Comparative analysis of straight and hook punches in Sanda Wushu: a kinetic and kinematic study

Sanda, a dynamic combat sport rooted in Wushu, relies on diverse striking techniques for competitive success. This study aimed to compare two fundamental Sanda punches (i.e., the straight punch and the hook punch) through kinetic and kinematic analysis to evaluate their effectiveness in terms of force, speed, and execution dynamics. Nineteen elite Sanda athletes (i.e., 14 males and 5 females) from Tunisia's national team participated in the study. Kinematic data were captured using SkillSpector motion analysis software, while kinetic parameters were calculated through inverse dynamics. Linear and angular kinematics (i.e., displacement, velocity, acceleration, segment angles, and angular velocity) and kinetics (i.e., force, power, linear momentum, and inertia) were assessed. The results revealed significant differences between the punches. The straight punch demonstrated superior execution speed, while the hook punch generated greater force. Kinematically, the straight punch emphasized linear dynamics, whereas the hook punch utilized enhanced angular coordination. These findings highlight distinct biomechanical characteristics; the straight punch excels in rapid linear force transmission, while the hook punch maximizes rotational power. This provides valuable insights for optimizing Sanda training and performance.