Physiological profile of elite Iranian junior freestyle wrestlers

Does the inspiratory muscle warm-up have an acute effect on wrestling recovery performance?

This study aims to investigate the acute effects of inspiratory muscle warm-up (IMW) in young wrestlers. Wrestling is a high-intensity sport that demands anaerobic metabolism, with rapid recovery and endurance playing crucial roles in subsequent performance. Inspiratory muscle warm-up specifically targets the inspiratory muscles, reducing fatigue during exercise and helping to sustain performance. Our study compares three different warm-up protocols (traditional wrestling warm-up, wrestling warm-up (WWIW) +  IMW, and wrestling warm-up +  placebo (WWPL)) to analyse changes in inspiratory muscle strength and select respiratory function parameters. The study was conducted with 14 male wrestlers aged 15-16. Participants were subjected to the three different warm-up protocols, followed by simulated wrestling bouts. Results showed that the WWIW protocol increased maximal inspiratory pressure by 17.3% compared to the traditional and placebo warm-ups. Additionally, the WWIW protocol delayed fatigue and improved recovery rates among the wrestlers. Specifically, WWIW enabled a faster return to normal heart rate post-competition, accelerating the recovery process. These findings suggest that WWIW can be effectively used in high-intensity sports like wrestling to enhance recovery between matches and improve overall performance. Further studies with larger sample sizes and in different sports are recommended to validate these results.

Post-training breakdown: acute effects of different training types on body hydration status and performance

Objective

Wrestling is a complex sport that requires a combination of strength, endurance, and wrestling-specific technical training. Endurance activities, such as running, are commonly performed for rapid weight reduction before competition. However, these activities can severely disrupt recovery and lead to significant declines in performance. This study aimed to examine the acute effects of endurance, strength, and wrestling training sessions on hydration status and performance parameters in young wrestlers, providing insights to guide more effective hydration and recovery strategies.

Method

A total of 14 experienced young wrestlers participated in a crossover design, completing endurance, strength, and wrestling training sessions on separate days. The hydration status was assessed through urine specific gravity (USG) before and after each session. The performance measures included hand grip strength, back and leg strength tests, anaerobic power (vertical and horizontal jumps), respiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory pressure, MIP), and reaction time assessments.

Results

The endurance training caused the most significant acute reductions in the hydration (USG increase: 0.016 ± 0.005 g/cm3, p < 0.05) and body mass (BM; -1.89 ± 0.4%, p < 0.05), along with immediate performance decrements in the back strength (-7.02 ± 1.2%, p < 0.001), right-hand grip strength (-8.79 ± 2.1%, p < 0.001), jump height (-7.26 ± 1.8%, p < 0.001), and MIP (-9.01 ± 2.3%, p < 0.001). The hydration levels in the endurance group did not fully recover by the next day (USG post-training vs. before the next day's training: p < 0.05). In contrast, the strength training improved the reaction time before the next day's session (+5.6 ± 1.3%, p < 0.05), while the attention remained unaffected across all training types.

Conclusion

Endurance training-commonly used for rapid weight loss-can acutely compromise hydration and reduce key performance measures, with recovery taking more time compared to strength or wrestling sessions. Given these findings, endurance sessions should be strategically scheduled before rest days or low-intensity technical training to minimize their negative effects on subsequent performance. Implementing enhanced hydration strategies during endurance-focused sessions may also help mitigate these acute impacts and optimize recovery and performance in young wrestlers.

Collegiate women's wrestling body fat percentage and minimum wrestling weight values: time for revisiting minimal body fat percent?

BACKGROUND

The estimation of body fat percentage (BF%) in wrestling is used to determine the minimum wrestling weight (MWW) and lowest allowable weight class (MWC) in which wrestlers are eligible to compete. A 12% minimum threshold is currently used for women wrestlers, yet a potential increase for safety has been discussed. Because of the novelty of collegiate women's wrestling, there is a paucity of literature available on the body composition norms of this population. The purpose of this study was to provide a descriptive summary of BF% and MWW values of female wrestlers and how MWW values would change with the use of different BF% thresholds.

