Kinetic and kinematic analysis of three kicks in Sanda Wushu

i

This article has been updated. A Correction to this article was published on .

i

The Original Article was published on

i

The Original Article was published on

i

This article has been updated

i

This article was retracted on

i

This article has been updated

Abstract

Sanda is a Chinese martial art derived from Wushu that incorporates various kicking techniques in combat, utilizing different training methods to enhance kicking skills. This study’s goal was use kinetic and kinematic analysis to evaluate three Sanda kick techniques: the roundhouse kick, front kick, and side kick (referred to as Pian Tui, Dan Tui, and Ce Chuai Tui, respectively, in Wushu terminology). We examined the strength, speed, and effectiveness of these three kicks in our research. Nineteen volunteer Sanda players (i.e., 5 women and 14 men) from Tunisia’s senior national squad participated in this study. Motion and performance analysis were conducted concurrently using 2D kinematic analysis with Kinovea freeware and kinetic analysis through inverse dynamics force computation. By using inverse dynamics to measure the three kicks, the results showed high absolute and relative reliability of kicking force. Additionally, repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) measurements indicated a significant difference between the techniques in kinetics (i.e., force, power, linear momentum, and inertia), linear kinematics (i.e., displacement, velocity, and acceleration), and angular kinematics (i.e., segment angles and angular velocity). We concluded that the front kick generated the optimal force and peak power, making it the most effective kick. In contrast, the roundhouse kick demonstrated the fastest execution, indicating that it is a high-velocity kick.

Keywords

Sanda / Wushu / kinetics / kinematics / Roundhouse kick / Front kick / Side kick

CHANGE HISTORY

A Correction to this paper has been published:
https://doi.org

The Retraction Note was updated to reflect reception of statements of disagreement from all authors.

This article has been retracted.Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail:
https://doi.org

References

[1] Jiang C, Olson M, Li L (2013) Determination of biomechanical differences between elite and novice San Shou female athletes. J Exerc Sci Fit 11: 25-28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesf.2013.03.002

[2] Siddhartha S, Krishnendu D (2018) Selected kinematic analysis of Side kick technique of elite Wushu player. J Phys Educ Res 5: 53-57.

[3] Shouzheng F (2006) A biomechanical analysis of the Chinese Wushu Sanda Side-kick as performed by elite male Wushu Sanda Competitors. In ISBS-Conference Proceedings Archive.

[4] Ye DM, Qian BX (2003) Wushu Sanda Side Kick Structural and Technical Characteristics (Chinese). The Journal of the PLA Institute of Physical Education 22: 43-46.

[5] Uchida TK, Delp SL (2021) Biomechanics of Movement: the Science of Sports, Robotics, and Rehabilitation. The Mit Press.

[6] Corcoran D, Climstein M, Whitting J, et al. (2024) Impact force and velocities for kicking strikes in combat sports: a literature review. Sports (Basel) 12: 74. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12030074

[7] Rydzik Ł, Ambroży T (2021) Physical fitness and the level of technical and tactical training of kickboxers. Int J Env Res Pub He 18: 3088. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063088

[8] Vagner M, Stastny P, Cleather D, et al. (2021) Effect of strength training programs on front push kick dynamics and kinematics. Arch Budo

[9] Blais L, Trilles F (2004) Analyse mécanique comparative d’une même projection de judo: Seoi Nage, réalisée par cinq experts de la Fédération Française de Judo. (French) Mov Sport Sci 51: 49-68. https://doi.org/10.3917/sm.051.0049

[10] James LP, Haff GG, Kelly VG, et al. (2016) Towards a determination of the physiological characteristics distinguishing successful mixed martial arts athletes: a systematic review of combat sport literature. Sports Med 46: 1525-1551. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0493-1

[11] Schick M, Brown L, Coburn J, et al. (2010) Physiological profile of mixed martial artists. Medicina Sportiva 14: 182-187. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/v10036-010-0029-y

[12] Tabben M, Chaouachi A, Mahfoudhi MH, et al. (2014) Physical and physiological characteristics of high-level combat sport athletes. J Combat Sports Martial Arts 5: 1-5. https://doi.org/10.5604/20815735.1127445

[13] Sadowski J (2004) Dominant coordination motor abilities in combat sports. J Hum Kinet 13: 61-72.

