Wearable System for Measuring Impact Force and Response Time in Taekwondo Using Piezoresistive Sensors

This paper presents the design and preliminary validation of a wearable prototype integrated into a Taekwondo chest protector. The system combines piezoresistive force sensors and visual LED stimuli to measure two critical performance parameters: impact force and response time. Unlike traditional measurement systems that are limited to laboratory settings, the proposed device enables real-time assessment in realistic training environments. The sensors were calibrated using a progressive load method, and a linear model without intercept was selected to ensure proportional accuracy. Six athletes participated in the experimental protocol, executing the Bandal Chagui technique under sequential and random visual conditions. Results showed a decrease in impact force and an increase in response time under the random condition, suggesting that cognitive load affects technical performance. The system proved to be portable, low-cost, and suitable for integration into regular training routines.