Punching performance, physiological responses and lower-limb neuromuscular characteristics in boxing: A systematic review.

Introduction: Boxing is a high-intensity intermittent sport in which performance depends on the ability to produce effective punches and sustain their intensity during repeated efforts. Punching performance, physiological responses, and lower-limb neuromuscular characteristics are key factors in understanding boxing-specific performance; however, current evidence remains fragmented. Objective: To systematically analyse the literature on punching performance, physiological responses, and lower-limb neuromuscular characteristics in boxing, and to examine the relationships between these variables. Methods: The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was structured according to the PICOS model. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2010 and January 2026. After screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, 46 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Results: A high methodological heterogeneity was observed across study designs, samples, protocols, measurement tools, and outcomes. Punching performance was the most investigated domain, while physiological responses mainly included heart rate, oxygen uptake, blood lactate, and perceived exertion. Lower-limb neuromuscular characteristics were less explored, and no study directly assessed muscle– tendon stiffness. Conclusions: Current evidence remains fragmented and future studies should adopt integrated approaches to improve performance assessment and training prescription in boxing.