# High-Performance Gel Design for Flexible Pressure-Sensing Films in Taekwondo Applications

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a flexible pressure-sensing film using hydrogels to improve Taekwondo training by enabling electronic feedback in protective gear.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is the design of high-strength, high-toughness ionic hydrogels for pressure-sensing films tailored to Taekwondo applications.

## Key findings

- A hydrogel-based flexible pressure-sensing film was developed for Taekwondo protective gear.
- The film offers sensing performance comparable to competition-grade electronic gear.
- The method uses a simple adhesion approach and low-cost materials.

## Abstract

Exploring effective training methods to reliably trigger scoring in electronic protective gear is a significant challenge faced by coaches and athletes, and it constitutes a critical research direction that urgently demands scientific exploration. To improve the scientific precision of daily Taekwondo training and enhance competitive performance more efficiently and to improve the effectiveness of daily Taekwondo training and enhance competitive performance, a hydrogel-based flexible pressure-sensing film was developed. This film would enable traditional Taekwondo protective gear with electronic sensing capabilities via a simple adhesion method. By attaching a low-cost, high-precision, and appropriately flexible gel-based pressure-sensing film to conventional protective gear through a straightforward adhesion approach, it can attain sensing performance comparable to that of specialized competition-grade electronic protective gear. This innovation will provide technological support for advancing the scientific rigor of Taekwondo training in China. This study focuses on the design and development of high-strength, high-toughness ionic hydrogels, offering technical backing for the creation of flexible pressure-sensing films tailored for Taekwondo applications.