[14] Stamenković S, Karničić H, Vlašić J, et al. (2025) Kicking, throwing, grappling: How combat sports shape muscular fitness and motor competence in children. J Funct Morphol Kinesiology 10: 76. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10010076

[15] Le Camus C, Le Camus C (1982) La Gymnastique Rythmique Sportive Et Sa Valeur Educative. (French), 44-48.

[16] Wushu Sanda Competition Rules & Judging Method: International Wushu Federation, 2017. Available from: http://www.iwuf.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/IWUF-Wushu-Sanda-Competition-Rules-Judging-Method-2017.pdf

[17] Ouddak M (2015) Paramètres de développement de la coordination motrice pour une amélioration de la motricité et de la psychomotricité des jeunes sportifs. (French) MÂAREF 10: 03-29.

[18] Kang YS (2023) The study on the improvement of performance of the 3rd International Competition Taolu in the 2023 Asian Junior Wushu Championships. Korean Society for Leisure Sciences 14: 139-148. https://doi.org/10.37408/kjls.2023.14.3.139

[19] Huang L, Song J, Lin X, et al. (2022) Research on kick motion before Sanda based on 3D wireless sensor network image. Concurrency Computat Pract Exper 34: e5894. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpe.5894

[20] Wang X, Soh KG, Deng N, et al. (2024) Effects of functional training on muscle strength, jumping, and functional movement screen in Wushu athletes: a systematic review. Heliyon 10: e24087. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24087

[21] Lan Y, Sun J (2021) Research status and hot spots of whip kick technical movements in Sanda. Adv Phys Sci 9: 82-91. https://doi.org/10.12677/APS.2021.91012

[22] Chen YM (2014) Kinematics and sEMG characteristics of excellent male Sanda athletes’ side “Leg Kick” skill. Journal of Chengdu Sport University 40: 63-66. https://cdtyxb.cdsu.edu.cn/EN/Y2014/V40/I5/63

[23] Hölbling D, Preuschl E, Hassmann M, et al. (2016) Kinematic analysis of the double Side kick in pointfighting, kickboxing. J Sports Sci 35: 317-324. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2016.1164333

[24] Park KD (2003) A kinematical analysis of Side kick motion in Taekwondo. Korean J Sport Biomech 13: 49-63. https://doi.org/10.5103/KJSB.2003.13.2.049

[25] Jemili H, Mejri M, Sioud R, et al. (2016) Changes in muscle activity during karate guiaku-zuki-punch and kiza-mawashi-guiri-kick after specific training in elite athletes. Sci Sport 32: 73-81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2016.11.002

[26] Salerno R, Passos H, Maia M, et al. (2019) Hemodynamic subsequent responses between Muay Thai and wrestling Brazilian professional athletes after a high-intensity round. Arch Budo Sci Martial Arts Extreme Sports 13: 41-47. https://smaes.archbudo.com/view/abstract/id/11287

[27] Wang X (2020) The kinematics and surface electromyography characteristics of Round kick of martial arts athletes. Mol Cell Biomech 17: 189-198. https://doi.org/10.32604/mcb.2020.011236

[28] Heydari M, Nazari AZ, Tanbakoosaz A (2020) Comparison of kinematics coordination of lower extremity between Elit and Professional athletes during Roundhouse kick using modified vector coding technique. 27th National and 5th International Iranian Conference on Biomedical Engineering, Iran: Tehran, 67-70. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICBME51989.2020.9319422

[29] Huang TY, Tang WT, Liu TT, et al. (2022) Kinematic and kinetic demands on better Roundhouse kick performances. Sport Biomech 26: 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2022.2122862

[30] Pieter F, Pieter W (1995) Speed and Force in Selected Taekwondo Techniques. Biol sport 12: 257-266.

