Changes of Impact Force During Performance of Straight Punch With Two Boxing Techniques – Case Study

PURPOSE: Performance in boxing is a combination of strength, speed, and stability to create maximum impact. One of the types of punches commonly used in boxing is the straight punch. The magnitude of force exerted at the point of impact is influenced by a number of factors. Therefore, some biomechanical parameters can have greater effect than others during punch performance. Likewise, different technique modalities influence punch force. This study aims to determine differences between kinetic and kinematic parameters of punches performed with two different techniques (with and without weight shifting). METHODS: Overall, 20 straight punches were performed (10 for each observed technique) by a top-level female boxer (26.1 years old, height 170.3 cm, weight 63.2 kg). Afterwards, four kinematic variables (shoulder, upper arm, forearm, and hand velocities) were analyzed together with the position of center of mass (Xsens, Awinda). Also, overall foot pressure force of both feet (Novel pressure insoles) was analyzed for each technique, as well as the impact force of each punch (Punchsensor). Differences between the techniques were determined by MANOVA. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in foot pressure force and impact force, with higher values of punch force determined in the straight punch performance that includes weight shifting (p=0.00). Regarding kinematic parameters, there were significant differences in shoulder velocity, forearm velocity, and center of mass position (p=0.00). Upper arm and hand velocity variables did not differ significantly. This result indicates that different punch preparation can exhibit greater force and better performance. CONCLUSION: The understanding of movement pattern in punching could provide insightful instruction to coaches and boxers on how to generate powerful straight punches. The presented data objectively determined differences between two approaches in performing a straight punch which could help in correcting technical performance.