Transfer of momentum from different arm segments to a light movable target during a straight punch thrown by expert boxers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the reductions in momentum of punching arm segments and the impulse of the impact force when boxers throw a punch at a movable target with a mass almost equal to that of the human head. Nine male expert collegiate boxers threw a rear-hand straight punch at the target with their full effort. The reductions in momentum of the upper arm, forearm and fist plus glove of the punching arm during impact and the impulse were determined using a motion capture system and an accelerometer attached to the target. The reduction in momentum of the punching arm explained approximately 95% of the impulse: 40%, 35% and 20% for the upper arm, forearm and fist plus glove, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the peak and impulse of the impact force was 0.902. These results suggest that for boxers increasing the momentum of the punching arm rather than that of the other body segments immediately before the impact is effective at increasing the impulse of the punch into the face of an opponent.

An analysis of the three-dimensional kinetics and kinematics of maximal effort punches among amateur boxers

“…For all punch trials, a water-filled punch bag that resembled the average height of a human head (9 in) (Aqua Bag 'Headhunter' model, Aqua Training Bag, New York, United States) was used to provide a striking target (see Figure 1). Utilising a punch target that moves upon impact has been advocated Nakano, Lino, Imura & Kojima, 2014) as an effective way of ensuring maximal effort punches. The punch bag was suspended at the shoulder level of each participant by a heavy duty steel chain secured by a punch bag hook located above the designated testing area.…”

The Influence of a Padded Hand Wrap on Punching Force in Elite and Untrained Punchers

“…straight punch into our fixed device) is not directly indicative of the amount of physical damage or severity of injury in human combat situations. Velocity, force, acceleration/deceleration, momentum, impulse, power, and effective mass all likely play significant roles in impact related injuries during real-life human activities (Nakano, et al, 2014;Stojsih, et al, 2010). However, no single variable stands-out as more important than another because additional factors like impact location, the area over which the force is acting, and resulting rotation (Broglio et al, 2010;Ommaya, Goldsmith, & Thibault, 2002) complicate the issue.…”

“…Future research should attempt to develop methodologies that simultaneously measuring impact in the punching pad and the hand. Other factors such as punching style (Nakano, et al, 2014) and distance of the strike (Falco, Molina-Garcia, Alvarez, & Estevan, 2013) influence impact as well. These do not explain our findings as all participants were required to use the same punching style throughout the entire study and foot movements (other than rotation) were not allowed.…”

“…However, no feedback regarding performance or other motivation was given during data collection. If unaware of their strongest punch, they were instructed to use a rear-punch (Nakano, et al, 2014). The same member of the research team did all hand-wrapping.…”

“…One in particular, is how effectively an athlete can use his/her own hand(s) to inflict physical damage on his/her opponent. Relative to the popularity of these sports, researchers know little about punching impacts (Nakano, Iino, Imura, & Kojima, 2014). What is known, however, is these impacts are significant enough to result in traumatic injuries to the person being hit (Bledsoe, Hsu, Grabowski, Brill, & Li, 2006;Fife, O'Sullivan, & Pieter, 2013;Heath & Callahan, 2013;Hutchison, Lawrence, Cusimano, & Schweizer, 2014;McClain et al, 2014;McCrory, Zazryn, & Cameron, 2007;Scoggin et al, 2010;Stojsih, Boitano, Wilhelm, & Bir, 2010;Walrod, 2011;Warner, 2014;T.…”