Differences in Force-velocity Characteristics of Upper and Lower Limbs of Non-competitive Male Boxers

Despite the increasing popularity of boxing, only a few studies have been conducted on the physiology or the biomechanics of this sport. The aim of the present study is to examine the ratios of mechanical characteristics (maximal anaerobic power, P_max, theoretical maximal force, F₀, and velocity, v₀) between upper and lower limbs of male boxers. Twelve male caucasians, all members of a local fitness club, aged 29.5 (3.2) yr [mean (standard deviation)], stature 1.74 (.05) m, body mass 77.9 (8.1) kg, body fat 22.4 (3.9) % and somatotype 5.5-5.5-1.1, performed a force-velocity (F-v) test for both legs and arms. The F-v test included five supramaximal pedal sprints, each lasting 7 sec, against incremental braking force of 20-60 N for arms and 30-70 N for legs, on modified arm-cranking and on cycle ergometer (Ergomedics 874, Monark, Sweden). The legs had higher P_max (910 W vs. 445 W, t₁₁=22.9, p<.001), P_max expressed in relative to body mass values (rP_max, 11.8 W·kg^-1 vs. 5.8 W·kg^-1, t₁₁=20.6, p<.001), F₀ (168 N vs. 102 N, t₁₁=21.7, p<.001), v₀ (217 rpm vs. 177 rpm, t₁₁=46.6, p<.001) and lower v₀/F₀ (1.33 rpm·N^-1 vs. 1.82 rpm·N^-1, t₁₁=15.3, p<.001) than the arms. P_max of upper limbs was associated with P_max of lower limbs (r=.70, p<.05) and their ratio was .49 (.06). The respective values of rP_max was r=.76 (p<.01), F₀, r=.35 (p=.26) and .61 (.13), and of velocity, v₀, r=.17 (p=.59) and .812 (.10). In spite of moderate associations between upper and lower limbs' F₀ and v₀, a stronger relationship was found with regard to P_max. These findings emphasize the need for separate evaluation of arms' and legs' F-v characteristics on a regular basis and the consideration of these measures in training design.