[31] Faul F, Erdfelder E, Buchner A, et al. (2009) Statistical power analyses using G*Power 3.1: tests for correlation and regression analyses. Behav Res Methods 41: 1149-1160. https://doi.org/10.3758/BRM.41.4.1149

[32] Mkaouer B, Akkari-Ghazouani H, Amara S, et al. (2023) Kinetic and kinematic analysis of landing during standing back somersault using three technical arm swings in artistic gymnastics. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 8: 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8010010

[33] Mkaouer B, Jemni M, Amara S, et al. (2014) Effect of three technical arms swings on the elevation of the center of mass during a standing back somersault. J Hum Kinet 40: 37-48. https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2014-0005

[34] Kim JW, Kwon MS, Yenuga SS, et al. (2010) The effects of target distance on pivot hip, trunk, pelvis, and kicking leg kinematics in Taekwondo Roundhouse kicks. Sport Biomech 9: 98-114. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141003799459

[35] Brønd J (2009) Biomechanics Made Simple. SkillSpector version 1.2.4.

[36] Brønd JC, Elbæk L (2013) Problem based learning and the use of digital tools, for improving use and understanding of biomechanics in practical sports subjects. Proceedings of the Abstract from Next Practice in Physical Education and Movement Science, Odense, Denmark, 24.

[37] Sharifnezhad A, Abdollahzadekan M, Shafieian M, et al. (2021) C3D data based on 2-dimensional images from video camera. Ann Biomed Sci Eng 5: 001-005. https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.abse.1001010

[38] Hanavan EP (1964) A mathematical model of the human body. Ohio, USA: Air Force Aerospace Medical Research Lab Wright-Patterson, 1-149.

[39] de Leva P (1996) Adjustments to Zatsiorsky-Seluyanov’s segment inertia parameters. J Biomech 29: 1223-1230. https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9290(95)00178-6

[40] Harnois JS, Lavoie J (2017) De la biomécanique à la force de frappe In: St-Félicien Cd, editor. 43e Expo-Sciences au Cégep de Saint-Félicien. St-Félicien Canada. (French).

[41] Puig-Diví A, Escalona-Marfil C, Padullés-Riu JM, et al. (2019) Validity and reliability of the Kinovea program in obtaining angles and distances using coordinates in 4 perspectives. Plos One 14: e0216448. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0216448

[42] Hopkins W, Marshall S, Batterham A, et al. (2009) Progressive statistics for studies in sports medicine and exercise science. Med Sci Sports Exerc 41: 3-13. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e31818cb278

[43] Scanlan AT, Dascombe BJ, Reaburn P, et al. (2012) The physiological and activity demands experienced by Australian female basketball players during competition. J Sci Med Sport 15: 341-347. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2011.12.003

[44] Hopkins W (2000) Measures of reliability in sports medicine and science. Sports Med 30: 1-15. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200030010-00001

[45] Wagner JM, Rhodes JA, Patten C (2008) Reproducibility and minimal detectable change of three-dimensional kinematic analysis of reaching tasks in people with hemiparesis after stroke. Phys Ther 88: 652-663. https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20070255

[46] Vagner M, Cleather DJ, Olah V, et al. (2023) A systematic review of dynamic forces and kinematic indicators of front and Roundhouse kicks across varied conditions and participant experience. Sports 11: 141. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11080141

[47] Vagner M, Cleather DJ, Kubový P, et al. (2022) Kinematic determinants of front kick dynamics across different loading conditions. Mil Med 187: e147-e153. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usaa542

[48] Moreira PVS, Falco C, Menegaldo LL, et al. (2021) Are isokinetic leg torques and kick velocity reliable predictors of competitive level in Taekwondo athletes? Plos One 16: e0235582. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0235582

[49] Hariono A, Rahayu T, Ndayisenga J (2021) Motion analyis of the Front kick technique of pencak silat athlete motion analyis of the Front kick technique of pencak silat athlete. Turk Online J Qual Inq 12: 1881-1889.

