Background

Combat sports are becoming increasingly popular worldwide. The link between core muscle function and combat performance has been recognized for some time, and the trend of sports physiotherapy has further emphasized core muscle strengthening for optimal performance.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between core muscle activation quality and two critical parameters in combat sports: punch speed and punch strength.

Material and methods

Eighteen male athletes (ages 21–30 years, weight range 70–93 kg) who had been training and competing in combat sports for at least three years participated. We used a PIQ sensor to measure punch speed and strength (expressed in g’s). We assessed core stability via a Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) and standardized functional tests of the core muscles (based on Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, DNS).

Results

There were significant correlations between punch speed and both the PBU-based stabilizer test (p < 0.01) and the overall core stability tests (p < 0.001). Similarly, punch strength was moderately to highly correlated with several core stability measures (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The only significant correlation observed between demographic data and core stability tests was between age and the left-limb PBU test (r = 0.48, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

The quality of core stabilization is directly and positively related to both punch speed and punch strength in combat athletes. Since speed and strength of punches are among the most important success factors in competitive combat sports, targeted training to improve core stability may be beneficial for enhancing performance.