Abstract

Post-error slowing (PES) is commonly considered a behavioral marker of post-error adaptation. However, adaptive processes may also emerge through subtle modifications of motor preparation, particularly in combat sports such as taekwondo (TKD), where maintaining rapid motor execution is essential. This study examined post-error neuromuscular adjustments during a TKD-specific kicking task by comparing standard Go and post-error Go trials for changes in muscle onset latency, peak electromyographic amplitude, and co-contraction indices. Twenty-eight TKD athletes (14 novice and 14 advanced) performed a sport-specific Go/No-Go task while wearable wireless surface electromyography sensors recorded lower-limb neuromuscular activity from eight lower-limb muscles. Muscle onset latency, peak electromyographic amplitude, co-contraction indices, and reaction time were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Post-error Go trials showed significant alterations in muscle onset latency in posterior lower-limb muscles involved in propulsion and movement preparation (semitendinosus, biceps femoris, lateral gastrocnemius, and soleus), with muscle activation occurring closer to the foot take-off. No significant differences were observed in reaction time, peak electromyographic amplitude, or co-contraction indices, and expertise and age did not modulate these effects. These findings suggest that error-related motor adjustments may be expressed through changes in muscle activation timing rather than overt behavioral slowing.

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