Effects of hip and knee isokinetic strengths on lower extremity acceleration during roundhouse kicks to the head and chest in taekwondo.

The article investigates the relationship between isokinetic muscle strength and segmental acceleration of the striking leg during roundhouse kicks (RHKs) in elite female taekwondo athletes. It finds that mid-level RHKs are primarily driven by knee flexion strength correlating with ankle acceleration, whereas high-level (head-level) RHKs require significant contributions from both hip and knee flexion moments to achieve greater segmental accelerations. No significant bilateral differences in isokinetic strength were observed, except for ankle acceleration during high-level kicks, which was higher on the dominant side. The study highlights the importance of strengthening both hip and knee flexor and extensor muscles, as well as addressing hamstring-to-quadriceps strength imbalances, to optimize kicking performance and reduce injury risk in female taekwondo practitioners.