METHODS

Data from the 2022-2023 collegiate season were retrospectively analyzed resulting in a sample of 1,683 collegiate women wrestlers from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA, n = 868) and the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA, n = 815). All wrestlers completed skinfold assessments for weight certification at the start of the competition season. The skinfold values were used to estimate BF% using the Slaughter skinfold prediction equation. Frequency statistics and descriptive analysis were performed to compute normative MWW and BF% profiles. BF% thresholds of 12% (12MWW) and the BF% value defined as the lowest 5th percentile, which would be considered unusually lean, were used to determine the resulting MWW and MWC for each method. The lowest recorded weight and weight class division throughout the season was also recorded for each wrestler.

RESULTS

There was a positively skewed (0.94) and platykurtic (1.86) distribution of MWW values. The median ± interquartile range BF% for all wrestlers was 27.4 ± 10.22%, with 17% BF representing the 5th percentile. Only 354 out of 1,579 (22.4%) wrestlers competed in their lowest allowable weight class, based on the 12MWW. Of these 354 wrestlers, the mean BF% was 21.3 ± 5.2% at weight certification with only n = 17 being at or below 12% body fat and an average weight loss of 11.1 ± 8.8 lbs. from the time of weight certification. Throughout the season, wrestlers competed at weights that were, on average (mean ± SD), 19.4 ± 16.9 lbs. higher than their 12MWW (95% CI: 18.6, 20.2 lbs. p < 0.001; effect size [ES] = 1.1), 13.4 ± 19.0 lbs. higher than the 17MWW (p < 0.001; ES = 0.70), and 8.7 ± 8.3 lbs. lower than their weight at the certification (95% CI: 8.3, 9.1 lbs. p < 0.001; ES = 1.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly all BF% values were well above the 12% threshold used to determine MWW. Increasing the minimum BF% threshold from 12% to 17% would affect a small percentage of wrestlers, likely reduce the need for excessive weight cutting, and minimize the deleterious health effects of an athlete at such a low BF%.

Study on the Polymorphic Loci of Explosive Strength-Related Genes in Elite Wrestlers

This investigation aimed to explore the relationship between Chinese elite wrestlers and the polymorphic loci of explosive strength genes, and to further explore the feasibility of its application to athlete selection. The snapshot technique was used to resolve the polymorphic loci of explosive power genes in the wrestler group (59 elite wrestlers) and the control group (180 ordinary college students), and to analyze the genotype frequencies and allele frequencies of each group. A chi-square test was performed on the genotype and allele distribution data of each group to analyze the loci of explosive power genes that were associated with elite wrestlers. The loci that had an association with elite wrestlers were combined with the genotyping data, and the dominance ratios of the genotypes were calculated using the chi-square test to determine the dominant genotypes associated with elite wrestlers. The VDR gene rs2228570 locus exhibited statistically significant differences in genotype and allele distributions between elite wrestlers and the general population (p < 0.01). At the rs2228570 locus of the VDR gene, the difference between the CC genotype and other genotypes was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The rs2228570 locus of the VDR gene was identified as the locus associated with Chinese elite wrestlers. The polymorphism of the VDR gene can be used as a biomarker for Chinese wrestlers, and the CC genotype can be used as a molecular marker for the selection of Chinese elite athletes in this sport. However, expanding the sample size of elite athletes is necessary to further validate the scientific validity and feasibility of these findings.

Evaluation of Nutrition and Performance Parameters in Division 1 Collegiate Athletes

BACKGROUND

Testing and evaluating athletes is necessary and should include performance, body composition, and nutrition. The purpose of this study was to report assessments of dietary intake, V˙O2max, and body composition in D1 collegiate athletes and examine relationships between these assessments.

METHODS

Dietary intake was assessed with 3-day recalls and compared to recommendations, and body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) (n = 48). V˙O2max was evaluated using a graded exercise test (GXT) with a verification bout (n = 35). Reliability between "true" V˙O2max and verification was determined. Correlations and regressions were performed.

