Background, Problem and Aim. Investigations into head injuries in combat sports have utilized a linear acceleration parameter only. Utilization of computer simulation techniques may provide more accurate and reliable information. us, this study ana- lyzed the linear and rotational acceleration of the taekwondo roundhouse kick using Automated Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical Systems (ADAMS) so ware. Methods. e ADAMS so ware model was used to determine the linear and rotational acceleration of the taekwondo roundhouse kick. Results. e analysis of linear and rotational acceleration curves showed that peak linear acceleration, average linear acceleration, peak rotational acceleration, and average rotational acceleration resulted from the roundhouse kick to head at a foot velocity of 13 m/s were 99g, 25g, 4346 rads/s2, 1465 rads/s2, respectively. At foot velocity of 16 m/s, these accelerations were 136 g, 33 g, 5908 rads/s2, and 2539 rads/s2, respectively. Also, impact time at velocities of 13 m/s and 16 m/s were 23 ms and 18 ms, respectively Conclusions. It is biomechanically improbable that the head would be displaced translationally or rotationally as a result of a taek- wondo roundhouse kick. Nevertheless, both accelerations should be considered and also the comparison between the results of this study and acceleration tolerance thresholds of head injury indicated that only rotational acceleration causes an injury to head. Especially at high foot speeds, rotational acceleration can lead to cerebral concussion and brain surface shearing.
