Sex-related differences in joint-angle-specific hamstring-to-quadriceps function following fatigue

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of fatiguing exercise on sex-related differences in the function of hamstring and quadriceps muscles at several angular velocities and joint angles. Physically active participants (50 male: 28.7?±?4.5y, 1.82?±?0.07 m, 82.3?±?6.87?kg; 50 female: 27.0?±?5.8y, 1.61?±?0.08 m, 68.75?±?9.24?kg) carried out an isokinetic assessment to determine concentric and eccentric torques during knee extension and flexion actions at three different angular velocities (60/180/300°/s). The H/Q_FUNCT was calculated using peak torque (PT) values at 3 different joint-angle-specific (15°, 30° and 45° of knee flexion). A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare within group results. Between group comparisons of sex-related differences were assessed by independent T-tests. Fatiguing exercise in males resulted in a decrease in H/Q_FUNCT ratios for each angle of knee flexion at both 60°/s and 300°/s angular velocities (p?<?0.05). In females, significant decreases in H/Q_FUNCT ratios were observed following fatiguing exercise for each angle of knee flexion and angular velocity (p?<?0.01). Significant differences in H/Q_FUNCT ratios following fatiguing exercise were evident between males and females at each joint angle and angular velocity (p?<?0.01). These findings indicate sex related differences in H/Q_FUNCT ratios following fatiguing exercise. Females have greater reductions in torque and H/Q_FUNCT ratios following fatigue than their male counterparts. This potentially exposes females to higher risks of injury, particularly when fatigued. Practitioners should attend to the imbalance in fatigue resistance of hamstring and quadriceps function, particularly in female athletes.     

Rhythmic Isometric Fatigue Patterns of the Elbow Flexors and Knee Extensors

Abstract

Twenty-seven male subjects performed two 5-min bouts of rhythmic, isometric elbow flexion and two similar bouts of knee extension at a rate of 30 maximal contractions per min. Exponential analyses revealed that the pattern of fatigue for each limb followed a single component curve of the form: Y_t = a₀e ^?Kot + c. An analysis of variance comparing the results from the two limbs revealed that (a) the strength scores for the leg were significantly (p < .05) higher than those for the arm throughout the exercise bouts; (b) both limbs experienced a significant strength decrement; and (c) there was significant interaction between trials and limbs. It appeared that the greater loss of strength by the knee extensors was reponsible for this interaction. It was concluded that during a rhythmic, all-out task, the rates of fatigue experienced by the two muscle groups tend to differ, with the elbow flexors fatiguing more rapidly initially but reaching a plateau at a relatively higher level than the knee extensors.     

Association between knee-to-hip flexion ratio during single-leg vertical landings,and strength and range of motion in professional soccer players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test the correlation between knee-to-hip flexion ratio during a single leg landing task and hip and knee strength, and ankle range of motion. Twenty-four male participants from a professional soccer team performed a continuous single leg jump-landing test during 10s, while lower limb kinematics data were collected using a motion analysis system. After biomechanical testing, maximal isometric hip (abduction, extension, external rotation), knee extension and flexion strength were measured. Maximum ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was assessed statically using the weight bearing lunge test. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the associations between the predictor variables (knee and hip strength, and ankle ROM) and the main outcome measure (knee-to-hip flexion ratio). Correlation between knee-to-hip flexion ratio and hip abductors strength was significant (r = ?0.47; p = 0.019). No other significant correlations were observed among the variables (p > 0.05). These results demonstrated that a lower hip abductors strength in male soccer players was correlated with a high knee-to-hip flexion ratio during landing from a single leg jump, potentially increasing knee overload by decreasing energy absorption at the hip. The results provide a novel proposal for the functioning of hip muscles to control knee overload.     

