Acute physiological, endocrine, biochemical and performance responses associated with amateur boxing: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Previous research has explored the demands of amateur boxing-specific activity; however, no holistic review of the acute responses to such activity currently exists. This paper aimed to provide a systematic review of the available literature on the acute physiological, endocrine, biochemical, and performance responses to amateur boxing-specific activity. Following a search of EBSCOhost, SPORTDiscus, PubMed and Google Scholar databases, 25 studies were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria for the review. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed via a modified Downs and Black checklist. Random-effects meta-analysis of standardised mean differences (SMD) revealed large (SMD = 4.62) increases in pre-post blood lactate (BLa), cortisol (SMD = 1.33), myoglobin (Mb) (SMD = 1.43), aspartate transaminase (AST) (SMD = 1.37), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (SMD = 0.97), in addition to moderate increases in creatine kinase (CK) (SMD = 0.65). Small pre–post increases in counter-movement jump (CMJ) height (SMD = 0.33) were observed. Consistently greater pre–post alterations were observed in competitive bouts, followed by sparring, and less so in boxing-specific simulations. Considerable physiological, endocrine, and biochemical responses are elicited following amateur boxing. Interestingly, neuromuscular and task-specific performance may not deteriorate following boxing-specific activity. The findings of the review may assist in the designing and periodising of boxing-specific training, dependent on the desired physical adaptations, training phase, and recovery status of the amateur boxer. Highlights Amateur boxing elicits a considerable acute physiological, hormonal, and biochemical response. Such responses are typically greater in competitive bouts, followed by sparring, and less so in simulated activity. The considerable demands of amateur boxing-specific activity do not appear to negatively affect neuromuscular or task-specific performance. Amateur boxers may be conditioned to preserve performance despite the acute demands of the sport, or the lack of performance decrement may reflect the short duration of amateur boxing.