Biomechanics of the head for Olympic boxer punches to the face

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Walilko, T. J.¹; Viano, D. C.¹; Bir, C. A.¹

Biomechanics of the head for Olympic boxer punches to the face

Br J Sports Med. October 2005;39(10):710-719

Affiliations

¹Sports Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of BioMedical Engineering, Wayne State University, 818 W. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
Abstract

Objective: The biomechanics of the head for punches to the jaw and the risk of head injury from translational and rotational acceleration were studied.

Methods: Seven Olympic boxers from five weight classes delivered 18 straight punches to the frangible face of the Hybrid III dummy. Translational and rotational head acceleration, neck responses, and jaw pressure distribution were measured. High speed video recorded each blow and was used to determine punch velocity. Equilibrium was used to determine punch force, energy transfer, and power.

Results: Punch force averaged 3427 (standard deviation (SD) 811) N, hand velocity 9.14 (SD 2.06) m/s, and effective punch mass 2.9 (SD 2.0) kg. Punch force was higher for the heavier weight classes, due primarily to a higher effective mass of the punch. Jaw load was 876 (SD 288) N. The peak translational acceleration was 58 (SD 13) g, rotational acceleration was 6343 (SD 1789) rad/s², and neck shear was 994 (SD 318) N.

Conclusions: Olympic boxers deliver straight punches with high impact velocity and energy transfer. The severity of the punch increases with weight class.
Links

DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.2004.014126

PubMed: 16183766

WoS: 000232068800008
History

Accepted: 2005-01-31

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2018	Nolan G, Hainsworth SV, Rutty GN. Forces generated in stabbing attacks: an evaluation of the utility of the mild, moderate and severe scale. Int J Legal Med. January 2018;132(1):229-236.
2007	Beckwith JG, Chu JJ, Greenwald RM. Validation of a noninvasive system for measuring head acceleration for use during boxing competition. J Appl Biomech. August 2007;23(3):238-244.
2005	Viano DC, Casson IR, Pellman EJ, Bir CA, Zhang L, Sherman DC, Boitano MA. Concussion in professional football: comparison with boxing head impacts: part 10. Neurosurgery. December 2005;57(6):1154-1172.
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2019	Cournoyer J. Head Impact Severity Associated With Loss of Consciousness and Impact Seizures in Sport-Related Concussions [PhD thesis]. University of Ottawa; 2019.
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2010	Stojsih S. The Biomechanics of Amateur Boxers [Master's thesis]. Detroit, MI: Wayne State University; August 2010.
2015	Li Y. An Investigation of the Relationship Between Axonal Injury, Biomarker Expression and Mechanical Response in a Rodent Head Impact Acceleration Model [PhD thesis]. Detroit, MI: Wayne State University; 2015.