Isokinetic Characteristics of Amateur Boxer Athletes

Abstract

Aim: The kinetic chain of the punch of boxers is characterized by the contribution of the shoulder; however, the isokinetic muscle strength of shoulder’s rotators muscles has not been well studied so far, especially with regards to performance. Therefore, the aim of the present study was (a) to profile the isokinetic muscle strength of rotators of the glenohumeral joint, bilateral (BL), unilateral (UL) and functional ratios in amateur boxers, and (b) to examine the variation of these muscle strength characteristics by performance level.Methods: Forty male amateur Greek boxers from three division levels (elite, n = 22; second division, n = 11; and third division, n = 7), and 10 non-athletes (control group) were tested, using the isokinetic dynamometer Kin-ComTM in the scapular seated position under standard conditions. We examined (i) peak torque (PT) of internal (IR) and external (ER) rotators during concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) contractions at low (60°/s), medium (120°/s), and high speed (180°/s), (ii) BL, (iii) UL, and (iv) functional ratios of dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) limbs.Results: Boxers were stronger than control group in IR and ER at all speeds, and D outscored ND limb (p < 0.05). Elite boxers were stronger than group B and C (p < 0.05); however, when peak torque was expressed in relative to body mass values, these differences were attenuated. The BL ratios for the men athletes were under 10% at 60 and 180°/s, the UL ratios were lower at 60 and higher at 180°/s and significant lower in the dominant limb at all speeds. The functional ratios of IR ECC / ER CON were higher between the control group at all speeds and the ER ECC/IR CON ratios were between 60 and 180°/s, and the two limbs with higher values at 180°/s.Conclusion: Boxers had the strongest dominant limb and their BL ratios were normal at all speeds except of 120°/s ECC. The UL ratios of ECC at 120 and 180°/s of ND were normal, and at the other speeds abnormal due to high IR. In addition, the functional ratios may be related to the kinetic chain of the punch, which in turn correlates with the contribution of ER of both limbs.

The reliability of a linear position transducer and commercially available accelerometer to measure punching velocity in junior boxing athletes

“…In this instance, the cohort consisted of healthy adults with no previous boxing experience, and in particular, evidence suggests that there are notable differences in punching kinematics between experienced boxers and untrained punchers. 3 Thus, although the within-device reliability reported in untrained adult populations are promising, several biomechanical and strength differences between trained boxing athletes and untrained individuals 3,20 warrants further investigation. Moreover, limited data exists in youth athletes using such methods, which may well be affected by varying biomotor qualities.…”

Examination of lower-upper limb of power and force parameters of elite athletes

“…Again thanks to this study they stated the boxers' 180°/s internal rotation concentric PP level was 46.6±5.0, the eccentric power level was 62.0±5.0, the 180°/s internal PP level was 54.3, the eccentric PP level at 180°/s external rotation was 28.2±2.8, the eccentric level was 39.5±2.8 and the average 180°/s external PP level was 33.85. Both of the studies aforementioned are highly similar to the study in terms of the isokinetic PP levels of both elite handball athletes and elite boxers [27]. However, the literature research don does not give a sufficient number of comparative researches for the lower and upper extremities dominancy.…”

“…Similarly, Boyios et al stated that the 60°/s internal level of 15 handball athletes who are at 1. league and whose age average is 24.9±2.09 is 60.78±10.79, their 60°/s external level is 36.44±7.23, 180°/s internal level is 52.56±9.23, 180°/s external level is 28.57±5.19 [26]. Tasiopoulos et al (2018) have found the 60°/s internal rotation concentric PP level of 22 elite level boxers whose age average is 25.7±2,9 as 56.7±4.8, the eccentric power level as 62.6, the 60°/s external rotation concentric PP level as 32.1±2.9, the eccentric as 42.0±4.2, and the average 60°/s external power level as 37.05. Again thanks to this study they stated the boxers' 180°/s internal rotation concentric PP level was 46.6±5.0, the eccentric power level was 62.0±5.0, the 180°/s internal PP level was 54.3, the eccentric PP level at 180°/s external rotation was 28.2±2.8, the eccentric level was 39.5±2.8 and the average 180°/s external PP level was 33.85.…”

Resistance Training in Face of the Coronavirus Outbreak: Time to Think Outside the Box

“…Complicated, highly specialized exercises are not an essential part of RT programs for most people. RT programs should be promoted during current pandemic times in order to promote better health and quality of life (Tasiopoulos et al, 2018 ; Nikolaidis et al, 2019 ). However, it might be necessary to sacrifice some old-fashioned thoughts rooted in beliefs that have already been overturned by science.…”