RESULTS

Energy, carbohydrate, and micronutrient intake was lower than recommendations. Mean V˙O2max was 47.3 and 47.4 mL·kg-1·min-1 for GXT and verification, respectively. While correlations were apparent among dietary intake, V˙O2max, and body composition, percent fat-free mass (%FFM) predicted 36% of V˙O2max.

CONCLUSIONS

Collegiate athletes are not meeting energy and carbohydrate recommendations and exceed fat recommendations. Vitamin D and magnesium were low in all sports, and iron and calcium were low in females. V˙O2max ranged from 35.6 to 63.0 mL·kg-1·min-1, with females below average and males meeting typical values for their designated sport. Assessing D1 athletes can provide guidance for sports dietitians, coaches, and strength and conditioning specialists to track and monitor nutrition in athletes.

Strength-Power Tests are More Effective When Performed After Exhaustive Exercise in Discrimination Between Top-Elite and Elite Wrestlers

ABSTRACT

Özbay, S and Ulupinar, S. Strength-power tests are more effective when performed after exhaustive exercise in discrimination between top-elite and elite wrestlers. J Strength Cond Res 36(2): 448-454, 2022-This study aimed (a) to analyze strength-power variables in top-elite and elite wrestlers, (b) to identify which variables allow for discrimination between them, and (c) to investigate whether the results changed when the tests were performed after exhaustive exercise. Twenty-six male wrestlers who won medals at the national championship in junior or under-23 categories participated in this study. Athletes who also won medals at the European or World Championship were assessed as top-elite (n = 13), and others as elite (n = 13). Subjects performed the leg and arm Wingate anaerobic test (anaerobic power and capacity), maximum one repetition bench press and squat test (maximal dynamic strength), handgrip and leg strength test (isometric strength), vertical and horizontal jump test (muscle power), and pull-up and push-up (strength endurance) tests. The results showed that top-elite wrestlers produced a higher output in both lower-body and upper-body Wingate average power (relative) than the elite wrestlers when the tests were performed after full rest. However, top-elite wrestlers presented higher results (relative) in all tests, except vertical and horizontal jump tests, when the tests were performed after exhaustive exercise. Furthermore, in a discriminant function analysis, the groups were correctly classified at 65.4% when the tests were performed after full rest, whereas the groups were correctly classified at 92.3% when the tests were performed after exhaustive exercise. This study indicated that the strength-power tests performed after exhaustive exercise may be more effective in discriminating between top-elite and elite wrestlers.

Performance Differences Between Greco-Roman and Freestyle Wrestlers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT

Ulupınar, S, Özbay, S, Gençoğlu, C, and İnce, İ. Performance differences between Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestlers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2021-This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarize evidence on performance differences between Greco-Roman (GR) and freestyle (Fr) wrestlers. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria (91 individual data and a total of 752 wrestlers). The analysis of handgrip strength comprised 9 outcomes from 5 studies with no significant difference between GR and Fr wrestlers. The analysis of isometric (back or leg) strength comprised 15 outcomes from 6 studies with a significant effect favoring GR wrestlers. The analysis of muscle power comprised 15 outcomes from 5 studies with a significant effect favoring GR wrestlers. The analysis of strength endurance comprised 4 outcomes from 3 studies with no significant difference between GR and Fr wrestlers. The analysis of anaerobic capacity and power comprised 6 outcomes from 3 studies with no significant difference between GR and Fr wrestlers. The analysis of speed comprised 19 outcomes from 7 studies with a significant effect favoring GR wrestlers. The analysis of flexibility comprised 20 outcomes from 6 studies with a significant effect favoring Fr wrestlers. This study indicated that GR wrestlers had greater isometric strength, muscle power, and speed performance, but Fr wrestlers had greater flexibility. Given the significant effect sizes favoring GR wrestlers, it is possible that they focused on training strategies to improve physical strength-power performance. However, considering the significant effect size favoring Fr wrestlers, it is possible that they focused on training strategies to improve flexibility because Fr wrestling techniques require a larger range of motion during both attack and defense.

Assessment of anthropometric and body composition characteristics of elite Turkish wrestlers

Study aim: The aim of the study was to determine the anthropometric characteristics of elite Turkish wrestlers according to their weight categories.

