Cardiovascular response to punching tempo

Eighteen trained volunteers (12 men and 6 women: age = 22.0 [+ or -] 2.8 years, height = 170.79 [+ or -] 7.67 cm, weight = 71.54 [+ or -] 12.63 kg) participated in 2-minute, randomized fitness boxing trials, wearing 0.34-kg punching gloves, at various tempos (60, 72, 84, 96, 108, and 120 b*[min.sup.-1]). During each trial, oxygen uptake (V[O.sub.2]), heart rate (HR), and ventilation (VE) were measured continuously. A rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was attained at the conclusion of each trial. Subjects were able to attain V[O.sub.2] values ranging from 26.83 to 29.75 ml*[kg.sup.-1]*[min.sup.-1], which correspond to 67.7-72.5% of V[O.sub.2]max. The HR responses yielded results ranging from 167.4 to 182.2 b*[min.sup.-1] or 85 to 93% of HRmax. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was seen with V[O.sub.2] between trials, although a significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed with HR, VE, and RPE. It appears that boxing speed is associated with increased VE, HR response, and perceived effort but not with V[O.sub.2]. Energy expenditure values ranged from 9.8 to 11.2 kcal*[min.sup.-1] for the boxing trials. These results suggest that fitness boxing programs compare favorably with other exercise modalities in cardiovascular response and caloric expenditure. Key Words: kickboxing, cardio-boxing, injury, oxygen uptake, heart rate, martial arts