title: Differences in Force-velocity Characteristics of Upper and Lower Limbs of Non-competitive Male Boxers.
abstract: 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, Pmax, 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 Pmax(910 W vs. 445 W,t11=22.9,p<.001), Pmaxexpressed in relative to body mass values (rPmax, 11.8 W·kg-1vs. 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-1vs. 1.82 rpm·N-1,t11=15.3,p<.001) than the arms. Pmaxof upper limbs was associated with Pmaxof lower limbs (r=.70,p<.05) and their ratio was .49 (.06). The respective values of rPmaxwasr=.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' F0and v0, a stronger relationship was found with regard to Pmax. 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.
authors.affiliation: Nutrition and Dietics Department, Technical Educational Institute of Crete, GREECE; Laboratory of Human Performance and Rehabilitation, Department of Physical and Cultural Education, Hellenic Army Academy, GREECE.
authors.forename: Danai
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Giovani
authors.affiliation: Nutrition and Dietics Department, Technical Educational Institute of Crete, GREECE; Laboratory of Human Performance and Rehabilitation, Department of Physical and Cultural Education, Hellenic Army Academy, GREECE.
authors.forename: Pantelis Theodoros
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Nikolaidis
keywords: Anaerobic power; force-velocity relationship; martial arts