Biomechanical measurement and analysis of Tai Chi push-hand

Abstract

In this study, the motion characteristics and techniques of Tai Chi push-hand, a fixed step, single-handed concentric sparring method, were investigated using biomechanical measurements. The FAB system was utilized to obtain the kinematic and foot pressure data, and an MYO armband was used to record the sEMG signals. After the measurements, a single concentric motion was divided into four stages. Then, the motion data, foot pressure data, and sEMG signals of each of the four stages were analyzed. According to the results, Tester A pushed during stage I, was pushed during stage III, and alternated between being pushed and pushing during stages II and IV. In addition, the amount of pressure applied by the right foot increased during stages I and II and decreased during stages III and IV until minimizing and then rebounding slightly. In contrast, the amount of pressure applied by the left food exhibited the opposite trend. Furthermore, the flexor carpi radialis, extensor digitorum, palmaris longus, and brachioradialis muscles exhibited relatively high levels of activity during this sport.