A Systematic Review of Dynamic Forces and Kinematic Indicators of Front and Roundhouse Kicks across Varied Conditions and Participant Experience

Abstract

Impact force and maximum velocity are important indicators of kick efficiency. Therefore, this systematic review compared the front kick (FK) and roundhouse kick (RK), including their impact force, maximum velocity, angular velocity, and execution time, considering various target types and experience levels. Following PRISMA guidelines, the Web of Science, SportDiscus, and PubMed were systematically searched for articles published from January 1982 to May 2022. Normalized kicking values were compared using one-way ANOVA. Eighteen articles included FKs (sample: 113 elite men, 109 sub-elite men, and 46 novices), and twenty-five articles included RKs (sample: 238 elite men, 143 sub-elite men, and 27 novice men). The results indicate that the impact force of the FK were 47% (p < 0.01), 92% (p < 0.01), and 120% (p < 0.01) higher than those of the RK across novice, sub-elite, and elite groups, respectively. Moreover, the maximum foot velocity of the RK was 44% (p < 0.01) and 48% (p < 0.01) higher than that of the FK for the sub-elite and elite groups, respectively. Furthermore, the elite group had 65% (p < 0.01) higher knee extension angular velocity with the RK than with the FK and 138% (p < 0.01) higher hip extension angular velocity with the FK than with the RK. In summary, the findings suggest that the FK is more effective in generating forceful kicks, while the RK has the potential for rapid execution.

The Impact of Effective Mass on the Strength of Side and Turning Kick in Taekwon-Do Male Practitioners

“…Unfortunately, there are not many studies recording the force of kicks in taekwon-do. In the review of Vagner et al [33], the reported values of roundhouse kicks were much lower, ranging from 1200-1800 N. A study by Thibordeeand and Prasartwuth [34] had even lower values of up to 200 N. A study of side kicks by Lee et al [35] also obtained lower values of around 1300 N. Differences in the study designs can be attributed to various factors, such as the chosen targets, their size, the distance of participants from these targets, and the height of the targets. These elements must be considered when comparing force values across different studies.…”

Associations between Body Segment Masses and Punches, Front Kick, or the Countermovement Jump Performance in Military Personnel

“…In combat sports, this principle suggests the relationship between the mass and the dynamic forces of the strike. Therefore, previous studies have explored the dynamic forces of punches and kicks [24][25][26][27][28][29][30]. Additionally, some studies have demonstrated that dynamic forces like peak or impact force within the kicks partially depend on a subject's mass [6][7][8]31].…”