Material and methods: In this study, 21 elite male wrestlers (age 22.9 ± 4.0) have been examined according to three weight categories: Light weight, middle weight, heavy weight. Height, weight, arm and calf girth, humerus and femur width, skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, calf, supraspinale) were measured. Arm anthropometry (upper arm muscle area, upper arm fat area, upper arm fat index), somatotype (Heath-Carter somatotype method), and body composition (bio-impedance analysis) were determined.

Results: In the light weight wrestlers, body fat was 9.95% and somatotype 2.15–6.68–1.62; in the middle weight wrestlers, body fat was 11.79% and somatotype 2.83–6.83–1.01; in the heavy weight wrestlers, body fat was 18.63% and somatotype 4.10–8.13–0.53 was determined. While the endomorphy component of the light weight wrestlers was significantly lower than the middle weight and heavy weight wrestlers (p < 0.017), the ectomorphy component was significantly higher than the heavy weight wrestlers (p < 0.05). Fat free mass differed significantly between the three weight categories (p < 0.017), while body fat was higher in heavy weight than both light weight and middle weight (p < 0.017). The weight showed a significant and positive relationship with all anthropometric and body composition values except AFI and ectomorphy (p < 0.05 with mesomorphy, p < 0.01 with others).

Conclusions: As a result of the study, it was determined that wrestlers have anthropometric characteristics specific to their weight categories. While the light weight wrestlers show a balanced mesomorph structure, the heavy weight wrestlers have adapted to the endomorphic mesomorph body type with the increase in fat and fat free mass.

Identification of success factors in elite wrestlers-An exploratory study

Identification of success factors in wrestling as well as establishing their hierarchy are crucial from a cognitive and practical standpoint. It may provide a lot of practical recommendations related to wrestling-specific training. The aim of this study was to identify and establish the hierarchy of success factors in wrestling regardless of a fighting style and weight class. This study included 168 elite male freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers. They were divided into two groups: athletes who won medals (successful wrestlers) in high-rank competitions (Polish Championships or higher) and those who did not win any medals (less successful wrestlers) in those competitions. The following elements were assessed: anthropological measurements, body composition, dynamic strength, strength endurance, agility, special endurance, wrestling-specific fitness, response time, technical wrestling skills and anaerobic capacity. For initial data analysis, one-way ANOVA (α = 0.005) was used. Random Forests classifier was employed to identify success factors and to determine the importance of each of these factors in terms of sports performance. Seven key success factors were identified: anaerobic power, strength endurance, response time, special endurance, wrestling-specific fitness and technical wrestling skills performed in a horizontal position. Random Forests turned out to be an effective method of modelling success in wrestling (compared to SVM and KNN, which were also used in the study). These findings suggest that wrestling-specific training can be effectively monitored by controlling several vital indicators of athletes’ preparedness: anaerobic power, strength endurance, response time, special endurance, wrestling-specific fitness and technical wrestling skills (the performance of reverse waistlock from a standing position and trunk grip gut wrench assessed by experts).

Differences in Trunk Strength Between Weightlifters and Wrestlers

Investigations of trunk strength with high-level athletes are limited. The purpose of this study was to compare maximal concentric isokinetic trunk extension and flexion torque, power, and strength ratios between high-level weightlifters (n = 20), wrestlers (n = 20) and a control (n = 25) population. Isokinetic dynamometry was used to evaluate peak torque, power and strength ratios during seated trunk extension/flexion actions at 60°/s and 180°/s. There were no significant anthropometric differences between groups. Overall, trunk isokinetic force variables as a function of the increase in angular velocity, showed a decrease in peak torque, but an increase in power (athletes and controls). Compared to the control group, athletes demonstrated significantly higher trunk extension torque (+67.05 N·m, ES = 0.81) and power (+49.28 N·m, ES = 0.82) at 60°/s and 180°/s, respectively. Athletes produced significantly greater trunk flexion-extension ratios at 60°/s and 180°/s (ES = 0.80-0.47) than controls. Weightlifters and wrestlers exhibited significantly higher extensor than flexor torque at all angular velocities. Weightlifters demonstrated greater torque (ES = 0.79) than wrestlers at 60°/s. The wrestlers’ average power was significantly higher (ES = 0.43) than weightlifters at 180°/s. There were no significant ratio differences between wrestlers (66.23%) and weightlifters (72.06%). Weightlifters had stronger extensor muscles at 60°/s, whereas wrestlers had higher power at 180°/s for extensor muscles. It was postulated that the extensor muscles were stronger than the flexors to ensure trunk stabilisation, and for prevention of injuries. These differences seem to be associated to the movements that occur in each sport in terms of both muscle actions and contractile forces.

