Wearable Sensor-Based Analysis of Punch Acceleration and Plantar Pressure Distribution in Boxing

Punch velocity is a key performance indicator in boxing and reflects effective coordination along the kinetic chain. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between punch acceleration and plantar pressure distribution using wearable sensing technologies. Twenty-four collegiate boxers (12 professional-level and 12 amateur-level athletes) performed jab and cross punches under controlled conditions. Punch acceleration was measured using a glove-mounted inertial measurement unit (IMU), while plantar pressure distribution was recorded using pressure-sensing insoles. Professional boxers demonstrated significantly higher punch acceleration (22–31%, p < 0.05) and greater forefoot plantar pressure (18–27%, p < 0.05) compared to amateur athletes. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between forefoot pressure and punch acceleration (r = 0.62–0.71, p < 0.01), indicating that increased lower-limb force contributes to higher upper-limb striking performance. These findings demonstrate that combined wearable sensing provides a practical approach for quantifying punching biomechanics and identifying level-dependent kinetic-chain characteristics in boxing.