An analysis of forces acting on the head from the taekwondo turning kick
Date
2010
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
A Preliminary analysis of forces acting on the head from the taekwondo turning kick Objective: To assess the effect of the TKD turning kick (RK) and its peak foot velocity (FVEL) on resultant head linear acceleration (RLA), head injury criterion (HIC15) and peak head velocity (HVEL). Methods: Each subject (n=12) performed five repetitions of the RK at the average standing head height for competitors in their respective Olympic weight division. A Hybrid II Crash Test Dummy (H2D) head was fitted with a protective TKD helmet and instrumented with a tri-axial accelerometer (PCB Piezotronics-356A66) and fixed to a height adjustable frame. Acceleration data were captured using Qualisys Track Manager (Gothenburg, Sweden) and processed in accordance with SAE J211-1. Results: The RK produced an RLA of 130.11±51.67g (range: 60.50–217.33g) and HIC15 of 672.74 + 540.89 (range: 128.40 –1608.70). The mean HVEL from the RK was 4.73±1.67 m.s-1 (range: 3.36-9.52 m.s-1). Height, weight, and foot velocity predicted 85.6% (SEE = 241.10) of the variance in HIC15 (p = 0.001, f2 = 5.90) and of these predictors FVEL was statistically significant (p = .019). Conclusions: The RK is of concern because it is the most common technique and most common cause of concussion in TKD and has a high RLA and HIC15. Prevention of concussion in TKD should focus on employing qualified medical personnel, injury monitoring, and safer equipment.