Needs Analysis (P3) -Biomechanical Considerations of Muay Thai

WHAT IS NEEDS ANALYSIS

Before designing any training programme for the athlete, an understanding of unique characteristics of of Muay Thai Sport is required- Needs Analysis.

In NSCA’s Guide to Program Design (2012), the need analysis usually answers the questions of

1. what are the metabolic demands & physical level abilities required for performance?

2. What are the biomechanical demands of the sport?

3. What are the common injuries observed in the sport?

   
   

Today's article: PART 3 - Muay Thai Biomechanical Demands

By correctly understanding and applying Muay Thai biomechanical considerations in striking and kicking, athletes can generate the maximal force and accuracy towards the opponent, inflicting maximum damage.

1. Force Generation

This is further emphasized by studies on boxing, which show that elite level boxers predominately generate force from the leg musculature, whereas lower ranked boxers generate the majority of force from the trunk and arms (Filimonov et al., 1983; Smith et al., 2000).

2. Punching

Class 2 & 3 athletes (likely amateurs) in the table below involved more arm extension and trunk rotation in generating force while punching. In contrast, elite athletes perform the opposite.  A powerful punch should be generated  from the ground by involving the ankle to knee and lastly, extending the hip. With this "kinetic chain" engagement (including trunk, shoulder, and arm), the athlete can then apply the force to the opponent.

3. Kicking, Kneeing and Elbowing

Similarly, kicking, kneeing, and elbowing all utilize triple extension movements to generate impactful force. Therefore, the use of triple extension-based exercises must be emphasized so that it mimics the similar pattern within the kinetic chain. (Turner, 2009)

Table below shows that experienced athlete's kicking kinectic chain:-

Data source: Filimonov VI, et. al., (1983); Gavagan C.J. & Sayers M.G.L., (2017); Diniz. R., et. al, (2018 )

So, What's Next?

Muay Thai athletes seeking to maximize their striking power and accuracy must prioritize understanding and applying biomechanics. By mimicking the techniques of elite athletes who generate force through the kinetic chain (ankle, knee, hip, trunk, shoulder, arm), Muay Thai practitioners can significantly improve their ability to inflict damage while minimizing wasted energy. Further research on the specific biomechanical demands of Muay Thai strikes can further refine training programs and optimize performance for athletes of all levels.