The Effect of Initial Knee Angle on Concentric-Only Squat Jump Performance

Purpose: There is uncertainty as to which knee angle during a squat jump (SJ) produces maximal jump performance. Importantly, understanding this information will aid in determining appropriate ratios for assessment and monitoring of the explosive characteristics of athletes. Method: This study compared SJ performance across different knee angles—90º, 100º, 110º, 120º, 130º, and a self-selected depth—for jump height and other kinetic characteristics. For comparison between SJ and an unconstrained dynamic movement, participants also performed a countermovement jump from a self-selected depth. Thirteen participants (M_age = 25.4 ± 3.5 years, M_height = 1.8 ± 0.06 m, M_weight = 79.8 ± 9.5 kg) were recruited and tested for their SJ performance. Results: In the SJ, maximal jump height (35.4 ± 4.6 cm) was produced using a self-selected knee angle (98.7 ± 11.2°). Differences between 90°, 100°, and self-selected knee angles for jump height were trivial (ES ± 90% CL = 90°–100° 0.23 ± 0.12, 90°–SS ?0.04 ± 0.12, 100°–SS ?0.27 ± 0.20; 0.5–2.4 cm) and not statistically different. Differences between all other knee angles for jump height ranged from 3.8 ± 2.0 cm (mean ± 90% CL) to 16.6 ± 2.2 cm. A similar outcome to jump height was observed for velocity, force relative to body weight, and impulse for the assessed knee angles. Conclusions: For young physically active adult men, the use of a self-selected depth in the SJ results in optimal performance and has only a trivial difference to a constrained knee angle of either 90° or 100°.     

Isometric training with maximal co-contraction instruction does not increase co-activation during exercises against external resistances

Abstract

The present investigation verified that strength is improved by a training programme consisting of repetitions of maximal isometric voluntary co-contractions without increasing co-activations during contractions against external resistances. Ten participants performed 12 training sessions (four sets of 6 × 4 second maximal isometric co-contraction of the elbow flexor and extensors, 3 days a week for 4 weeks). Surface electromyograms of triceps and biceps brachii were collected during maximal voluntary isometric elbow flexion and extension against a force transducer. Maximal voluntary isometric force increased significantly after training, by 13.8 ± 6.0% (extension) and 9.6 ± 9.5% (flexion), but the observed increases in EMG of agonist muscles during maximal voluntary contraction were not significant. No significant changes in the levels of co-activation of the elbow flexors and extensors were observed. No significant change was observed for all the parameters in a control group of ten participants. These results indicated that the strength improvements after co-contraction training occur without increases in co-activation level.     

A quantitative evaluation of the high elbow technique in front crawl

Many coaches often instruct swimmers to keep the elbow in a high position (high elbow position) during early phase of the underwater stroke motion (pull phase) in front crawl, however, the high elbow position has never been quantitatively evaluated. The aims of this study were (1) to quantitatively evaluate the “high elbow” position, (2) to clarify the relationship between the high elbow position and required upper limb configuration and (3) to examine the efficacy of high elbow position on the resultant swimming velocity. Sixteen highly skilled and 6 novice male swimmers performed 25 m front crawl with maximal effort and their 3-dimensional arm stroke motion was captured at 60 Hz. An attempt was made to develop a new index to evaluate the high elbow position (I_he: high elbow index) using 3-dimensional coordinates of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. I_he of skilled swimmers moderately correlated with the average shoulder internal rotation angle (r = ?0.652, P < 0.01) and swimming velocity (r = ?0.683, P < 0.01) during the pull phase. These results indicate that I_he is a useful index for evaluating high elbow arm stroke technique during the pull phase in front crawl.     

Knee extension fatigue attenuates repeated force production of the elbow flexors

Abstract

Non-local muscle fatigue has been demonstrated with unilateral activities, where fatiguing one limb alters opposite limb forces. Fewer studies have examined if non-local fatigue occurs with unrelated muscles. The purpose of this study was to investigate if knee extensors fatigue alters elbow flexors force and electromyography (EMG) activity. Eighteen males completed a control and fatiguing session (randomised). Blood lactate was initially sampled followed by three maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) with the elbow flexors and two with the knee extensors. Thereafter, subjects either sat (control) or performed five sets of bilateral dynamic knee extensions to exhaustion using a load equal to the dominant limb MVC (1-min rest between sets). Immediately afterwards, subjects were assessed for blood lactate and unilateral knee extensors MVC, and after 1 min performed a single unilateral elbow flexor MVC. Two minutes later, subjects performed 12 unilateral elbow flexor MVCs (5 s contraction/10 s rest) followed by a third blood lactate test. Compared to control, knee extensor force dropped by 35% (p < 0.001; ES = 1.6) and blood lactate increased by 18% (p < 0.001; ES = 2.8). Elbow flexor forces were lower after the fatiguing protocol only during the last five MVCs (p < 0.05; ES = ～0.58; ～5%). No changes occurred between conditions in EMG. Elbow flexor forces significantly decreased after knee extensors fatigue. The effect was revealed during the later stages of the repeated MVCs protocol, demonstrating that non-local fatigue may have a stronger effect on repeated rather than on single attempts of maximal force production.     

