# A Predictive Model on the Intention to Accept Taekwondo Electronic Protection Devices
###### Abstract  
This study's purpose was to establish a predictive model of the intention to accept Taekwondo electronic protection devices through the application of the technology acceptance model. Two hundred and twenty collegiate Taekwondo practitioners affiliated with the Korea Taekwondo Association participated in a survey that included 28 questions (4 relating to demographic characteristics, 12 to precursor variables, and 12 to the technology acceptance model). Correlation and structural equation modeling analyses were applied and a significance level of 0.05 was used. The results were as follows. Perceived quality had a significant influence on perceived ease of use (\(\beta\) = 0.380, \(t\) = 3.481, \(p\) < 0.001) and perceived usefulness (\(\beta\) = 0.544, \(t\) = 5.098, \(p\) < 0.001). Visual attractiveness had no significant influence on either perceived ease of use (\(\beta\) = 0.159, \(t\) = 1.798, \(p\) = 0.072) or perceived usefulness (\(\beta\) = -0.010, \(t\) = -0.131, \(p\) = 0.896). Wearability had a significant influence on perceived ease of use (\(\beta\) = 0.234, \(t\) = 2.867, \(p\) < 0.01), but a significantly negative influence on perceived usefulness (\(\beta\) = \(-0.218\), \(t\) = \(-2.932\), \(p\) < 0.01). Functionality had no significant influence on either perceived ease of use (\(\beta\) = 0.116, \(t\) = 1.031, \(p\) = 0.302) or perceived usefulness (\(\beta\) = 0.107, \(t\) = 1.093, \(p\) = 0.274). Perceived ease of use had a significant influence on perceived usefulness (\(\beta\) = 0.418, \(t\) = 4.361, \(p\) < 0.001) and acceptance intention (\(\beta\) = 0.361, \(t\) = 4.031, \(p\) < 0.001). Perceived usefulness had a significant influence on acceptance intention (\(\beta\) = 0.525, \(t\) = 5.758, \(p\) < 0.001). These results suggest that improving the perceived quality and wearability of the devices will enhance their acceptance. We believe that this study provides an appropriate verification model for the intention to accept Taekwondo electronic protection devices.  
Taekwondo; Taekwondo electronic protection devices; technology acceptance model 28 January 2021 15 February  
advanced electronic chip attached to the protector, which automatically transmits it to the score monitor through a wireless transmission device. Thus, the WT endorses TEPDs as official equipment at the World Taekwondo Championships, Olympic Games, and other Taekwondo megaevents.  
The use of wearable protective devices for the head, body, hands, and feet that measure striking power through sensors and electronic chips has changed the paradigm of Taekwondo from a game to an objective, qualitative, and scientific sport [7]. Despite these scientific advancements, no study has been published that provides details about the safety performance of the current equipment, except for head and body protectors [8; 9; 10; 11]. During the match, sometimes the score is overestimated or underestimated because sensors and devices do not operate accurately while recognizing the TEPDs' score [12]. Additionally, [PERSON] and [PERSON] [13] have observed that the electronic scoring system was undesirably activated, suggesting the need for future improvements.  
Thus, at this point, it is relevant to study the precursor variables that affect the intention to accept TEPDs by applying the technology acceptance model (TAM). In fact, research has been conducted on the acceptance of other devices for other purposes using surveys [14; 15; 16]. Therefore, this study examines the factors that influence TEPD acceptance and then suggests a predictive model for the intention to accept TEPDs. We believe that this study provides important academic data about TEPDs for developing Taekwondo competitions.