Punching performance, physiological responses and lower-limb neuromuscular characteristics in boxing A systematic review

Main Article Content

Giuseppe Penna
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5075-1265
Igor Jelaska
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5566-5235
Gaetano Altavilla
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8436-7819

Abstract

Introduction: Boxing is a high-intensity intermittent sport in which performance depends on the ability to produce effective punches and sustain their intensity during repeated efforts. Punching performance, physiological responses, and lower-limb neuromuscular characteristics are key factors in understanding boxing-specific performance; however, current evidence remains fragmented. Objective: To systematically analyse the literature on punching performance, physiological responses, and lower-limb neuromuscular characteristics in boxing, and to examine the relationships between these variables. Methods: The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was structured according to the PICOS model. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2010 and January 2026. After screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, 46 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Results: A high methodological heterogeneity was observed across study designs, samples, protocols, measurement tools, and outcomes. Punching performance was the most investigated domain, while physiological responses mainly included heart rate, oxygen uptake, blood lactate, and perceived exertion. Lower-limb neuromuscular characteristics were less explored, and no study directly assessed muscle–tendon stiffness. Conclusions: Current evidence remains fragmented and future studies should adopt integrated approaches to improve performance assessment and training prescription in boxing.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Article Details

Section

Review Paper

Author Biographies

Giuseppe Penna, University of Split

Faculty of Kinesiology.

Igor Jelaska, University of Split

Faculty of Kinesiology.

Gaetano Altavilla, Pegaso Online University

Department of Education Sciences and Sport.

How to Cite

Penna, G., Jelaska, I., & Altavilla, G. (2026). Punching performance, physiological responses and lower-limb neuromuscular characteristics in boxing: A systematic review. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 21(4), 1301-1320. https://doi.org/10.55860/9304ke09

References

Arseneau, E., Mekary, S., & Léger, L. A. (2011). VO₂ requirements of boxing exercises. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25(2), 348–359. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181ef64cb DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181ef64cb

Brazier, J., Maloney, S., Bishop, C., Read, P. J., & Turner, A. N. (2019). Lower extremity stiffness: Considerations for testing, performance enhancement, and injury risk. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(4), 1156–1166. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002283 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002283

Brown, L., Doyle, G., Hastings, K., Thornton-White, C., & Galbraith, A. (2022). Profiling the physiological parameters of boxers in the parachute regiment. International Journal of Strength and Conditioning, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.47206/ijsc.v2i1.157 DOI: https://doi.org/10.47206/ijsc.v2i1.157

Bu, X. (2022). Experimental study on the effect of speed strength training on the special strikes of Chinese female boxers. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2022, 5912231. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5912231 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5912231

Ceruso, R., Esposito, G., & D’Elia, F. (2019). Analysis and evaluation of the qualitative aspects of the young players. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 19(5), 1814–1819.

Ceruso, R., Esposito, G., Aliberti, S., D’Isanto, T., & D’Elia, F. (2026). Training decision-making in youth football: A comparative study of traditional, ecological dynamics approach, and hybrid eSport-based protocol. Applied Sciences, 16(5), 2407. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16052407 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app16052407

Chaabène, H., Tabben, M., Mkaouer, B., Franchini, E., Negra, Y., Hammami, M., Amara, S., Chaabène, R. B., & Hachana, Y. (2015). Amateur boxing: Physical and physiological attributes. Sports Medicine, 45(3), 337–352. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0274-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0274-7

Chottidao, M., Kuo, C. H., Tsai, S. C., Hwang, I. S., Lin, J. J., & Tsai, Y. S. (2022). A comparison of plyometric and jump rope training programs for improving punching performance in junior amateur boxers. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 10, 878527. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2022.878527 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2022.878527

Chwała, W., Wąsacz, W., Rydzik, Ł., Mirek, W., Snopkowski, P., Pałka, T., & Ambroży, T. (2023). Special boxing fitness test: Validation procedure. Archives of Budo Science of Martial Arts and Extreme Sports, 19, 41–50.

