A damaging punch: Assessment and application of a method to quantify punch performance
Open accessAbstract
Measurement of punch performance in a reliable, quantitative manner is relevant to combat sport, military, and concussion research. A punching protocol (3MPT) was developed, based on performance demands of amateur boxing, and evaluated on a custom-built punch integrator (PI). PI reliability and accuracy were assessed by calculating TE and CV for a range of known masses. A within-subject, repeated-measures design assessed the test-retest reliability of 3MPT. Fifteen male boxers (17.5 ± 0.5 years; 177.5 ± 9.5 cm; 73.0 ± 14.0 kg) were familiarized and then completed two 3MPT trials 90 minutes apart on 2 days (total of four tests). Peak punch force (N), relative punch force (N/kg), impulse (N·s), and rate of force development calculated to various time points were compared using a linear mixed model. Smallest worthwhile change (SWC) was also computed. PI data were reliable and accurate (CV <0.1%). TE and SWC comparisons revealed that 3MPT can detect moderate and large changes in performance; however, within-day reliability improved from day 1 (3.1%-13.8%) to 2 (2.3%-5.1%) indicating a possible learning effect. Likewise, differences between test one and two were greater on day 1 than 2. Numerous punch-related variables can be accurately and reliably measured using the 3MPT but repeat-trial familiarization is suggested to reduce between-test variability.
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A hook produces higher impact forces than straight punches.
“Due to this unique movement, a hook produces higher impact forces than straight punches (6,11,13).”
From The Role of Strength on Punch Impact Force in Boxing (2022) · cites this paper as [13]
The ability to punch with a high impact force is beneficial to boxers because it increases the likelihood of success (e.g., influencing judges' perception, impairing the opponent, knock down or knock out).
“The ability to punch with a high impact force is beneficial to boxers as there is an increased likelihood of success.”
From The Role of Strength on Punch Impact Force in Boxing (2022) · cites this paper as [13]
The importance of the cardiovascular system (i.e. VO2max) for elite boxing has been well established in the literature.
“The importance of the cardiovascular system (i.e. VO2max) for elite boxing has been well established in the literature (13, 18, 44).”
From The Role of Strength on Punch Impact Force in Boxing (2022) · cites this paper as [13]
The Protocol design section describes elite boxers’ work rates, and the Human performance trials section mentions aerobic activity only as part of a warm-up. Neither addresses the importance of cardiovascular fitness or VO2max for elite boxing (searched: VO2max, aerobic capacity, maximal oxygen uptake). (LLM, conf=0.76)
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- Authors
- Dunn, E. C., Humberstone, C. E., Iredale, K. F., & Blazevich, A. J.
- Affiliations
- Edith Cowan University (AU)
- Australian Institute of Sport Bruce Australian Capital Territory Australia
- Centre for Exercise and Sport Science Research, School of Medical and Health Science Edith Cowan University Joondalup Western Australia Australia
- Corresponding author
- Dunn, Emily C.
- Venue
- Translational Sports Medicine
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2019-02-21
- Volume
- 2
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 146-152
- ISSN
- 2573-8488 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2911656534
- Cited by
- 36
- References
- 23
- Citations by year
- 2026: 5 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 3
- FWCI
- 5.25
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Translational Sports Medicine (publishedVersion)
- Australasian Journal of Paramedicine (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Safety Research › Martial Arts: Techniques, Psychology, and Education
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports Performance and Training
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Sports Dynamics and Biomechanics
- Keywords
- impulse, rate of force development, test-retest reliability, smallest worthwhile change, boxing, concussion
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