Peak joint angular velocities of the straight punch in professional boxers

Abstract

Introduction: In order to deliver a powerful straight punch, a large linear velocity must be exerted on the distal segment at the point of contact. To do this, a perfect synchronization of joint angular displacements is necessary, delivering speed from foot to fist through joint angular velocity and ultimately affecting fist linear velocity. The latter is known as the kinetic chain [1]. Previous investigations have focused on analyzing the peak linear velocity at impact and the impact itself [2]. However, to our knowledge there is a lack of reports on straight punch angular velocities of professional boxers. A better understanding of how joint angular velocities contribute to fist linear velocity of the straight punch technique is necessary to optimize boxing performance. Unfortunately, we are unaware of previous reports on angular velocity normative data. Thus, this would be the starting point. Research question: What are the normative joint peak angular velocities of the straight punch of professional boxers? Methods: 11 professional boxers (23.18 4.29 years, 63.09 11.05 kg, 18 3.22 weekly training hours, 6.7 2.93 training years) were measured using an inertial measurement system (Technaid). A total of 8 inertial measurement units were placed on the subject to define joint angles, with a calibration IMU placed on the lumbar spine. Each boxer was instructed to deliver a straight punch to a punching bag as hard as possible from a ready position at a comfortable distance from the punching bag. Peak joint angular velocities on the three movement planes were extracted for ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. The mean of 5 repetitions for each subject was used for further analysis. Results: Peak joint angular velocities (mean SD) are presented below (Fig. 1). Discussion: Regarding upper limb joint angular velocities of the present study, similar findings have been reported in the literature. While we reported 32.88 rad/s of maximum elbow extension velocity previous studies have reported values in a range of 22 41.22 rad/s [3]. On the contrary, lower joint angular velocities have been previously reported for shoulder flexion/internal rotation and elbow extension/pronation [4], and for the hip, knee, and ankle [3]. The lower values may be attributed to the fact that contrary to the present study, these studies used a sample of amateur boxers [3], or analysed the straight punch in karate [4].

Introduction: In order to deliver a powerful straight punch, a large linear velocity must be exerted on the distal segment at the point of contact. To do this, a perfect synchronization of joint angular displacements is necessary, delivering speed from foot to fist through joint angular velocity and ultimately affecting fist linear velocity. The latter is known as the kinetic chain [1]. Previous investigations have focused on analyzing the peak linear velocity at impact and the impact itself [2]. However, to our knowledge there is a lack of reports on straight punch angular velocities of professional boxers. A better understanding of how joint angular velocities contribute to fist linear velocity of the straight punch technique is necessary to optimize boxing performance. Unfortunately, we are unaware of previous reports on angular velocity normative data. Thus, this would be the starting point. Research question: What are the normative joint peak angular velocities of the straight punch of professional boxers? Methods: 11 professional boxers (23.18 4.29 years, 63.09 11.05 kg, 18 3.22 weekly training hours, 6.7 2.93 training years) were measured using an inertial measurement system (Technaid). A total of 8 inertial measurement units were placed on the subject to define joint angles, with a calibration IMU placed on the lumbar spine. Each boxer was instructed to deliver a straight punch to a punching bag as hard as possible from a ready position at a comfortable distance from the punching bag. Peak joint angular velocities on the three movement planes were extracted for ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. The mean of 5 repetitions for each subject was used for further analysis. Results: Peak joint angular velocities (mean SD) are presented below (Fig. 1). Discussion: Regarding upper limb joint angular velocities of the present study, similar findings have been reported in the literature. While we reported 32.88 rad/s of maximum elbow extension velocity previous studies have reported values in a range of 22 41.22 rad/s [3]. On the contrary, lower joint angular velocities have been previously reported for shoulder flexion/internal rotation and elbow extension/pronation [4], and for the hip, knee, and ankle [3]. The lower values may be attributed to the fact that contrary to the present study, these studies used a sample of amateur boxers [3], or analysed the straight punch in karate [4].