The effect of hand dominance on martial arts strikes

► Dominant hand strikes are approximately 50% stronger than non-dominant strikes. ► Differences in effective mass are the main cause of peak force differences. ► Dominant and non-dominant hand strikes are equally accurate. ► Stepping towards the target augments peak force in 22%. ► Stepping towards the target enhances hand speed for dominant strikes. The main goal of this study was to compare dominant and non-dominant martial arts palm strikes under different circumstances that usually happen during martial arts and combative sports applications. Seven highly experienced (10±5years) right hand dominant Kung Fu practitioners performed strikes with both hands, stances with left or right lead legs, and with the possibility or not of stepping towards the target (moving stance). Peak force was greater for the dominant hand strikes (1593.76±703.45N vs. 1042.28±374.16N; p