New method to measure brain processing time and read-while-you-attach ability in Taekwondo

What is it about?

In this study we designed a reactive test to evaluate the reaction time and the ability to read the opponent while attacking in taekwondo athletes. The premotor reaction time measured in this study represents the time required for the brain to process the stimulation and to tell the muscles how to respond. The premotor reaction time is different from the simple see-the-signal-then-press-button tests that include both brain processing time and the muscle movement time. This study also used a dual-task situation, in which the athletes have to read and respond to the opponent movement while conducting the attack. The dual-task situation is common in many sports. This study used several expensive lab equipment that may not be available for most coaches and athletes. For those who do not have the access to the equipment, a dual task using only a light signal and a press button would be sufficient to evaluate the athletes’ ability in this critical situation in competition. There will be more interesting results to be published using this method.

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Why is it important?

We develop this method to measure the time required for brain to process the signal and the ability to read and respond to the opponent movement while conducting the attack in elite taekwondo athletes. These abilities are crucial in winning competitions in many sports. For the labs with the required equipment, a full version of these tests can be applied. For most coaches and athletes, a light signal and a button while undergoing the attach sequence is sufficient to measure the ability in dual-task situation.

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