Cui, W., Chen, Y., & Wang, D. (2024a). The effect of optimal load training on punching ability in elite female boxers. Frontiers in Physiology, 15, 1455506. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1455506 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1455506

Cui, W., Chen, Y., & Wang, D. (2024b). Research on the effect of post-activation potentiation under different velocity loss thresholds on boxers’ punching ability. Frontiers in Physiology, 15, 1429550. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1429550 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1429550

Cunniffe, B., Ellison, M., Loosemore, M., & Cardinale, M. (2017). Warm-up practices in elite boxing athletes: Impact on power output. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31(1), 95–105. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001484 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001484

de Lira, C. A., Peixinho-Pena, L. F., Vancini, R. L., de Freitas Guina Fachina, R. J., de Almeida, A. A., Andrade, M. S., & da Silva, A. C. (2013). Heart rate response during a simulated Olympic boxing match is predominantly above ventilatory threshold 2: A cross-sectional study. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, 4, 175–182. https://doi.org/10.2147/OAJSM.S44807 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/OAJSM.S44807

de Oliveira, L. H., Sant’Ana, J., Freccia, G. W., Coswig, V. S., & Diefenthaeler, F. (2024). Validity of a mobile-based specific test to estimate metabolic thresholds in boxers. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology, 238(1), 15–22. https://doi.org/10.1177/17543371221084563 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/17543371221084563

Di Lascio, G., Giardullo, G., Mazza, F., Esposito, G., Manzi, V., & Raiola, G. (2026). Influence of ankle joint mobility on stretch-shortening cycle contribution in vertical jump performance. Applied Sciences, 16(8), 3668. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083668 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083668

D’Isanto, T., Di Domenico, F., Sannicandro, I., & D’Elia, F. (2022). Improvement of qualitative and quantitative aspects of the sports performance of young players through high intensity interval training. Physical Education Theory and Methodology, 22(1), 70–76. https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2022.1.10 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2022.1.10

D’Isanto, T., Di Domenico, F., D’Elia, F., Aliberti, S., & Esposito, G. (2021). The effectiveness of constraints-led training on skill development in football. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 9(6), 1344–1351. https://doi.org/10.13189/saj.2021.090630 DOI: https://doi.org/10.13189/saj.2021.090630

Dunn, E. C., Humberstone, C. E., Franchini, E., Iredale, K. F., & Blazevich, A. J. (2022). Relationships between punch impact force and upper- and lower-body muscular strength and power in highly trained amateur boxers. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 36(4), 1019–1025. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003585 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003585

El-Ashker, S., Chaabène, H., Negra, Y., Prieske, O., & Granacher, U. (2018). Cardiorespiratory endurance responses following a simulated 3 × 3 minutes amateur boxing contest in elite level boxers. Sports, 6(4), 119. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports6040119 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/sports6040119

Finlay, M. (2025). A four-week contrast training programme enhances punch performance and physical qualities in senior elite amateur boxers: A physical preparation case study for an international tournament. International Journal of Strength and Conditioning, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.47206/ijsc.v5i1.426 DOI: https://doi.org/10.47206/ijsc.v5i1.426

Finlay, M. J., Bridge, C. A., Greig, M., & Page, R. M. (2022). Postactivation performance enhancement of amateur boxers’ punch force and neuromuscular performance following 2 upper-body conditioning activities. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 17(11), 1621–1633. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2022-0159 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2022-0159

Finlay, M. J., Greig, M., Bridge, C. A., & Page, R. M. (2024). Post-activation performance enhancement of punch force and neuromuscular performance in amateur boxing: Toward a more individualized and real-world approach. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 38(6), 1063–1071. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004740 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004740

Finlay, M. J., Greig, M., McCarthy, J., & Page, R. M. (2020). Physical response to pad- and bag-based boxing-specific training modalities. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(4), 1052–1061. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002928 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002928

Finlay, M. J., Greig, M., & Page, R. M. (2018). Quantifying the physical response to a contemporary amateur boxing simulation. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(4), 1005–1012. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001926 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001926

Finlay, M. J., Greig, M., Page, R. M., & Bridge, C. A. (2023). Acute physiological, endocrine, biochemical and performance responses associated with amateur boxing: A systematic review with meta-analysis. European Journal of Sport Science, 23(5), 774–788. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2022.2063072 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2022.2063072

Franchini, E. (2020). High-intensity interval training prescription for combat-sport athletes. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15(6), 767–776. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2020-0289 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2020-0289

Giardullo, G., Ceruso, R., Di Lascio, G., Taleb, M., Esposito, G., & D'Elia, F. (2026). Comparison of traditional and ecological dynamical training approaches in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: effects on Force Development, reactivity, and distress perception. Frontiers in Psychology, 17, 1794709. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1794709 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1794709

Ghosh, A. K. (2010). Heart rate, oxygen consumption and blood lactate responses during specific training in amateur boxing. International Journal of Applied Sports Sciences, 22(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.24985/ijass.2010.22.1.1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24985/ijass.2010.22.1.1

Herrera-Valenzuela, T., Carter, J., Leiva, E., Valdés-Badilla, P., Ojeda-Aravena, A., & Franchini, E. (2021). Effect of a short HIIT program with specific techniques on physical condition and activity during simulated combat in national-level boxers. Sustainability, 13(16), 8746. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13168746 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su13168746

