Physiological profile of a professional boxer preparing for Title Bout: A case study
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Journal of Sports Sciences
Publisher
Routledge / Taylor & Francis
School
Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research / School of Exercise and Health Sciences
RAS ID
24447
Abstract
ABSTRACT: This study aimed to (1) profile a professional boxer (23 years and 80 kg) with boxing-specific, muscle function, aerobic capacity and body composition tests, and (2) quantify how these measures varied during an 8-week preparation phase leading to, and post a state-Title Bout fought in the 76.2-kg class. A series of boxing-specific and muscle function tests were completed on 11 occasions: 9 prior and twice after the bout, each separated by approximately 2 weeks. The boxing test included 36 maximal punches (9 of each: lead and rear straights, lead and rear hooks) to a punching integrator measuring forces and velocity. Muscle function tests included countermovement jump, drop-jumps, isometric mid-thigh pull and isometric bench-press. Body composition was assessed using skin-fold measurements on three occasions and one dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. Aerobic capacity was assessed using 2 VO2 max tests. Leading up to the bout, performance decreased in isometric mid-thigh pull (8%), isometric bench-press (5%), countermovement jump (15%) and impact forces in 3 of 4 punches (4%–7%). Whereas measures of dynamic and isometric muscle function remained depressed or unchanged post competition, punching forces (6%–15%) and aerobic power (6%) increased. Data suggest the athlete may have super-compensated following rest as fatigue dissipated and further adaptation occurred. © 2016 Taylor & Francis.
DOI
10.1080/02640414.2016.1143110
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Halperin, I., Hughes, S., & Chapman, D. W. (2016). Physiological profile of a professional boxer preparing for Title Bout: A case study. Journal of Sports Sciences, 34(20), 1949-1956. Available here