ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Physiol.
Sec. Exercise Physiology
Volume 16 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fphys.2025.1693271
Blood Flow Restriction Training Enhances Punching Force and Upper Body Strength in Elite Boxers: A Randomized Trial
Provisionally accepted- 1Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad, India
- 2Santosh University, Ghaziabad, India
- 3Amity University Noida, Noida, India
- 4Qatar University College of Nursing, Doha, Qatar
- 5PhysioCentric Clinic, Gulmohar Park, New Delhi (NCR), Delhi, India
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Introduction: Boxing demands explosive punching force, yet heavy resistance training risks joint stress and fatigue. Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) offers a low-load alternative that stimulates strength and power gains. This randomized controlled trial investigated BFRT’s effects on upper limb strength and punching force in elite amateur boxers, aiming to establish its value as a safe, performance-enhancing strategy. Methods: Thirty elite male amateur boxers (≥3 years of competitive experience) were randomized into an experimental group (BFRT) or a control group. Both groups completed identical upper-body resistance exercises thrice weekly for eight weeks, The control group trained at 50-60% 1RM (one repetition maximum), while the BFRT group trained at 20-30% 1 RM with 40–50% limb occlusion pressure using standardized 7 cm cuffs. Primary outcomes included 1RM, strength (elbow flexion, extension, bench press) and peak punch force (jab, cross, uppercut, hook) measured via a calibrated vertically-mounted force plate. Results: After 8 weeks, the BFRT group demonstrated significantly greater gains in dominant-arm strength, with 1RM elbow flexion increasing by +3.3 kg (p<0.001, d=3.20), elbow extension by +2.95 kg (p<0.001, d=2.84), bench press by +13.6 kg (p<0.001, d=1.81), and squat by +15.6 kg (p<0.001, d=2.05) compared with smaller improvements in controls. Peak Punch force improved markedly in the BFRT group: jab +895 N (p=0.001, d=1.52), uppercut +1142 N (p<0.001, d=3.02), hook +1157 N (p<0.001, d=2.55), and cross +1067 N (p<0.001, d=3.80). Repeated-measures ANOVA confirmed strong group × time interaction effects (η²=0.27–0.87). Conclusion: BFRT led to substantial improvements in upper limb strength and peak punching force in elite boxers using a low-load protocol. These findings suggest BFRT is a safe, effective training strategy that may enhance sport-specific power outputs while potentially reducing joint stress, making it a valuable addition to high-performance boxing programs.
Keywords: Blood flow restriction training, Punch force, Upper limb strength, combat sports, Boxing, Resistance Training
Received: 28 Aug 2025; Accepted: 06 Oct 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Awana, Rizvi, Sharma, Aldalaykeh, Zaidi, Makhija, Sami and Al-Kuwari. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Noof Al-Kuwari, noof.alkuwari@qu.edu.qa
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