stronger impact forces than FLH, and RLB was stronger than RLH. Additionally, a significant interaction effect was found between kick type and tempo. These findings suggest that there is an optimal stepping-in-place tempo, particularly around 140 bpm, for maximizing impact force, and that body kicks consistently generate more force than head kicks across all tempos. This study offers valuable insights for optimizing Taekwondo techniques related to power output and has practical implications for both coaches and athletes in developing effective match strategies.