Analysis of lower limb performance and reactions of pencak silat athletes during competition: a contextual approach to competitive situations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55040/wj8nn970Keywords:
Pencak silat, lower limb, punch, reaction time, performanceAbstract
Pencak silat performance relies heavily on explosive lower limb actions and rapid reactions during combat. However, limited empirical evidence exists on how these physical components influence actual match performance in pencak silat athletes. This study aims to analyse the relationship between lower limb components and athlete reaction time with match performance in pencak silat. The research employed a quantitative correlational method with a multiple linear regression analysis approach involving 24 pencak silat athletes who had competed at the provincial level. The measured components included leg strength, leg power (vertical jump), 20-metre sprint speed, and whole-body reaction time (visual and audio). Match performance was assessed through video analysis based on the number of successful punches, kicks, and takedowns. The results showed that the regression model for predicting the number of punches approached but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.069; R² = 0.41, indicating a moderate-to-strong relationship). Within this model, significant partial contributions were found from leg strength (p = 0.047), visual reaction (p = 0.005), and audio reaction (p = 0.021). However, the regression models for the number of kicks (p = 0.421; R² = 0.225) and takedowns (p = 0.336; R² = 0.254) were not statistically significant. These findings indicate that leg strength and visual reaction play a crucial role in punch performance, while kicks and takedowns may be influenced more by technical and coordination factors.
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