Biomechanical characteristics of adults walking forward and backward in water at different stride frequencies

The aim of this study was to examine spatiotemporal characteristics and joint angles during forward and backward walking in water at low and high stride frequency. Eight healthy adults (22.1 ± 1.1 years) walked forward and backward underwater at low (50 pulses) and high frequency (80 pulses) at the xiphoid process level with arms crossed at the chest. The main differences observed were that the participants presented a greater speed (0.58 vs. 0.85 m/s) and more asymmetry of the step length (1.24 vs. 1.48) at high frequency whilst the stride and step length (0.84 vs. 0.7 m and 0.43 vs. 0.35 m, respectively) were lower compared to low frequency (P < 0.05). Support phase duration was higher at forward walking than backward walking (61.2 vs. 59.0%). At initial contact, we showed that during forward walking, the ankle and hip presented more flexion than during backward walking (ankle: 84.0 vs. 91.8º and hip: 22.8 vs. 8.0º; P < 0.001). At final stance, the knee and hip were more flexed at low frequency than at high frequency (knee: 150.0 vs. 157.0º and hip: ?12.2 vs. –14.5º; P < 0.001). The knee angle showed more flexion at forward walking (134.0º) than backward walking (173.1º) (P < 0.001). In conclusion, these results show how forward and backward walking in water at different frequencies differ and contribute to a better understanding of this activity in training and rehabilitation.     

Trampoline Versus Resistance Training in Young Adults: Effects on Knee Muscles Strength and Balance

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Trampoline parks are becoming popular in many countries, providing recreational facilities for children and adults. This study investigated the effects of trampoline training on knee muscles strength and balance in young adults. Methods: Twenty-six participants (14 males, 12 females) were randomized into trampoline training (TT) and resistance training (RT) groups to undergo a 6-week supervised intervention program (2 × 30 min per week). TT group performed basic trampoline exercises while the RT group performed resistance training targeting lower extremities muscles. Peak knee extension and flexion torque, postural sway characteristics, and Y balance test (YBT) performance were evaluated before and after the intervention. A mixed model analysis of variance (group × time) was applied. Results: After training there were significant improvements in knee extension torque (mean difference_post-pre [95% CI], TT: 0.27 [0.00, 0.54] N?m/kg, RT: 0.31 [0.09,0.54] N?m/kg, p = .001), knee flexion torque (TT: 0.25 [0.17,0.33] N?m/kg, RT: 0.21 [0.08,0.34] N?m/kg, p < .001), and dynamic balance (YBT composite scores, mean difference_post-pre [95% CI], TT: 4.9 [?0.3, 10.2]%, RT: 5.2 [2.4,8.0]%, p = .001). No difference between groups was found. Conclusion: Trampoline training can be as effective as resistance training for improving knee muscles strength and dynamic balance in young men and women.     

Isokinetic Torque in Boys and Girls Ages 7 to 13: Effect of Age,Height, and Weight

The purpose of this study was to investigate torque differences between 28 boys and 28 girls, ages 7 to 13 years, for the knee and elbow flexor and extensors at 30°/second and 120°/second using an isokinetic procedure (Cybex II). In addition, the relationships of these torque levels to size and age were determined. The results revealed significant (p < .05) sex differences for the knee flexor and extensor torque values at 120°/second independent of body weight. That is, the boys generated 29.2 and 39.5 foot pounds vs. the girl's 26.2 and 35.4 foot pounds for knee flexion and extension, respectively. Similarly, torque differences (p < .05) between boys and girls were present for elbow extension at 120°/second when adjusting for differences in height. When examining the flexion/extension ratios, it is apparent that increases in body size (height, weight) and age had a significant effect on the ratio at 120°/second but not at 30°/second.     

