RISKS AND BENEFITS OF BOXING TRAINING - A LITERATURE REVIEW

Damian Dolata; Hubert Kostka; Jeremy Spula; Aleksandra Maria Krzywoń; Adrian Zagórski; Jadwiga Kleinrok; Anna Bereta-Kostaś; Rafał Kuśmider; Małgorzata Leśnik; Patrycja Wierzbowska

doi:10.31435/ijitss.4(48).2025.4346

Authors

Damian Dolata Independent Public Healthcare Institution of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Kraków, Kraków, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9165-8212
Hubert Kostka 5 Military Clinical Hospital with Polyclinic SPZOZ, Kraków, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4419-5364
Jeremy Spula Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum, Kraków, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6455-7291
Aleksandra Maria Krzywoń Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum, Kraków, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2635-831X
Adrian Zagórski 5 Military Clinical Hospital with Polyclinic SPZOZ, Kraków, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5420-8101
Jadwiga Kleinrok University Hospital in Kraków, Kraków, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2132-9299
Anna Bereta-Kostaś University Hospital in Kraków, Kraków, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5664-3119
Rafał Kuśmider Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3580-3495
Małgorzata Leśnik Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4798-6302
Patrycja Wierzbowska Gabriel Narutowicz Municipal Specialist Hospital, Kraków, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5201-0512

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.4(48).2025.4346

Keywords:

Boxing Injuries, Martial Arts, Boxer's Knuckle, Boxer's Fracture, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, Boxing Health Benefits

Abstract

Introduction and purpose: Boxing, despite significant advancements in protective measures, remains a sport with a high risk of injury. Regular exposure of athletes to powerful blows, especially to the head, poses a serious health threat, both in the short and long term. This study aimed to analyze the most common injuries and complications associated with boxing and the potential benefits derived from training.

A brief description of the state of knowledge: The most frequent injuries in boxing affect the head and upper limbs. Neurological injuries, including concussions and their accumulation, can lead to chronic conditions such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Changes in brain activity observed in EEG confirm the impact of trauma on brain function. Injuries to the limbs mainly include fractures and overuse injuries of the hand and wrist joints. An additional threat is the spread of infectious diseases resulting from intense physical contact and weakened immunity. Despite the risks, boxing training promotes improvements in coordination, strength and stress reduction, so it is used in the therapy of mental health disorders.

Conclusions: Boxing carries a significant risk of injury; however, with appropriate protective measures and conscious training, it is possible to minimize its adverse effects. The sport can simultaneously bring substantial benefits to physical and mental health, provided that a rational approach to load and recovery is maintained.

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