Kinematic adaptations of the uppercut punch following an eight-week biomechanics-based training intervention in amateur boxers.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: The uppercut is a complex close-range punching technique that relies on efficient proximal-to-distal sequencing and coordinated kinetic chain function. In amateur boxers, insufficient joint angular velocity may compromise strike effectiveness and mechanical efficiency. The aim of this study was to examine the kinematic adaptations following an 8-week biomechanics-based training intervention during execution of the right-hand uppercut.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Twenty-four male amateur boxers (21.25 ± 3.12 years) with 3-4 years of training experience were randomly allocated to an experimental group (EG, n = 12) and a control group (CG, n = 12). The EG completed a structured 8-week (24-session) training program targeting joint-specific angular velocity and intersegmental coordination, while the CG maintained regular training. Three-dimensional motion capture was used to quantify maximal angular velocity of the shoulder, elbow, pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle joints before and after the intervention. Intervention effects were analyzed using a two-way mixed-design ANOVA (Group × Time), followed by paired and independent Student's t-tests with Holm-Bonferroni correction; effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Post-intervention analysis revealed significant increases in maximal angular velocity across upper and lower body segments in the EG (p < 0.05-0.01), with moderate-to-large effect sizes (d = 0.62-1.42). These kinematic improvements were accompanied by enhanced punch force and accuracy, whereas no significant changes were observed in the CG.

CONCLUSIONS

An 8-week biomechanics-based training program effectively enhances joint angular velocity and kinetic chain efficiency during uppercut execution in amateur boxers. Incorporating coordination-oriented, joint-specific velocity training into combat sport conditioning programs may substantially improve strike performance.