Analysis of elbow muscle strength parameters in Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners

Upper-body dynamic and isometric maximum strength are essential components for success in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). This study was aimed at analysing strength parameters in the elbow flexor and extensor muscles of BJJ practitioners. Participants (n = 28) performed maximum isometric contractions of elbow flexors and extensors to determine peak torque (PT), rate of force development (RFD), and the torque–angle (T–A) relationship at elbow angles of 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, and 120°. Additionally, concentric and eccentric PTs were measured at 1.04 rad·s^-1. Student t-test and ANOVA were performed using α = 0.05. Elbow flexors were stronger isometrically (P < 0.001, ES = 1.23) but weaker concentrically (P < 0.05, ES = 0.54) than extensor muscles, possibly because of the extensive grip disputes and pushing of opponents in BJJ. The T–A relationship had an inverted “U”-shape. Torque differences across elbow angles were moderate (ES = 0.62) for the extensor and large (ES = 0.92) for the flexor muscles. Isometric torque was greatest for elbow angles of 105° and 75° and smallest for 45° and 120° for extensor and flexor muscles, respectively. Elbow flexors had a greater RFD than extensors, regardless of elbow angle. The present study provides comprehensive results for elbow muscle strength in BJJ practitioners.     

Differential effects of attentional focus strategies during long-term resistance training

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of using an internal versus external focus of attention during resistance training on muscular adaptations. Thirty untrained college-aged men were randomly assigned to an internal focus group (INTERNAL) that focused on contracting the target muscle during training (n?=?15) or an external focus group (EXTERNAL) that focused on the outcome of the lift (n?=?15). Training for both routines consisted of 3 weekly sessions performed on non-consecutive days for 8 weeks. Subjects performed 4 sets of 8–12 repetitions per exercise. Changes in strength were assessed by six repetition maximum in the biceps curl and isometric maximal voluntary contraction in knee extension and elbow flexion. Changes in muscle thickness for the elbow flexors and quadriceps were assessed by ultrasound. Results show significantly greater increases in elbow flexor thickness in INTERNAL versus EXTERNAL (12.4% vs. 6.9%, respectively); similar changes were noted in quadriceps thickness. Isometric elbow flexion strength was greater for INTERNAL while isometric knee extension strength was greater for EXTERNAL, although neither reached statistical significance. The findings lend support to the use of a mind–muscle connection to enhance muscle hypertrophy.     

Relationships between kinematics and undulatory underwater swimming performance

Undulatory underwater swimming (UUS) is one of the major skills contributing to performance in competitive swimming. UUS has two phases– the upbeat is performed by hip extension and knee flexion, and the downbeat is the converse action. The purpose of this study was to determine which kinematic variables of the upbeat and downbeat are associated with prone UUS performance in an elite sample. Ten elite participants were filmed performing three prone 20 m UUS trials. Seven landmarks were manually digitised to calculate eighteen kinematic variables, plus the performance variable– horizontal centre of mass velocity (V_COM). Mean V_COM was significantly correlated with body wave velocity (upbeat r = 0.81, downbeat r = 0.72), vertical toe velocity (upbeat r = 0.71, downbeat r = 0.86), phase duration (upbeat r = ?0.79), peak hip angular velocity (upbeat r = 0.73) and mean knee angular velocity (upbeat r = ?0.63), all significant at P < 0.05. A multiple stepwise regression model explained 78% of variance in mean V_COM. Peak toe velocity explained 72% of the variance, and mean body wave velocity explained an additional 6%. Elite swimmers should strive for a high peak toe velocity and a fast caudal transfer of momentum to optimise underwater undulatory swimming performance.     

Reciprocal Versus Nonreciprocal Assessment of Knee Flexors and Extensors in Concentric Actions Using the CON-TREX Multijoint Isokinetic Dynamometer: A Reliability Study

Knee flexor and extensor muscular assessment via isokinetic dynamometry is common practice and established in the research literature. However, reporting assessment methodology regarding reciprocal and nonreciprocal movements is often vague or absent. Such methodological issues are crucial for accurate assessments. Therefore, knee extensor and flexor peak moment using either reciprocal movement or nonreciprocal modalities was assessed. Fifteen participants performed three blocks of five concentric muscle actions at three angular velocities [1: nonreciprocal (maximal active flexion followed by passive extension); B2: reciprocal (maximal active extension followed by maximal active flexion); B3 nonreciprocal (maximal active extension followed by passive flexion)]. ANOVA revealed statistically significant within-subject modality effects for peak knee extensor moment and flexor velocity and modality differences (p < .05). Reciprocal and nonreciprocal assessments give significantly different results, with nonreciprocal giving higher peak moments. Reporting which modality is used is crucial to allow for greater clarity for the reader and practitioner.     

