Author(s): PINTO, M., CRISÓSTOMO, J., KIRK, C., ABIÁN-VICÉN, J., MONTEIRO, L., Institution: UNIVERSIDADE LUSÓFONA, Country: PORTUGAL, Abstract-ID: 1077

INTRODUCTION:
Punch impact power is a key determinant of boxing performance and depends on the biomechanical demands of different punch types. Straight punches predominantly rely on linear force production, whereas hook punches involve greater rotational and lateral force generation. However, evidence regarding the effectiveness of punch-specific strength and conditioning (S&C) interventions remains limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of targeted S&C programs emphasizing different force production patterns on straight and hook punch impact power in trained boxers, compared with regular boxing training.
METHODS:
Thirty-one trained boxers completed an eight-week intervention and were allocated to one of three groups: an Outside Group (OG), emphasizing linear force production; an Inside Group (IG), focusing on rotational and lateral force production; and a Regular Training Group (RTG), following standard boxing training. Punch impact power for the jab, cross, left hook, and right hook was assessed using the PowerKube system at baseline, midpoint, and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using mixed-design repeated-measures ANOVA to examine time and group × time effects, and one-way ANOVA on post–pre change scores (Δ) for between-group comparisons.
RESULTS:
A significant main effect of time was observed for all punch types (p < 0.001). Significant group × time interactions were found for the cross, left hook, and right hook (p < 0.05). Between-group analyses revealed significant group effects for all punches. The IG demonstrated the greatest improvements in hook punch impact power and consistently larger gains across all punch types compared with the OG and RTG.
CONCLUSION:
Targeted S&C programs emphasizing multi-planar and rotational force production appear to be more effective for enhancing punch impact power than regular boxing training alone. These findings support the implementation of punch-specific S&C strategies to optimize performance in trained boxers.