Analysis of kendo striking performance by quantitation of human and object

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K11391
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 59020:Sports sciences-related
• Research Institution: National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya
• Principal Investigator: Yotani Kengo 鹿屋体育大学, スポーツ生命科学系, 准教授 (10581142)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 剣道 / 竹刀 / 筋電図

Outline of Final Research Achievements

For acquisition of a point (Ippon) in kendo, the swordsman must hit the opponent with a bamboo sword, called shinai, through control of a human. The objective of the present study was to estimate the kendo striking performance by a comprehensive assessment of human (kendo athlete) and object (shinai). First, recent evidence suggests that the shinai is deflected in the opposite direction to the swing. However, in striking point, the status of deflection showed two patterns of same direction or opposite direction to the swing, and moreover the status of deflection was shown to be associated with muscle activation patterns of the upper limbs. Finally, when kendo athletes altered muscle activity during strikes, deflection of the shinai also was able to change.

Free Research Field

スポーツ科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

これまで道具を用いる競技種目の調査は、主としてヒトあるいはモノといった各々へ焦点を当てながら評価を行ってきた。一方、本研究ではそれらを総合的に評価し、剣道の打突パフォーマンスを評価することで、剣道競技者の筋活動と竹刀の撓みの状態との間で関係を示す新たな知見を見出した(学術的意義)。これらの結果は、ヒトとモノが全く独立したものでないことを示唆し、今後、本研究がフレームワークとなって、健常者に限らず、義足等が必要な者へも波及し、ヒトとモノの繋がりの観点から幅広く応用できるものと考えられた(社会的意義)。