Analysis of the active phase of female taekwondo bouts during the final series of the Grand Prix 2023

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyse the active phase of female taekwondo bouts during the semifinals and finals of the 2023 Grand Prix Final Series. The methodology involved analyzing eleven bouts from the female weight categories (≤49kg, ≤57kg, ≤67kg and ≥67kg). The frequency and duration of bout sequences were recorded by identifying the structural elements of combat: exchange time (ET), latent time (LT), interaction space (IS), execution distance (ED). The most effective techniques were also identified. The results showed that, in general, athletes performed high-intensity efforts in an alternating pattern, with balanced ET and LT averaging 2.1 seconds, distributed across 48 engagement phases per round between ED and IS. Also, a decrease in the frequency of structural elements was observed as weight category increased. The lightest category showed shorter temporal duration, supporting the hypothesis with statistical significance (p < 0.00113). Also, a total of 114 effective techniques were recorded. In conclusion, the athletes demonstrated a balanced distribution of effort. The frequency and duration of combat structures varied depending on weight category, bout and round. The gulleo chagi technique stood out as the most effective, while the ≤57kg category proved to be the most efficient.