Transmission of Impact Through the Electronic Body Protector in Taekwondo

Abstract

This study has been conducted in order to elicit the impact forces transmitted trough Electronic Body Protectors utilized in Taekwondo. By applying a specially designed impact measurement setting, kicks as in real Taekwondo fight were mimicked on mannequins vested or non-vested with Electronic Body Protectors. For different cadet levels, kicks which may bring points were applied. A total of 54 kicks were conducted determining the impact forces absorbed under the Electronic Body Protectors and also on front of the sternum. For measurement of transmitted impact forces, a specially designed sensor system (F-Socket system) was placed between the mannequin and the inner surface of Electronic Body Protectors. The results show that points could be obtained at each cadet level even with low impact forces. The impact of kick transmitted onto the chest increases (24.67%68.09%) as the cadet level increases. It was also observed that at higher cadet levels transmitted forces were higher depending on the impact level. Thus, it was concluded that the thickness of Electronic Body Protectors must be modified according to the weight divisions utilized in Taekwondo. As it seems to be possible to score points even with low impact forces during Taekwondo competitions, there is no need to use kicks with high impact forces leading to a higher risk of injuries unless athletes seek to disturb the balance of their opponents.

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