Thesis Format
Alternative Format
Degree
Master of Science
Program
Surgery
Supervisor
Grewal, Ruby
2nd Supervisor
Faber, Kenneth
Co-Supervisor
3rd Supervisor
Langohr, Daniel
Co-Supervisor
Abstract
Upper extremity injuries are common in combat athletes, and are highest in the hand/wrist. Although protective hand gear is used, there is a paucity of research investigating its effectiveness. This study addressed this knowledge gap by measuring the level of force transmitted to the hand during striking using two types of hand wraps. This prospective cross over study included six combat athletes. A load cell was placed over the proximal phalanges/metacarpophalangeal joints and was used to measure sustained peak force during striking while covered with either standard linear or gel-reinforced hand wraps and boxing gloves. The gel reinforced wraps consistently had a lower level of force measured at the hand in all six athletes. This finding was more pronounced in athletes with higher experience levels. These results suggest that combat athletes should utilize modern hand wraps with gel reinforcement to absorb impact and provide improved hand protection.
Summary for Lay Audience
Combat sports are one of the most popular and universally trained athletic disciplines. Upper extremity injuries constitute the second most common site of injury in boxers, the third most common site of injury in mixed martial artists, and is highest in the hand and wrist. Proper striking technique directs force from a punch down the wrist and forearm, whereas poor technique can result in abnormal forces across the hand and wrist and can result in significant hand and wrist injury. Additionally, repetitive impact on the surface of the hand can also result in chronic injury. Taken together, this suggests that absorbing impact at the surface of the hand could prevent injury in combat athletes.
Although protective hand gear is often used in a variety of combat sport practices, there is little research investigating its ability to absorb force and protect the athlete’s hands. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by measuring the level of force that is transmitted to the hand and wrist during striking using two commonly used types of hand wrap protection.
This study included six combat athletes. A force sensor was placed over the fingers and was used to measure how much force was transmitted to the hand during striking while covered with either standard linear or gel-reinforced hand wraps and boxing gloves. The gel reinforced hand wraps consistently absorbed more force at the hands compared to the standard linear hand wraps. This finding was more pronounced in athletes with higher experience levels.
These results suggest that combat athletes should use modern hand wraps with gel reinforcement to absorb impact and provide improved hand protection.
Recommended Citation
Gusnowski, Eva M., "Determination of the Protective Capacity of Hand Wraps in Combat Athletes Using Force Analysis" (2022). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 8894.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/8894