Effects of plyometric exercise training with external weights on punching ability of experienced amateur boxers.
BACKGROUND
During competition, a boxer must continue to deliver high-impact punches despite increasing fatigue. It is unclear whether the effects of plyometric training using external weights are transferred to sport-specific movements such as punching. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of a 4-week cycle of plyometric training with external weights on punching ability.


METHODS
The study involved eight male amateur boxers aged 22.3±2.5 years with at least 7 years of competitive experience. They performed 12 plyometric training sessions, each comprising eight exercises of various muscle groups performed at maximum movement velocity. Six drills were performed with external weights, and two drills were performed using the body weight as resistance. All exercises required coordination. The punching ability was tested at baseline and after the 4 weeks of training using the Kiktest-100 boxing bag.


RESULTS
The force of single punches and the frequency of punches within a series did not change from before to after the 4 weeks, except for increased power in the rear-hand low punch (P<0.05). However, there was an increase in summative force and energy output within 3 s and 8 s, and in a series of eight 8-s tests (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Four weeks of plyometric training with external weights did not change the maximum punching power or movement frequency significantly, but had a beneficial effect on punching power endurance in boxers.
Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania.
Vidas
V
Bruzas
Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania.
Sigitas
S
Kamandulis
Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania.
Tomas
T
Venckunas
Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania - audrius.snieckus@lsu.lt.
Audrius
A
Snieckus
Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania.
Pranas
P
Mockus
D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight; D001914:Boxing / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement; D053580:Muscle Strength; D059385:Plyometric Exercise; D013177:Sports; D055815:Young Adult