Background: The back kick is a key scoring technique in taekwondo, often exhibiting bilateral asymmetry in lower limb function. Understanding these differences is crucial for optimizing training and minimizing injury risk. Methods: This study recruited twelve elite taekwondo athletes to perform back kicks using both their dominant and non-dominant legs under standardized conditions. Kinematic, kinetic, and surface electromyographic data were synchronously collected using a 3D motion capture system, force plate, and sEMG sensors. Paired t-tests and effect sizes assessed bilateral differences. Results: During the leg-lifting phase (P1), attacking leg peak hip power was significantly greater on the non-dominant side (p < 0.01); knee flexion angle was greater on the dominant side (p < 0.01), yet peak knee power was higher on the non-dominant side (p < 0.01). Support leg knee flexion angle was greater on the dominant side (p < 0.01), while knee flexion torque was higher on the non-dominant side (p < 0.05); ankle extension moment (p < 0.05) and plantar flexion power (p < 0.01) favored the dominant side. In the kicking phase (P2), dominant knee power was significantly higher (p < 0.01). The biceps femoris on the non-dominant side showed significantly higher iEMG and RMS values (p < 0.05), and dominant striking speed was faster (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings confirm marked functional asymmetry, suggesting training should emphasize non-dominant leg development to improve performance and reduce injury risk.

Judo, founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882, originated in Japan and has since grown to be globally popular. Young people display a high level of involvement in judo practice, while research on the sport varies over time and participation. In this study, we utilized the CiteSpace software for literature visualization and analysis. We set the time slice to 2012-2022 with a yearly increment and selected “Node Types” including “Country”, “Institution”, “Author”, and “Keyword”, with “Top N”=50. The other values remained at their default settings, resulting in the generation of a relevant knowledge graph. The LLR algorithm, which stands for Logarithmic Great Likelihood Ratio, is used to cluster keywords. Timeline, landscape, and burstiness demonstrate the temporal and sudden keyword changes. This study summarizes the research hotspots and development trends of global Judo programs in the Web of Science core collection in the last decade.

Among lower-body techniques in karate, the Mawashi Geri Jodan is regarded as the most frequently applied, technically sophisticated, and potentially hazardous skill. Yet, whether karate athletes of varying proficiency levels exhibit differential mastery of this technique remains empirically unexamined. This study aimed to reveal movement control strategies of elite athletes by comparing kinematic and surface electromyography (sEMG) characteristics of Mawashi Geri Jodan between elite and sub-elite female karate practitioners. A total of eight female karate athletes (4 elite, 4 sub-elite) were recruited. During the execution of the dominant-leg Mawashi Geri Jodan, they struck a karate punching bag positioned at head height, while kinematic and sEMG data were synchronously collected. Analyzed metrics included phase durations, center of mass (COM) displacement, joint angles/angular velocities, and integral electromyography (IEMG) with muscle work percentage of 8 lower limb muscles. Independent-sample t-tests were used for intergroup comparisons (α = 0.05). Compared with the sub-elite group, elite athletes completed the full Mawashi Geri Jodan in significantly less time (0.825 ± 0.07 s vs. 1.030 ± 0.05 s, p < 0.01) and exhibited a shorter core striking phase (p < 0.05). Kinematically, elite athletes showed smaller vertical COM displacement during the striking phase (p < 0.05) and greater hip joint range of motion (p < 0.05). sEMG data revealed significantly higher activation of lower limb prime movers (vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius) during the striking phase and greater rectus femoris contribution during the recovery phase in elite athletes. Elite female karate practitioners demonstrate superior movement efficiency, body stability, and neuromuscular coordination in Mawashi Geri Jodan. Technical training should prioritize hip joint flexibility and stability, synergistic explosive force generation of the lower limb kinetic chain during the striking phase, and active rectus femoris activation during the recovery phase to enhance execution precision and efficiency.

Background: Life Kinetics training, a multimodal intervention integrating coordinated motor tasks with cognitive challenges, has been proposed as a method to enhance neurocognitive and sport-specific performance. This study examined the effects of an 18-session Life Kinetics program on concentration, working memory, and service performance in junior and intermediate badminton athletes. Methods: Forty athletes (20 junior, 20 intermediate) were included in the final analysis following random allocation to Life Kinetics or control groups. The intervention group performed Life Kinetics training in addition to regular badminton practice for six weeks, while the control group maintained standard training. Outcomes included concentration (Concentration Grid Test), working memory (Digit Span Test), and short- and long-service performance. Data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA to assess Group × Time (pre–post) effects, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Significant Group × Time interaction effects were observed for concentration (F(1, 38) = 152.40, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.80), working memory (F(1, 38) = 168.70, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.82), short-service performance (F(1, 38) = 181.20, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.83), and long-service performance (F(1, 38) = 210.50, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.85). The Life Kinetics group demonstrated substantial improvements across all outcomes, whereas the control group showed minimal changes. Improvements were observed in both junior and intermediate athletes, with variations across outcomes. Exploratory EEG observations suggested a shift toward higher-frequency spectral activity following the intervention. Conclusions: Life Kinetics training was associated with significant improvements in cognitive function and service performance in badminton athletes. These findings support the integration of cognitive–motor training into athlete development programs. However, EEG findings should be interpreted cautiously due to methodological limitations, and future research using larger samples and advanced neuroimaging techniques is warranted.