Unique method for analysing pressure distribution accross the knuckles during boxing

Abstract

Objectives: The hand is commonly injured in boxing but it is not clear why some athletes sustain hand injuries while others do not. It is possible that there are differences in the distribution of impact forces at the knuckle during punching between athletes and that certain distribution patterns may be predictive of increased injury risk. We developed a method of analysing the distribution of impact forces at the knuckle during punching using pressure film. Pressure film allows a calculation of the distribution and magnitude of pressure and force between any two surfaces that come into contact. Methods: Pressure film was inserted into the gloves of three male subjects prior to punching a stationary target. After each punch, the pressure film was removed and analysed to determine the distribution of the impact force during each punch across each of the four knuckles. Punches were repeated multiple times for each subject. The proportional distribution of the impact force during punches was compared between knuckles and within subjects. Results: The proportional distribution of the impact force exerted during punches was significantly different between knuckles and within subjects (p < 0.05). Knuckle 2 displayed the largest proportion of impact forces while knuckle 3 displayed the smallest proportion of impact forces. Conclusions: Pressure film inserted into boxing gloves can be used to analyse the distribution of impact forces across the knuckles during punching. Further work is needed to confirm the reliability and validity of the technique and establish whether there is an association between the impact forces at the individual knuckles and hand injury risk during boxing.

Validation of a Novel Boxing Monitoring System to Detect and Analyse the Centre of Pressure Movement on the Boxer’s Fist

“…Additionally, there are currently no scientific studies investigating risk factors which predominate for hand and finger injuries. Based on the current state of research, it is thus only possible to make cautious inferences regarding the factors that may lead to these types of injuries [11]. Potential influencing factors include the magnitude of the impact force, the striking technique used, and thus the distribution of the force, as well as the CoP progression on the fist and the degree of fist clench at the time of impact of the fist on the targeting object.…”

“…Due to the gap of the existing literature, no accepted and generally valid research method or protocol for the validation of the force distribution during a boxing punch yet exists, a limitation also emphasised by Loosemore et al [11]. Consequently, a customised test report was developed to validate the CoP, determined by the sensor in comparison with the force plate.…”

“…The results of these studies illustrate the high forces (up to 4200 N) which occur in the hand and finger area during a boxing punch. Based on this, the existing literature shows that the hand and finger area, in addition to the head region, have an increased potential for injury due to the high forces exerted during a punch [10][11][12][13][14]. The most risk-prone regions of the hand for injury are the radial carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges [12,13].…”

“…An extensive literature review has revealed only one study which investigated the distribution of force on the boxer's fist during a punch. This study, by Loosemore, Lightfoot, Meswania, and Beardsley [11], investigated the distribution and magnitude of pressure and load between the knuckles using low standard Fuji Film Pressurex ® films placed on the knuckles of the boxer's fist. This paper [11] is the first and thus only analysis which has investigated a variation of the impact force distribution across the second, third, fourth, and fifth metacarpophalangeal joints.…”

“…This study, by Loosemore, Lightfoot, Meswania, and Beardsley [11], investigated the distribution and magnitude of pressure and load between the knuckles using low standard Fuji Film Pressurex ® films placed on the knuckles of the boxer's fist. This paper [11] is the first and thus only analysis which has investigated a variation of the impact force distribution across the second, third, fourth, and fifth metacarpophalangeal joints. Despite the utility of its findings, the method used has limited relevance to the analysis of CoP.…”