Publication: Enhanced boxing punch impact with silicone cushioning
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Issued Date
2024-01-01
Resource Type
eISSN
26249367
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85201609486
Journal Title
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
Volume
6
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living Vol.6 (2024)
Suggested Citation
Punthipayanon S., Kwanboonchan S., Rachanavy P., Kuo C.H. Enhanced boxing punch impact with silicone cushioning. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living Vol.6 (2024). doi:10.3389/fspor.2024.1358224 Retrieved from: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14740/20646
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Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
Introduction: Elastic cushioning materials protect human tissue from injury by absorbing impact energy and delaying its transfer. However, the potential compromise in force delivery to the hitting target remains unknown. Methods: To examine if silicone cushioning compromises punch force delivery to a hitting target, a double-blind crossover trial with 12 elite boxers was conducted following material tests. Each boxer delivered five maximal punches under two conditions: silicone-hand wrapping and gauze-hand wrapping, in counterbalanced order, with a 3-day interval between sessions. Force distribution along the Z-axis indicated the punch's intended direction, while forces along the X and Y axes represented force dissipation toward unwanted direction. Results: The material tests (based on ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA) demonstrated substantially higher compression to disruption for silicone than gauze of similar thickness. During the punching trials, the silicon-based hand wrapping exhibited slightly higher total force production (436 ± 33 N vs. 372 ± 12 N, p < 0.001) than the gauze-based hand wrapping. Moreover, force wastage, calculated as the sum of forces along the X and Y axes vs. the total force produced in percentage, was notably lower for silicone material (2.0% wastage) compared to gauze (3.8% wastage) (p < 0.001). The use of silicone materials lengthened the contact time between the punching fist and the hitting target from 35 ms to 50 ms (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The elastic cushion does not compromise the force delivery of the boxing glove to the hitting target. Instead, it appears to allow for additional maneuvering time for alignment during the fist-target contact with higher impact.