The relationship between muscle cross-sectional area and strength in various isokinetic movements among soccer players

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationships between muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and muscular strength in terms of knee extension and flexion, hip extension and flexion, and hip abduction and adduction among well-trained soccer players. Fourteen university soccer players participated in the study, who had previously been divided into two groups based on ability (Group A: above-average ability; Group B: average ability). Maximal isokinetic and concentric muscular strength was measured in knee extension/flexion, hip extension/flexion and hip abduction/adduction using an isokinetic dynamometer at 1.57 and 4.19 rad·s^?1 (3.14 rad·s^?1) in both the dominant and non-dominant leg. The CSAs of the thigh, gluteus muscles and iliopsoas muscles were calculated based on magnetic resonance imaging. There was no significant difference between the two groups in muscle CSA and isokinetic strength. Although there were some statistically significant differences between the dominant and non-dominant leg in terms of CSA and strength (P<0.05–0.01), these were small and negligible. Apart from a non-significant relationship between the CSAs of the adductor muscles and hip adductor strength (r<0.26, n.s.), the CSA of the other muscle groups correlated with maximal isokinetic strength (r=0.38–0.64, P<0.05). These results suggest that no difference in muscle characteristics (in terms of muscle CSA and strength) was apparent among well-trained soccer players, even between the dominant and non-dominant leg. There is also a case that the anatomical function of a single (or group of) muscle(s) may not be reflected by the strength—CSA relationship depending on the movements (such as hip adduction-adductor muscle CSA). Thus, further studies are required to develop methods to assess neuromuscular function in relation to muscle morphology among soccer players.     

The effects of forearm fatigue on baseball fastball pitching,with implications about elbow injury

This study investigated the contribution of flexor muscles to the forearm through fatigue; therefore, the differences in forearm mechanisms on the pitching motion in fastball were analysed. Fifteen baseball pitchers were included in this study. Ultrasonographical examination of participants’ ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel with the elbow extended and at 45°, 90° and 120° of flexion was carried. A three-dimensional motion analysis system with 14 reflective markers attached on participants was used for motion data collection. The electromyography system was applied over the flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor carpi radialis and extensor carpi radialis muscles of the dominant arm. Flexor carpi ulnaris muscle activity showed a significant difference during the acceleration phase, with a peak value during fastball post-fatigue (P = 0.02). Significant differences in the distance between ulnar nerve and medial condyle on throwing arm and non-throwing arm were observed as the distance increased with the elbow movement from 0° to 120° of flexion (P = 0.01). The significant increase of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle activity might be responsible for maintaining the stability of the wrist joint. The increased diameter might compress the ulnar nerve and cause several pathological changes. Therefore, fatigue in baseball pitchers still poses a threat to the ulnar nerve because the flexor carpi ulnaris and flexor carpi radialis all originate from the medial side of the elbow, and the swelling tendons after fatigue might be a key point.     

Biomechanical analyses of synchronised swimming standard and contra-standard sculling

Synchronised swimming involves a variety of sculling movements essential for body support and propulsion but its study is scarce. We aimed to biomechanically compare standard and contra-standard sculling techniques, and to observe the relationship between measures. Six synchronised swimmers performed two, 30 s maximal intensity, fully tethered standard and contra-standard sculling motions. Kinetic and kinematic data were obtained using a load-cell and underwater cameras, respectively. Force decreased along both techniques’ bouts, but no differences in-between techniques were noted for any kinetic variables. Standard sculling presented a higher cycle rate and a lower elbow mean angle than the contra-standard sculling (2.4 ± 0.3 vs. 2.0 ± 0.2 cycles/s and 134.1 ± 5.8 and 141.5 ± 4.7°, p < 0.05). In the standard sculling, by removing and maintaining the variation between participants (r _w and r, respectively), the absolute mean force was directly related with cycle rate (r _w  = 0.60) and wrist angular velocity during flexion (r = 0.82), while in the contra-standard condition the force was inversely associated with wrist mean angle (r = ?0.95) and directly with hand speed (r _w  = 0.76), and elbow angular velocity (r _w  ≈ 0.60). Therefore, technique learning and training require different attention by coaches and swimmers.     

