Patcharin Damrongpipatkul. Impact force and pressure on the head models from straight punch with varied boxing gloves weight . Master's Degree(Sports Science). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2003.
Impact force and pressure on the head models from straight punch with varied boxing gloves weight
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not heavier boxing
gloves (6,10,12, and 18 ounce gloves) could reduce the impact force and pressure to
the head. It was also to study whether or not the size of the boxer’s head using a
force plate (FP), large head model (LH), medium head model (MH), and small head
model (SH) could effect the force distribution. The experiment was divided in to 2
parts. Part 1 used 30 subjects (14 – 17 yrs old), in which 10 were non – boxers (NB),
10 were low punching force boxers, and the last 10 were high punching force
boxers. First, anthropometry and physical fitness were measured in each of the
subjects prior to the subjects performing straight right punches with varying glove
sizes on random head sizes until each of the different glove sizes had been tested.
Part 2 used a pendulum fist releasing apparatus, in which the dumbbell was covered
by each of the different gloves and released on various head models until all of the
glove sizes had been tested.
The qualitative data such as history of injury, duration of training, amount of
competition were obtained by using questionnaires. The quantitative data such as
anthropometry, physical fitness, impact force performed with each size of gloves,
area at impact point and calculated pressure from F/A were recorded. These
quantitative data were analyzed by Paired T – test or One way ANOVA or Kruskal –
Wallis H test.
The study found the following results in part 1 and part 2 : 1) Mean force was
not significantly different in 6, 10, 12, and 18 ounces gloves. 2) Mean area at impact
point was 18 >12 >10 >6 ounces gloves and for the receiving impact area was FP >
LH > MH > SH and 3) Mean pressure was 6 >10 >12 >18 ounces gloves and mean
pressure of SH > MH > LH > FP was significantly different.
Based on the above result, it could be concluded that the heavier gloves can
not attenuate impact force . Nevertheless, the larger gloves and larger head plate
models induced more force distribution and reduced the force per unit of area
(pressure). In addition, the heavier gloves are larger in size which can act like a
shield to protect the head from the opponent’s punch. They can also reduce the
penetration of the fist and the potential to be directly impacted from an attacker’s
punch which may be helpful for attenuating the risk of bone fracture and the severity
of head injury.