Physical Fitness and Anthropometric Measures of Young Brazilian Judo and Wrestling Athletes and Its Relations to Cardiorespiratory Fitness

This study aimed to compare the anthropometric profile and physical fitness of young judo and wrestling athletes. Twenty-four young athletes (judo (n = 13) and wrestling (n = 11)) participated in this study. The first visit involved anthropometric and flexibility evaluation, abdominal endurance test, upper limbs resistance and cardiorespiratory test. After 48 h, horizontal jump test (HJT), vertical jump test (VJT), medicine ball throw test (MBT), chin-up test (CUT), chin-up isometric test (CUIT) and the anaerobic resistance test were performed. Judo athletes presented greater values for body mass (p = 0.020), height (p = 0.010), and body mass index (p = 0.026) than wrestlers. Judo athletes also performed better for abdominal endurance (p = 0.044), upper limb resistance tests (p < 0.001), VJT (p = 0.022) and MBT (p = 0.023) than wrestling athletes. These results suggest that young judo athletes presented a higher performance in abdominal endurance, upper limbs resistance, HJT, VJT and MBT than wrestling athletes, suggesting that strength and conditioning are related to modality specificity.

Physical and Physiological Profiles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes: a Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a grappling combat sport that has intermittency as its core element; in other words, actions of high, moderate and low intensity are interspersed during matches, requiring a high level of conditioning to support optimal levels of performance for the total match time. The athletes perform from four to six matches during a day of competition, and this number may increase if the open-class competition, which is held parallel to the competition by weight class, is considered. This systematic review examined the physical and physiological profiles of Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes.

METHODS

Only scientific researches dealing with the major fitness components of Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes (i.e. body composition and somatotype, aerobic and anaerobic profiles, muscular strength and power) and using accepted methods that provided relevant practical applications for a Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete's fitness training and/or performance were included in the current review. A computer literature search was carried out of the PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, SportDiscus and Scopus databases (up to January 2016).

RESULTS

The database research generated 205 articles. After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 58 studies were included for the present systematic review. A total of 1496 subjects were involved in all the selected investigations.

CONCLUSIONS

Body fat is generally low for these athletes and the mesomorphic component is predominant. The different studies showed VO2max values between 42 and 52 mL/kg/min, and it seems that aerobic fitness does not discriminate among Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes of different competitive levels. There is a lack of scientific studies that have investigated anaerobic responses both in lower and upper limbs. Maximal dynamic, isometric and endurance strength can be associated with sporting success in Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes. Although decisive actions during Brazilian jiu-jitsu matches are mainly dependent on muscular power, more specific studies are necessary to describe it. Studies involving the female sex should be conducted. In addition, further research is needed to analyse whether there are differences between sex, belt ranks and competitive level, and among the different weight categories for different variables.

