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Maximal punching performance in amateur boxing: An examination of biomechanical and physical performance-related characteristics
Stanley, Edward
Stanley, Edward
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2020-01
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Abstract
Punches in boxing are intricate actions requiring the coordinated and synergistic
recruitment of leg, trunk and arm musculature. Maximal punches can have a marked
impact on the outcomes of boxing contests. Currently, there is an absence of research
appraising the biomechanics and physical performance-related qualities associated
with boxing punches, and as such, there are no practical guidelines pertaining to
resistance training and its impact upon these important characteristics. In this respect,
coaches and boxers are reliant consequently upon non-scientific approaches to
training and contest preparation. Thus, the purpose of this thesis was to quantify the
biomechanics and physical performance-related qualities associated with maximal
punching techniques common to amateur boxing, and investigate the extent to which
resistance training enhances such features.
Study 1 quantified the three-dimensional kinetics and kinematics of maximal
punches common to boxing competition to identify the differences between punch
types (straights, hooks, and uppercuts), whilst Study 2 investigated the movement
variability of these measures across punch types. These studies revealed significant
differences for the majority of kinetic and kinematic variables between punch types.
High within-subject, between-subject, and biological variability were recorded for the
same variables across punch types, independent of the amount of boxing experience.
These findings confirm that kinetic and kinematic characteristics vary from punch to
punch, with boxers appearing to manipulate kinematic variables in order to achieve a
consistent intensity and end-product. Study 3 quantified the relationships between
physical performance-related traits and kinetic and kinematic qualities of maximal
punches, and revealed moderate-to-large associations with muscular strength and
power. From this, Study 4 appraised the extent to which strength and contrast
resistance training enhanced maximal punch biomechanics and physical
performance-related qualities. The findings highlighted that contrast training was
superior among male amateur boxers over a six-week intervention, though strength
training alone also brought about improvements.
This current research has advanced our understanding of maximal punching
and the influence of resistance training on a variety of its determinants. Nonetheless,
future research is required to identify if the same findings can be generalised to higher
standards of boxing and whether alternative strength and conditioning strategies are
equally, or more effective.
Citation
Stanley, E, R. (2020). Maximal punching performance in amateur boxing: An examination of biomechanical and physical performance-related characteristics (Doctoral dissertation). University of Chester, UK.
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University of Chester
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Thesis or dissertation
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en