Assessment of leg muscles mechanical capacities: Which jump,loading, and variable type provide the most reliable outcomes?

This study aimed to explore the strength of the force–velocity (F–V) relationship of lower limb muscles and the reliability of its parameters (maximum force [F₀], slope [a], maximum velocity [V₀], and maximum power [P₀]). Twenty-three men were tested in two different jump types (squat and countermovement jump: SJ and CMJ), performed under two different loading conditions (free weight and Smith machine: Free and Smith) with 0, 17, 30, 45, 60, and 75?kg loads. The maximum and averaged values of F and V were obtained for the F–V relationship modelling. All F–V relationships were strong and linear independently whether observed from the averaged across the participants (r?≥?0.98) or individual data (r?=?0.94–0.98), while their parameters were generally highly reliable (F₀ [CV: 4.85%, ICC: 0.87], V₀ [CV: 6.10%, ICC: 0.82], a [CV: 10.5%, ICC: 0.81], and P₀ [CV: 3.5%, ICC: 0.93]). Both the strength of the F–V relationships and the reliability of their parameters were significantly higher for (1) the CMJ over the SJ, (2) the Free over the Smith loading type, and (3) the maximum over the averaged F and V variables. In conclusion, although the F–V relationships obtained from all the jumps tested were linear and generally highly reliable, the less appropriate choice for testing the F–V relationship could be through the averaged F and V data obtained from the SJ performed either in a Free weight or in a Smith machine. Insubstantial differences exist among the other combinations tested.     

Tennis forehand kinematics change as post-impact ball speed is altered

Peak joint angles and joint angular velocities were evaluated for varying speed forehands in an attempt to better understand what kinematic variables are most closely related to increases in post-impact ball velocity above 50% of maximal effort. High-speed video was used to measure three-dimensional motion for 12 highly skilled tennis players who performed forehands at three different post-impact ball speeds: fast (42.7 +/- 3.8 m/s), medium (32.1 +/- 2.9 m/s), and slow (21.4 +/- 2.0 m/s). Several dominant-side peak joint angles (prior to ball impact) increased as post-impact ball speed increased from slow to fast: wrist extension (16%), trunk rotation (28%), hip flexion (38%), knee flexion (27%), and dorsiflexion (5%). Between the aforementioned peak joint angles and ball impact, dominant-side peak angular velocities increased as ball speed increased from slow to fast: peak wrist flexion (118%), elbow flexion (176%), trunk rotation (99%), hip extension (143%), knee extension (56%), and plantarflexion (87%). Most kinematic variables changed as forehand ball speed changed; however, some variables changed more than others, indicating that range of motion and angular velocity for some joints may be more closely related to post-impact ball speed than for other joints.     

Biomechanical characterization of the Junzuki karate punch: indexes of performance

The aims of this study were: (i) to determine kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic characteristics of Junzuki karate punch in professional karate athletes; (ii) to identify biomechanical parameters that correlate with punch force and lead to a higher punching performance; (iii) to verify the presence of muscle co-activation in the upper limb, trunk, and lower limb muscles. Data were collected from nine experienced karatekas from the Accademia Italiana Karate e Arti Marziali during the execution of the specific punch. Mean punch forces (181.2?N) delivered to the target, the range of motion of both right and left knees (1.13 and 0.82?rad) and right elbow (1.49?rad) joints, and the angles at impact (knee: 0.81 and 0.91?rad; elbow: 1.19?rad) in the sagittal plane were computed. Furthermore, the trunk rotational angular acceleration (63.1?rad^?s^?2), force related to the lower limbs (550.2 and 425.1?N), and co-activation index for the upper limb (36.1% and 34.7%), trunk (24.5% and 16%), and lower limbs (16.0% and 16.1%) muscles were evaluated bilaterally. Significant positive correlations were found between the punch force and both right and left knee flexion at the instant of impact and right and left leg force. Significant negative correlation was found between the punch force and maximum trunk angular acceleration. Significant differences (p?=?.03) in the co-activation index among the upper limb, trunk, and lower limbs muscles highlighted a rostro-caudal gradient on both body sides. This research could be of use to performers and coaches when considering training preparations.