Upper Limb Muscles Activity during Punches in Virtual Reality Exergame on Standing and Sitting Position

Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) provides various health benefits. Unfortunately, individuals with disabilities may experience health problems and greater obstacles to PA participation. Boxing exergame (EXG) based on virtual reality (VR) can be an alternative option to increase physical activity level because it is fun, relatively affordable and accessible. Punching in boxing requires complex movements, wherein the lower limbs are contributor for effective punches. An understanding of muscles activity is important to uncover the potential benefits of VR EXG.Aim: To evaluate the differences in upper limb muscles activity of the dominant side in standing compared to sitting position during punches.Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 15 healthy adult men. Surface electromyography examinations was performed on four upper limb muscles of the dominant side (upper trapezius, anterior deltoid, biceps, triceps) when delivering straight, hook and uppercut punches while playing VR EXG "Fitness Boxing" Nintendo Switch™ in standing and sitting position.Results: Fifteen healthy men (age 31.87±3.14 years old, BMI 23.77±2.47 kg.m-2) were participated in this study. No significant difference found in the percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) values of the upper trapezius, anterior deltoid, biceps and triceps muscles of the dominant sides when the subjects delivered straight, hook and uppercut punches (p>0.05), except for upper trapezius muscle during uppercut punch in standing compared to sitting position (p=0.041).Conclusion: The VR EXG "Fitness Boxing" Nintendo Switch™ can be done in a standing or sitting position to get similar effect on the upper limb muscles.

Exploring the Design of Upper Limb Strength Training Through High-Intensity Interval Training Combined With Exergaming: Usability Study

“…The results showed that even with the same exercise, different muscle groups were activated to varying degrees, indicating the importance of focusing on specific muscle group activation for muscle training. Compared to traditional strength training, there has been relatively little research on exergaming, but Putra et al [ 12 ] investigated the activation levels of upper limb muscles during a punching game while in standing and sitting positions. The results showed significant differences in the activation of the upper trapezius muscle during the execution of an uppercut punch, but not for straight or hook punches, indicating that the fixedness of the movements also affects the activation levels of different muscle groups in exergaming.…”

“…This may allow individuals to activate and recruit more muscle fibers, leading to increased muscle activation compared to more traditional exercises such as push-ups. Additionally, the Ring-Con provides a unique form of resistance that can be adjusted to individual fitness levels, potentially allowing for greater customization and variety in workout routines [ 12 ].…”

“…The results showed variations in muscle activation levels despite the similarity in the exercises, highlighting differences in muscle engagement across different parts of the body. Another study by Putra et al [ 12 ] explored the muscle activation levels in the upper limbs during a boxing game while in standing and sitting positions in virtual reality gaming. The study found significant differences in the activation of the upper trapezius muscle during uppercut punches, whereas no differences were observed in straight and hook punches.…”

Effect of Different Jab Techniques on Peak Activation of Upper-Body Muscles in Youth Boxers

“…Although previous studies (Lockwood & Tant, 1997;Shigeki et al, 2018) assessed EMG of muscles involved in boxing-related punching techniques, none investigated the upper body muscle EMG while performing different jab techniques. However, a study was conducted by Putra et al (2021) investigated the EMG of upper body muscles while performing jab in standing and sitting variations indicated no significant differences. Since the study was confined to execution of jab in sitting variations and only on adults, it limits the implication of their results to young boxers.…”

“…Such information may help to design better training drills and physical fitness test batteries (Oliva-Lozano & Muyor, 2020;Türker & Sözen, 2013). Putra et al (2021), used surface EMG on dominant upper limb muscles of healthy male adult (31.9 ± 3.1 years) during punch performance (in a virtual reality environment) in standing and sitting positions, revealing no difference in the percentage of maximum EMG of upper trapezius, anterior deltoid, biceps and triceps muscles of dominant side. Shigeki et al (2018) examined the three-dimensional trunk kinematics and surface EMG of lower back muscle activity among experienced and inexperienced male boxers (20.9 ± 1.6 years) during a straight punch with the dominant and non-dominant arms and noted greater EMG in the inexperienced group.…”