Effect of Different Jab Techniques on Peak Activation of Upper-Body Muscles in Youth Boxers

Abstract

The study purpose was to analyse the peak EMG at five upper-body muscles during four different jab techniques in youth boxers. Materials and methods. Male youth national-level boxers (n=7) were assessed for peak electromyography (EMG) of anterior deltoid (AD), biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), flexor carpi radialis (FCR), and upper trapezius (UT) while performing four jab techniques: long-range targeting head (LRH), long-range targeting body (LRB), medium-range targeting head (MRH), and medium-range targeting body (MRB). Results. The LRH induced the highest EMG for AD (2092.9±411.9) and BB (1392.0±687.3). The MRB induced the highest EMG for the FCR (1337.16±538.28), TB (1589.3±600.3), and UT (1221.2±507.5). However, between jab techniques, only the AD showed a significant (p<0.001) different EMG. Specifically, the LRH induced greater AD EMG compared to LRB (157.5 [p<0.001]), MRH (411.0 [p=0.003]), and MRB (398.3 [p=0.010]). Further, the LRB induced greater AD EMG compared to MRH (253.5 [p=0.024]) and MRB (240.8 [p=0.049]). The MRH and MRB (-12.7 [p=0.911]) induced similar AD EMG. Conclusions. Peak EMG at five upper-body muscles varies between jab techniques. However, the differences seem relatively small, except for the AD muscle, with a descending pattern of peak EMG for the LRH > LRB > MRH and MRB jab techniques.