Sensor-based footwork instrument for the martial art of Tarung Derajat: Validity and reliability

Although instruments to measure footwork ability in sports performance have been investigated in previous studies, an instrument relevant to the movement characteristics of Tarung Derajat martial arts has not been found. The purpose of this study was to develop a sensor-based footwork instrument for Tarung Derajat martial arts. This study began with determining the elements of the instrument, design, selection of physical elements to be measured, sensor device components, assembly of the device, characterization of the relevance of movement in Tarung Derajat martial arts, and testing. The feasibility test of the device involved 4 experts (instrumentation, sports measurement tests, Tarung Derajat martial arts, and information technology) and 6 Tarung Derajat martial arts athletes (aged 18.53 ± 0.52 years). Then the test-retest reliability involved 33 Tarung Derajat martial arts athletes, consisting of male (n = 19; aged 19.21 ± 0.71 years) and female (n = 14; aged 18.79 ± 0.80 years). Data were analyzed using percentages, correlations, and t-tests. The results of the study showed that the sensor-based footwork instrument was very feasible to be used for Tarung Derajat martial arts, with a percentage of 86.50. The results of the test-retest reliability showed a high correlation coefficient (n = 33; r = 0.897; Sig. < 0.05; n = 19; r = 0.802; Sig. < 0.05; n = 14; r = 0.823; Sig. < 0.05). Then, the t-test showed that there was no significant difference in the results of the footwork ability test between male and female participants (Sig. > 0.05). Field trials with wider subjects are needed in future research, with more refined tool displays and designs.