Can boxing liniment boost knee muscle power? A randomized controlled trial in Muay Thai athletes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v76.117976Keywords:
Ergogenic intervention, isokinetic dynamometry, peak torque, therapeutic intervention, torque–time characteristicsAbstract
Objective: To evaluate whether a sport liniment (Namman Muay; NM) acutely improves knee extensor performance versus mineral baby oil control in Muay Thai athletes using isokinetic dynamometry.
Design: An exploratory randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation was conducted involving twenty-four male Muay Thai fighters, who were divided into two groups.
Methods: In the experimental group (NM), a single 5 mL application was applied to the dominant quadriceps, followed by a 20-minute absorption period. The control group (BO) received mineral baby oil with the same procedure. Outcomes measured included relative peak torque (N·m/kg) at 60°/s and 180°/s, torque at 180 ms, total work, first-third work, and peak power (W/kg).
Results: ANCOVA favored NM at 60°/s for relative peak torque [F(1, 21) = 9.77, p = .005, ηp² = 0.318] and torque at 180 ms [F(1, 21) = 15.08, p = .001, ηp² = 0.418]. At 180°/s, effects favored NM for PKTQ [F(1, 21) = 4.82, p = 0.040] and torque at 180 ms [F(1, 21) = 5.29, p = .032]. Peak power at 60°/s also favored NM and is interpreted as exploratory, peak power [F(1, 21) = 7.15, p = .014, ηp² = 0.254]. Exploratory metrics suggested a trend toward higher early torque and early-phase work proportions with NM compared to BO, though differences were not statistically significant.
Conclusions: NM liniment acutely enhances knee extensor torque in Muay Thai athletes, including time-locked torque at 180 ms, with the largest and most consistent effects at 60°/s. Peak power at 60°/s improved but should be interpreted cautiously and considered exploratory. Findings are preliminary and warrant confirmation in adequately powered trials.
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