KINANTHROPOMETRIC ATTRIBUTES OF ELITE MALE JUDO, KARATE AND TAEKWONDO ATHLETES

ABSTRACT Introduction: It is well known that the body composition of an athlete plays a critical role in sports performance. However, although many studies exist concerning the kinanthropometric attributes of mainstream sports, few studies are forthcoming on individual martial arts disciplines, especially in elite athletes. Objective: This study aimed at establishing the kinanthropometric attributes of Judo, Karate, and Taekwondo athletes. Methods: Thirty-eight elite male Judo (n=42, mean age: 21.7±2.9 years), Taekwondo (n=46, mean age: 21.1±2.6 years) and Karate (n=50, mean age: 21.3±3.0 years) athletes were chosen randomly. The study determined and compared stature, body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), lean body mass (LBM), body surface area (BSA), sum of skinfolds (∑SK3), percentage body fat (%BF), and somatotype. Results: The findings of the present study demonstrate that although within normal levels, the sampled Judo athletes have significantly (p<0.05) higher FM, ∑SK3 (particularly at the triceps and subscapular skinfold sites), %BF and lower percentage LBM that either the Taekwondo and Karate athletes. In addition, the sampled Judo athletes displayed a more significant (p<0.05) endomorphic somatotype when compared to the Taekwondo and Karate athletes. Conclusions: These findings are essential in determining the optimal kinanthropometric attributes of elite male Judo, Karate, and Taekwondo athletes and may assist in the context of talent identification.

Physical and Physiological Attributes of Wrestlers: An Update

Chaabene, H, Negra, Y, Bouguezzi, R, Mkaouer, B, Franchini, E, Julio, U, and Hachana, Y. Physical and physiological profile of wrestler athletes: a short review. J Strength Cond Res 31(5): 1411-1442, 2017-Wrestling is one of the oldest combat sports, disputed since the ancient Greek Olympic Games. This combat sport discipline has caught the attention of scientists since 1943 which is the date that matches the appearance of the first scientific research dealing with wrestling. The current short review aimed to summarize and critically analyze the scientific literature related to wrestling's physical and physiological attributes and to provide practical recommendations for testing/training together with new perspective and areas of future scientific research. Regardless of sex and wrestling styles, an optimal level of cardiorespiratory fitness is important to help sustaining effort throughout the duration of the match and to stimulate the recovery process between periods. With regard to the anaerobic power and capacity, the available studies were in agreement about their critical importance toward reaching high-level wrestling success since these variables have discriminated well between successful and less-successful wrestlers regardless of age, weight classes, and wrestling styles. Physical fitness parameters such as maximal dynamic strength, isometric strength, explosive strength, and strength endurance are closely related to high-level wrestling performance. However, flexibility level seems not to be one of the key fitness variables that help to reach high-level wrestling success. Overall, to achieve high-level wrestling performance, training should be directed to develop anaerobic power and capacity, aerobic power, maximal dynamic and isometric strength, explosive strength, and strength endurance.

Comparison of Physical and Physiological Profiles in Elite and Amateur Young Wrestlers

The aim of this study is to examine the physical and physiological determinants of wrestling success between elite and amateur male wrestlers. The wrestlers (N = 126) were first assigned to 3 groups based on their competitive level (top elite, elite, and amateur) and then to 6 groups according to their body mass (light, middle, and heavy weight) and their competitive level (elite and amateur). Top elite and elite wrestlers had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) more training experiences and maximal oxygen uptake compared with the amateur group. In separating weight classes, light- and middle-weight elite (MWE) wrestlers had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) more training experience (7-20%) compared with the light- and middle-weight amateur (MWA) wrestlers. No significant differences were detected between elite and amateur groups (light-, middle-, and heavy-weight wrestlers) for age, body mass, height, body mass index, and body fat (p > 0.05), with the exception of height for heavy wrestlers. Leg average and peak power values (in watts and watts per kilogram) in MWE were higher than MWA (6.5 and 13%, p ≤ 0.05). Relative leg average power value in heavy-weight elite (HWE) (in watts per kilogram) was higher than heavy-weight amateur (HWA) (9.6%, p ≤ 0.05). It was seen that elite wrestlers in MWE and HWE statistically possessed a higher V̇O2max (12.5 and 11.4%, respectively) than amateur middle- and heavy-weight wrestlers (p ≤ 0.05). The results of this study suggest that training experience, aerobic endurance, and anaerobic power and capacity will give a clear advantage for the wrestlers to take part in the elite group.

Anthropometric characteristics and physical performance of colombian elite male wrestlers

Background:

Wrestling was an important part of the ancient Olympic Games and is still one of the most popular events of the modern Olympic Games. Studies indicate that general physiologic profile of successful wrestlers is high anaerobic power and capacity, muscular strength, above average aerobic power, exceptional flexibility, fat free mass, and a mesomorphic somatotype.

