Impact of three weeks of integrative neuromuscular training on the athletic performance of elite female boxers

Abstract

Objectives To investigate the effects of integrative neuromuscular training (INT) on the athletic performance of elite female boxers. Methods A before-and-after controlled experiment was conducted on 37 elite Chinese female boxers (Age: 26.00 ± 3.11 years). All included athletes have competed at the international level. The INT intervention was administered 11 times per week for 3 weeks. This training includes strength training, explosive training, core stability, agility exercises, high intensity intervals and sprint intervals. Basic physical fitness tests, including the deep squat and bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM), vertical long jump, 30 m sprint run, 400 m run, 3,000 m run, 1-minute hexagonal jump, and 3-minute double shake; as well as specialized striking ability tests, including single-punch striking and 10-second, 30-second, and 3-minute continuous punching, were conducted before and after the intervention. Results Compared with pre-intervention baseline data, significant differences were found in the athletes’ post-intervention baseline physical fitness, including squat and beach press (1RM), vertical jump, 30 m sprint run, 400 m run, 3,000 m run, 1-minute hexagonal jump, and 3-minute double shake (p < 0.05). Additionally, 10-second, 30-second, and 3-minute continuous punching were significantly different compared with pre-intervention (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found in single punch power (p > 0.05). Conclusion The 3-week INT can significantly improve the maximum strength, vertical explosive power, linear acceleration, agility, and continuous punching abilities of Chinese elite female boxers. The use of INT in physical training may enhance their athletic performance.