Wearable Pressure Sensor System for Measuring Kick Reaction Time and Impact Force in Taekwondo

This work presents the design and evaluation of an affordable wearable device created to measure reaction time and impact force during kicking actions in Taekwondo to support the evaluation of athletic performance under varying visual stimulus conditions. The prototype consists of an array of force sensors integrated into a wearable chest protector and a visual stimulus module based on light emitting diodes (LEDs) indicators. Reaction time was calculated from the onset of the visual stimulus to the moment of impact, whereas impact force was estimated based on the voltage response of the force sensors. Impact force estimation was achieved through linear regression modeling, reaching 70% accuracy. The system was validated through preliminary tests with Taekwondo athletes under sequential and randomized visual stimulus protocols. Results revealed measurable differences in performance under different conditions.