Objectives:

The objective of the present study was to evaluate anthropometric characteristics and physical performance of elite male wrestlers.

Patients and Methods:

The Colombian Wrestling Team was evaluated while in preparation for the Olympic Games (n = 21; age, 27.9 ± 6.7 years). Athletes were tested on anthropometric and fitness parameters: body composition, somatotype distribution according to Heath-Carter, aerobic capacity, vertical jump, and anaerobic power.

Results:

The evaluations showed a mean body fat percentage of 13.6% ± 3.0% (95% CI, 12.2%-15%), muscle mass of 46.4% ± 2.2% (95% CI, 45.4%-47.4%), Ponderal index of 41.0 ± 1.8 (95% CI, 40.2-41.8), body adiposity index (BAI) 25.1 ± 3.6 (95% CI, 23.5-26.8), and somatotype distribution mesomorphic-ectomorph (5.3-1.6-3.8). Mean aerobic capacity was 45.9 ± 6.6 mL/kg/min (95% CI, 42.8-48.9), vertical jump was 36.4 ± 6.6 cm (95% CI, 11.8-16.6), and anaerobic power was 92.6 ± 19.5 kg/s (95% CI, 83.7-101.5).

Conclusions:

These results provided a profile of elite wrestlers that could be used as training targets for developing athletes. The results may also provide information for training and tactical planning.

Physical Fitness Differences between Freestyle and Greco-Roman Junior Wrestlers

The aim of the present study was to examine physical fitness differences between Freestyle and Greco-Roman junior wrestlers. One hundred twenty-six junior wrestlers, comprising 70 Freestyle and 56 Greco-Roman wrestlers, participated in this study. The somatic and physical fitness profile included body mass, body height, body mass index, body composition, flexibility, maximal anaerobic power of the legs and arms, aerobic endurance, hand grip strength, leg and back strength, and speed. No significant differences were found in the anthropometric and physical features between Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers. The Greco-Roman wrestlers had a significantly higher level of relative leg power, peak arm power, relative peak arm power, and relative average arm power than Freestyle wrestlers (p < 0.05). Greco-Roman wrestlers were significantly faster, had better agility, and had a greater level of leg strength than Freestyle wrestlers, but Freestyle wrestlers were more flexible than Greco-Roman wrestlers (p < 0.05). Discriminant function analysis indicated that peak arm power, agility, speed, and flexibility were selective factors for the differences between Freestyle and Greco–Roman wrestlers. In conclusion, the present study indicates that the differences between these wrestling styles promote physical fitness differences in elite wrestlers. The results reflect specific features of each wrestling style.

A Comparison of the Foot and Ankle Condition between Elite Athletes and Non-athletes

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the foot and ankle condition between elite athletes and non-athletes. [Subjects] The elite athletes group included 85 subjects (28 males and 57 females) and the non-athletes group included 85 subjects (38 males and 47 females). [Methods] All subjects were evaluated for pain (visual analogue scale, VAS) and foot and ankle condition (The Foot and Ankle Disability Index, FADI, and The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, FAOS). [Results] The elite athlete group showed significant differences from the non-athletes group in VAS, FADI (FADI, FADI-Sports), and FAOS (FAOS-symptoms, FAOS-pain, FAOS-ADL, FAOS-sports, FAOS-QoL). In addition, a meaningful difference in VAS, FADI-Sports, and FAOS-symptoms was observed between gymnasts and wrestlers. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest the necessity prevention of injury to the foot and ankle of elite athletes, and for the development of exercise for the rehabilitation of foot and ankle injuries, because there is a difference in foot and ankle condition between elite athletes and non-athletes.

