BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ATTACK TECHNIQUE IN TAI CHI PUSH HANDS

Abstract

Tai Chi (TC) is a form of exercise developed from the martial art folk traditions of China. The force used in TC includes different principles of mechanical advantage. Push Hands are more advanced movements of TC exercise. No studies on the biomechanics analysis of TC push hands have been published. To analyze the kinematics, kinetic and electromyographic characteristics of TC Push Hands, an experienced TC master was asked to exhibit TC and normal pushing against another person for three trials. The movements were videotaped and digitised using a motion analysis system combine electromyographic and two force plates. The results indicated that the TC master cannot push the opponent over in normal pushing. The COG trajectories, kinetics, and EMG patterns are very different in normal and TC pushing. It is concluded that TC pushing is more strategic than normal pushing because its technique requires much less effort to cause the opponent’s imbalance.