[50] Wąsik J, Shan G (2015) Kinematics of the Turning kick: measurements obtained in testing well-trained Taekwon-do athletes. Arch Budo 11: 61-67. https://archbudo.com/view/abstract/id/10479

[51] Sidthilaw S (1997) Kinetic and kinematic analysis of Thai boxing Roundhouse kicks, Dissertation Theses. Oregon: Oregon State University.

[52] Falco C, Landeo R, Menescardi C, et al. (2012) Match analysis in a University Taekwondo championship. Adv Phys Educ 2: 28-31. https://doi.org/10.4236/ape.2012.21005

[53] Feld MS, McNair RE, Wilk SR (1979) The physics of karate. Sci Am 240: 150-161.

[54] Wąsik J, Mosler D, Ortenburger D, et al. (2021) Kinematic effects of the target on the velocity of Taekwon-do Roundhouse kicks. J Hum Kinet 80: 61-69. https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2021-0103

[55] Estevan I, Alvarez O, Falco C, et al. (2011) Impact force and time analysis influenced by execution distance in a Roundhouse kick to the head in Taekwondo. J Strength Cond Res 25: 2851-2856. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318207ef72

[56] Hsieh A, Huang CF, Huang CC (2012) The biomechanical analysis of Roundhouse kick in Taekwondo. 30 International Conference on Biomechanics in Sports. Australia: Melbourne. https://ojs.ub.uni-konstanz.de/cpa/article/view/5386

[57] Gavagan C, Sayers M (2017) A biomechanical analysis of the Roundhouse kicking technique of expert practitioners: a comparison between the martial arts disciplines of Muay Thai, Karate, and Taekwondo. Plos One 12: e0182645. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0182645

[58] Aandahl HS, Von Heimburg E, Van den Tillaar R (2018) Effect of postactivation potentiation induced by elastic resistance on kinematics and performance in a Roundhouse kick of trained martial arts practitioners. J Strength Cond Res 32: 990-996. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001947

[59] Park YJ (1989) A biomechanical analysis of Taekwondo front-kicks, Dissertation Theses. Minnesota: University of Minnesota.

[60] Wąsik J (2011) Kinematics and kinetics of Taekwon-do side kick. J Hum Kinet 30: 13-20. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10078-011-0068-z

[61] Pozo J, Bastien G, Dierick F (2011) Execution time, kinetics, and kinematics of the mae-geri kick: Comparison of national and international standard karate athletes. J Sports Sci 29: 1553-1561. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2011.605164

[62] Vagner M, Stastny P, Kubový P, et al. (2020) The carried military load increases the impulse and time of a Front kick but reduces the peak velocity of the knee, hip, and shoulder of the kicking leg. Arch Budo 16: 69-76. https://archbudo.com/view/abstract/id/13293

[63] Nakayama M (1986) Dynamic Karate: Instruction by the Master. Kodansha International, New York.

[64] Portela B, Barbosa M, Cavazzotto T, et al. (2014) Kinematics analysis of the Front kick with and without impact on traditional Karate. Arch Budo Sci Martial Arts Extreme Sports 10: 47-51. https://smaes.archbudo.com/view/abstract/id/10742

[65] Falco C, Alvarez O, Castillo I, et al. (2009) Influence of the distance in a Roundhouse kicka’s execution time and impact force in Taekwondo. J Biomech 42: 242-248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2008.10.041

[66] Quinzi F, Camomilla V, Felici F, et al. (2013) Differences in neuromuscular control between impact and no impact Roundhouse kick in athletes of different skill levels. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 23: 140-150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2012.09.006

[67] Singh AA (2017) Analysis of force, time, energy, psychological demand and safety of common kicks in martial arts, Master of Science. Ames: Iowa State University.