Hukkanen, E., & Häkkinen, K. (2017). Effects of sparring load on reaction speed and punch force during the precompetition and competition periods in boxing. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31(6), 1563–1568. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001885 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001885

Jin, R., Huang, M., Yi, W., Finlay, M. J., & Chen, C. (2025). The acute effects of boxing-specific dumbbell activity on punch performance in male amateur boxers. Frontiers in Physiology, 16, 1607933. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1607933 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1607933

Kacprzak, J., Mosler, D., Tsos, A., & Wasik, J. (2025). Biomechanics of punching-The impact of effective mass and force transfer on strike performance. Appl. Sci., 15(7), 4008. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15074008 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app15074008

Kamandulis, S., Bruzas, V., Mockus, P., Stasiulis, A., Snieckus, A., & Venckunas, T. (2018). Sport-specific repeated sprint training improves punching ability and upper-body aerobic power in experienced amateur boxers. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(5), 1214–1221. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002056 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002056

Kim, K. J., Lee, S. B., & Park, S. (2018). Effects of boxing-specific training on physical fitness and punch power in Korean national boxers. Exerc. Sci., 27(4), 296-302. https://doi.org/10.15857/ksep.2018.27.4.296 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15857/ksep.2018.27.4.296

Lenetsky, S., Brughelli, M., Nates, R. J., Cross, M. R., & Lormier, A. V. (2018). Variability and reliability of punching impact kinetics in untrained participants and experienced boxers. J. Strength Cond. Res., 32(7), 1838-1842. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002352 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002352

Lenetsky, S., Harris, N. K., & Brughelli, M. (2013). Assessment and contributors of punching forces in combat sports athletes: Implications for strength and conditioning. Strength Cond. J., 35(2), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0b013e31828b6c12 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0b013e31828b6c12

Lenetsky, S., Nates, R. J., Brughelli, M., & Harris, N. K. (2015). Is effective mass in combat sports punching above its weight? Hum. Mov. Sci., 40, 89-97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humov.2014.11.016 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humov.2014.11.016

Liu, Y., Huang, Z., Zhou, Z., Zhang, L., Guo, Y., & Chen, C. (2024). Effects of variable resistance training within complex training on strength and punch performance in elite amateur boxers. Frontiers in Physiology, 15, 1472258. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1472258 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1472258

Liu, Y., Jin, R., & Chen, C. (2025). Post-activation potentiation's impact on specialized strike strength in elite male boxers: An acute study. Sensors, 25(20), 6356. https://doi.org/10.3390/s25206356 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/s25206356

Liu, Y., Zhu, Z., Chen, X., Deng, C., Ma, X., & Zhao, B. (2022). Biomechanics of the lead straight punch of different level boxers. Front. Physiol., 13, 1015154. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.1015154 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.1015154

Loturco, I., Nakamura, F. Y., Artioli, G. G., Kobal, R., Kitamura, K., Cal Abad, C. C., Cruz, I. F., Romano, F., Pereira, L. A., & Franchini, E. (2016). Strength and power qualities are highly associated with punching impact in elite amateur boxers. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 30(1), 109–116. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001075 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001075

Loturco, I., Pereira, L. A., Kobal, R., Fernandes, V., Reis, V. P., Romano, F., Alves, M., Freitas, T. T., & McGuigan, M. (2021). Transference effect of short-term optimum power load training on the punching impact of elite boxers. J. Strength Cond. Res., 35(9), 2373-2378. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003165 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003165

Maciel, A. R., Lambertucci, R. H., Barbosa, F. M., & Guerra, R. L. F. (2023). Proposal and reproducibil-ity of a specific test for amateur boxing. J. Martial Arts Anthropol., 23(4), 8-15.

Merlo, R., Rodríguez-Chávez, Á., Gómez-Castañeda, P. E., Rojas-Jaramillo, A., Petro, J. L., Kreider, R. B., & Bonilla, D. A. (2023). Profiling the physical performance of young boxers with unsuper-vised machine learning: A cross-sectional study. Sports, 11(7), 131. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11070131 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11070131

Mosler, D., Kacprzak, J., & Wąsik, J. (2024a). Higher values of force and acceleration in rear cross than lead jab: Differences in technique execution by boxers. Appl. Sci., 14(7), 2830. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072830 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072830

Mosler, D., Kacprzak, J., & Wąsik, J. (2024b). The influence of effective mass on the striking force of lead jab and rear cross punches of boxers. Appl. Sci., 14(17), 7785. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177785 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177785

Niu, Z., Huang, Z., Zhao, G., & Chen, C. (2024). Impact of three weeks of integrative neuromuscular training on the athletic performance of elite female boxers. PeerJ, 12, e18311. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18311 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18311

Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hrób-jartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., … & Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

Pinto, M., Crisóstomo, J., Kirk, C., Abián-Vicén, J., & Monteiro, L. (2025). Influence of anthropometric characteristics and muscle performance on punch impact. Sports, 13(8), 281. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13080281 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13080281

Raiola, G., Esposito, G., Aliberti, S., & D'Elia, F. (2025). Effects on performance, perception, and awareness of plyometric training in youth volleyball: a novel methodological approach to training. Applied Sciences, 15(3), 1581. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031581 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031581

Sánchez-Ramírez, C., Cid-Calfucura, I., Hernández-Martínez, J., Cancino-López, J., Aedo-Muñoz, E., Valdés-Badilla, P., Franchini, E., García-García, J. M., Calvo-Rico, B., Abián-Vicén, J., & Herrera-Valenzuela, T. (2025). Submaximal accentuated eccentric jump training improves punching performance and countermovement jump force-time variables in amateur boxers. Appl. Sci., 15(14), 7873. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15147873 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app15147873

Singh, S., Deori, L. A., Chetry, P., Manamkandath, M. P., Astuti, Y., Saha, S., & Khati, A. (2025). The effectiveness of varying plyometric training intensities in improving punching force and muscular fitness in adolescent boxers. Phys. Educ. Theory Methodol., 25(5), 1193-1201. https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2025.5.19 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2025.5.19

Slimani, M., Chaabène, H., Davis, P., Franchini, E., Cheour, F., & Chamari, K. (2017). Performance aspects and physiological responses in male amateur boxing competitions: A brief review. J. Strength Cond. Res., 31(4), 1132-1141. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001643 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001643

Söyler, M., Gürkan, A. C., Kayantaş, İ., Aydın, S., Karataş, B., Eraslan, M., Şahin, M., Küçük, H., Badau, A., & Badau, D. (2025). Investigation of the effects of different plyometric training protocols on punching force and muscle performance in male boxers. Appl. Sci., 15(12), 6532. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126532 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126532

Stanley, E., Thomson, E., Smith, G., & Lamb, K. L. (2018). An analysis of the three-dimensional kinetics and kinematics of maximal effort punches among amateur boxers. Int. J. Perform. Anal. Sport, 18(5), 835-854. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2018.1525651 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2018.1525651

Thomson, E. D., & Lamb, K. L. (2017a). Reproducibility of the internal load and performance-based responses to simulated amateur boxing. J. Strength Cond. Res., 31(12), 3396-3402. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001749 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001749

Thomson, E. D., & Lamb, K. L. (2017b). Quantification of the physical and physiological load of a boxing-specific simulation protocol. Int. J. Perform. Anal. Sport, 17(1-2), 136-148. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2017.1304048 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2017.1304048

Usher, A., & Babraj, J. (2024). Use of NIRS to explore skeletal muscle oxygenation during different training sessions in professional boxing. Eur. J. Appl. Physiol., 124(2), 595-606. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-023-05305-1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-023-05305-1

Venckunas, T., Bruzas, V., Snieckus, A., Stasiule, L., Kniubaite, A., Mickevicius, M., Kamandulis, S., & Stasiulis, A. (2024). Anaerobic performance profiling in elite amateur boxers. Sports, 12(9), 231. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12090231 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12090231

Venckunas, T., Bruzas, V., Stasiulis, A., Snieckus, A., Mockus, P., & Kamandulis, S. (2022). Cardiorespiratory responses to specific and nonspecific exercise in high-profile amateur boxers. J. Strength Cond. Res., 36(3), 717-722. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003496 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003496

Wdowski, M. M., Rosicka, K., & Hill, M. (2023). Influence of lower-limb muscular and tendon mechanical properties and strength on countermovement jump performance. J. Sports Med. Phys. Fitness, 63(1), 16-22. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.22.13567-X DOI: https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.22.13567-X

Wilson, D. C., Ruddock, A., Ranchordas, M. A., Thompson, S. W., & Rogerson, D. (2020). Physical profile of junior and senior amateur boxers. J. Phys. Educ. Sport, 20(6), 3452-3459.

Wu, G., Guo, Y., Zhang, L., & Chen, C. (2024). A physical fitness-evaluation system for outstanding Chinese male boxers. PeerJ, 12, e17271. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17271 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17271

Xu, Q., Fei, J., Mao, R., Liu, L., & Fei, C. (2025). Effects of BFR-RST on upper limb performance in boxers: A study based on physiological indices, anthropometric measurement indices, anaerobic power, and punching performance. Front. Physiol., 16, 1453153. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1453153 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1453153

Similar Articles

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.

Most read articles by the same author(s)