The role of lower limb kinetics in boxing punches and the impact of fatigue on biomechanical performance

  • Charles Stewart
  • , Ross Cornett
  • , Julien S. Baker
  • , Yaodong Gu
  • , Frédéric Dutheil
  • , Ukadike Chris Ugbolue*
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the contribution of lower limb kinetics to punch performance in amateur boxing and examined the effects of fatigue on biomechanical efficiency.

Methods: Ten male amateur boxers performed six punch types (jab, cross, left hook, right hook, left uppercut, right uppercut) under non-fatigued and post-fatigue conditions. Ground reaction force (GRF) and rate of force development (RFD) were measured using dual force plates, while punch outputs were assessed via a boxing force sensor. Fatigue was induced using a 9.5 min lower-body circuit.

Results: Pre-fatigue, the cross punch generated the highest outputs for punch force (1475.42 N), GRF (947.54 N), and RFD (3973.38 N/s). Post-fatigue, punch force declined significantly across all punches (–4.26%, p = 0.027), with the greatest reductions in the cross and left hook. RFD responses were variable, with compensatory increases observed in some punches. Intra-individual analysis revealed greater fatigue-induced declines in the weakest punches (–9.84%, p = 0.001) compared with the strongest (–4.63%, p = 0.027).

Conclusions: Lower limb force generation, particularly rear-leg drive, is critical to punch effectiveness and fatigue resilience. Conditioning programs should prioritise lower limb endurance while addressing performance variability across punch types.
Original languageEnglish
Article number1355
Number of pages12
JournalBioengineering
Volume 12
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 Dec 2025

Keywords

  • boxing
  • ground reaction force
  • rate of force development
  • fatigue
  • biomechanics
  • kinetic chain

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The role of lower limb kinetics in boxing punches and the impact of fatigue on biomechanical performance'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this