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

Abstract

The examination of force distribution and centre of pressure (CoP) displacement is a common method to analyse motion, load, and load distribution in biomechanical research. In contrast to gait analysis, the force progression in boxing punches is a new field of investigation. The centre of pressure displacement and distribution of forces on the surface of the fist during a boxing punch is of great interest and crucial to understanding the effect of the punch on the biological structures of the hand as well as the technical biomechanical aspects of the punching action. This paper presents a new method to display the CoP progression on the boxer’s fist Therefore, this study presents the validation of the developed novel boxing monitoring system in terms of CoP displacement. In addition, the CoP progression of different punching techniques in boxing is analysed on the athlete’s fist. The accuracy of the examination method of the CoP course was validated against the gold standard of a Kistler force plate. High correlations were detected between the developed sensor system and the force plate CoP with a Pearson correlation coefficient ranging from 0.93 to 0.97. The information obtained throughout the experimental study is of great importance in order to gain further knowledge into the technical execution of boxing punches as well as to provide a novel measuring method for determining CoP on the surface of the fist, to improve the understanding of the etiology of boxing-related hand injuries.

Performance Level and Strike Type during Ground and Pound Determine Impact Characteristics and Net Force Variability

“…A consideration of the curve for PC3 also suggests that a larger second peak would be associated with an earlier first peak. Details about double peaks can be supported by the result of an experiment that reported the movement of the centre of pressure at the exposed metacarpophalangeal joints after reaching the maximum impact force during a boxing straight punch [36].…”

“…Previous research has typically evaluated the kinematics [28], ground reaction force [29][30][31], net impact force [4,32], mixed designs [33][34][35], or the evaluation of selected properties [14,36] of strikes by comparing discrete values such as peaks or means rather than studying the full time-series and its variability. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the time series of net force of three strikes used in 'ground and pound' position in the mixed martial arts system (the palm strike, direct punch and elbow strike in a dominant position) across gender and performance levels.…”

Functional performance of the upper limb and the most common boxing-related injuries in male boxers: a retrospective, observational, comparative study with non-boxing population

“…It is well documented that there is little degree of movement in the 2nd and 3rd carpometacarpals (1° and 3° respectively) and more for the 4th and 5th carpometacarpals (8°–15° and 15°–40° respectively) [ 27 – 29 ]. This is one of the reasons why boxers hit the bag with their index and middle finger [ 30 ], when practicing correct punching technique. Despite the low degree of mobility in the 2nd and 3rd CMC, repetitive impact can cause a flexion downward force, with secondary dorsal flexion at the CMC joint.…”

Analysis of the Contact Area for Three Types of Upper Limb Strikes

“…In the field of ergonomics, fall, and forensic biomechanics, the upper limb in connection with pressure was described to better estimate the risks of injury for different areas of the human body [ 37 ]. The COP displacement on the surface of the fist during the punch and striker grip strength was reported in connection with a hand injury in boxers [ 38 ] and competitors of martial arts [ 39 ]. Furthermore, hand morphology relates to performance in various areas of sport [ 40 , 41 ] and determines the handgrip strength [ 42 , 43 , 44 ].…”