Neuromuscular Strategies in Novice and Advanced Taekwondo Athletes During Consecutive Roundhouse Kicks

Background: This study investigates differences in muscle co-contraction and peak electromyography (EMG) activity between novice and advanced taekwondo athletes during consecutive roundhouse (bandal chagui) kicks, examining the influence of body composition and experience level. Methods: Sixteen taekwondo athletes (12 males, 4 females; mean age: 20.5±4.3 years) were divided into novice (n=8) and advanced (n=8) groups. Muscle co-contraction indices and peak EMG activity across 15 consecutive kicks were assesed in key lower limb muscles, including the biceps femoris (BF), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), rectus femoris (RF), soleus (SO), semitendinosus (ST), tibialis anterior (TA), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis (VM). Results: Advanced athletes exhibited significantly higher co-contraction indices in BF–RF, VM–BF, and SO–TA pairs (p < 0.05) and increased peak EMG trends in BF and LG (p< 0.05). Novice athletes showed significantly reduced peak EMG increases in RF, VM, and VL. Body composition in-fluenced EMG trends, with higher fat mass and lower muscle mass associated with greater variations in muscle activation. Conclusions: These findings suggest that advanced athletes refine motor control through increased co-contraction, improving stability and efficiency, while novices exhibit less optimized coordination patterns. This study provides insights into the neuromechanical adaptations associated with expertise development in taekwondo.