Salivary hormonal responses and performance changes during 15 weeks of mixed aerobic and weight training in elite junior wrestlers

To prepare efficiently for competition, wrestlers usually train physically for a period of approximately 12-20 weeks. Numerous physical qualities must be developed during this period of preparation: aerobic fitness, maximal strength, muscular endurance, power, and speed. However, numerous studies have concluded that it is difficult to concurrently develop strength and aerobic fitness for several reasons, in particular antagonistic endocrine variations. The study involved 15 elite junior wrestlers who trained at a sports training school for 15 weeks. To investigate the effects of long-term training and to assess the relationships between hormonal concentrations (salivary testosterone [T] and cortisol [C]) and performance changes during simultaneous strength and aerobic fitness training, 6 saliva samples and 3 physical tests and 2 measures of body composition were made during the training period. Wrestlers had a significant increase (+1.5 kg) in body weight without changes in percentage body fat. Apart from the 20-m maximal shuttle speed, all performances increased significantly during the 15 weeks of training: maximum mechanical power output (Pmax: +12.8%), mean power during 30 seconds (Pmean: +10.8%), bench press (+5.7%), squat (+23.1%), power clean (+6.1%), time to 3,000- and 30-m sprints (-3.6, -1.3% respectively). During the period that the C increased, there was no significant variation for the T. The T/C ratio followed a variation pattern contrary to that of the C. We found strong correlations between salivary T, C, and T/C and the variation in explosive strength. Our results suggest that data about subjects' salivary C, T, and T/C may be employed to optimize the training process for sports people who need to develop strength and aerobic fitness simultaneously.

Teste de força/resistência de membros superiores: análise metodológica e dados normativos

INTRODUÇÃO: A força e a resistência muscular são componentes da aptidão física importantes para a saúde e alto rendimento. Os testes de flexão de braços, puxada em suspensão na barra e puxada em suspensão na barra modificada, utilizam o próprio peso corporal e avaliam as capacidades motoras relacionadas à aptidão física, saúde e ao desempenho atlético, no sentido de mensurar a força e resistência muscular dos membros superiores em ambos os sexos e ampla faixa etária. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi buscar na literatura os aspectos metodológicos relacionados à validade, fidedignidade, objetividade e procedimentos específicos utilizados nos testes: flexão de braços, puxada suspensão na barra e puxada em suspensão na barra modificada, fazendo, dessa forma, um levantamento dos indicadores de rendimento desses testes em atletas de alto nível de diferentes modalidades. CONCLUSÃO: Os testes de flexão de braços, puxada em suspensão na barra e puxada em suspensão na barra modificada são eficientes, confiáveis, de fácil aplicação e são ferramentas que empregam baixo custo, além de requererem pouco treinamento do avaliador. Entretanto, devemos chamar a atenção quanto à padronização e as recomendações metodológicas para suas aplicações, para que possam ser utilizados com segurança na reabilitação e no desempenho atlético.

Physical fitness factors to predict male Olympic wrestling performance

To determine differences in maximal strength and muscle power output of the arm and leg extensor muscles, peak and mean power during a modified standing crank-arm Wingate test, running speed, muscle extensibility, and anthropometric markers between elite and amateurs wrestlers according to the weight classes system; 92 male wrestlers were assigned into 6 groups according to their body mass (light, middle and heavy weight) and their competitive level (elite and amateur): Light Weight (body mass ranged between 55 and 68 kg) in elite (LW(E), n = 18) and amateur (LW(A), n = 15) level; Middle Weight (body mass ranged between 68 and 84 kg) in elite (MW(E), n = 18) and amateur (MW(A), n = 19) level; and Heavy Weight (body mass ranged between 84 and 100 kg) in elite (HW(E), n = 10) and amateur (HW(A), n = 12) level. Elite wrestlers were older (8-12%), had more training experience (25-37%), fat-free mass (3-5%), maximal strength in absolute and relative terms (8-25%), muscle power (14-30%), mean and peak power during crank-arm Wingate testing in absolute and relative terms (13-22%), jumping height (8-17%) as well as grip (6-19%) and back strength (7-20%) compared to amateur wrestlers. However, no differences were observed between elite and amateur groups in height, body mass index, percentage of body fat, hamstring extensibility and running speed. The present results suggest that the higher absolute and relative values of maximal strength, muscle power, and anaerobic metabolism, explained in part by the differences in lean mass and neural activation patterns, will give elite wrestlers a clear advantage during the most frequently used techniques in Olympic wrestling.