Physical Fitness Differences between Freestyle and Greco-Roman Junior Wrestlers

Effects of the wrestling + injury prevention program in freestyle wrestlers: a two-arm randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

To assess the effectiveness of the Wrestling + injury prevention program on incidence of injuries, neuromuscular mechanisms and dynamic balance of freestyle (FS) wrestler.

METHODS

The participants of this study consisted of FS wrestling players in Qom province (Iran). A total of 80 participants were assigned to this study and using simple and random method with computer divided into experimental (EXP, n = 40) and control (CON, n = 40) groups. The groups were blinded against each other. The follow-up period was one season (6 months). EXP replaced their warm-up by Wrestling + program. CON performed a standard warm-up program. The primary outcome was the injury incidence density (injuries per 1000 h of wrestling exposure), compared between groups by incidence rate ratios (RR). Also, the secondary outcome was neuromuscular mechanisms and dynamic balance.

RESULTS

The per-protocol analysis showed a reduction of the overall injury incidence density in the EXP group by 58% compared to the CON group. Additionally, within-group analyses revealed significant improvements in neuromuscular mechanisms and dynamic balance for both the EXP and CON groups following 24 weeks of warm-up programs (p < 0.05). Furthermore, between-group comparisons indicated significant differences favoring the EXP group relative to the CON group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The Wrestling + program is effective in reducing injuries among FS wrestlers with overall injuries reduced by 58%. Moreover, the results indicate that the Wrestling + program is more effective than traditional warm-up routines in improving neuromuscular mechanisms and dynamic balance among FS wrestlers. Therefore, it is recommended that coaches use a Wrestling + program to reduce the incidence of injury in FS wrestlers.

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.

Energy pathway contributions during 60-second upper-body Wingate test in Greco-Roman wrestlers: intermittent versus single forms

This study aimed to investigate the energy pathway contributions and physiological and performance responses between a 10 × 6-second intermittent sprint test (IST) and a 60-second single maximal test (SMT). Seventeen highly trained male Greco-Roman wrestlers participated in this study. Participants completed the 60-second upper-body Wingate tests, both intermittent and single forms. The contributions of the oxidative, glycolytic, and ATP-PCr pathways were estimated using mathematical methods based on lactate values and oxygen consumption kinetics of rest, exercise, and recovery phases. The main findings indicated that total energy expenditure (TEE) and the contribution of oxidative, glycolytic, and ATP-PCr pathways were 514 kJ, 45%, 11%, and 44% for IST (overall: sprints + rest intervals); 333 kJ, 14%, 17%, and 69% for IST (sprints only); and 159 kJ, 31%, 38%, and 31% for SMT, respectively. TEE and ATP-PCR pathway contributions were higher in the IST (both overall and sprint only), whereas glycolytic pathway contribution and delta lactate were higher in the SMT. Absolute oxidative contribution was similar, but relative oxidative contribution was higher in the SMT. Additionally, mean power was higher in the IST than SMT, whereas peak power, peak and mean heart rate, and ratings of perceived exertion were similar.

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).

The effect of a 4-week core strengthening program on determinants of wrestling performance in junior Greco-Roman wrestlers: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Core-strength is vital for Greco-Roman wrestling, although studies have yet to establish the effectives of core-specific training in this sport.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of core-specific strength training on determinants of Greco-Roman wrestling performance in elite junior athletes.

METHODS

Twenty state-level, junior, Greco-Roman wrestlers were randomized into a core-specific training group (COR; n= 12) and a control group (CON; n= 8). The COR group undertook a 4-week, core-specific training program concurrently with their typical training program, whilst the CON group completed 4 weeks of typical training only. Both groups completed overhead medicine ball throw (OMBT), Suplexes, bridges and medicine ball chest throw (MBCT) prior to and following the intervention.

RESULTS

The COR group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in bridges (p= 0.037; F= 5.046) and OMBT (p< 0.001; F= 26.43) than the CON group, with moderate to large between-group effect sizes (ES = 0.79-2.35). In addition, the effect size calculations were moderate-to-large (0.79-0.87) for Suplex and MBCT, with measures for the COR group greater than the CON group.

CONCLUSION

Accordingly, core-specific training programs should be combined with wrestling-specific conditioning programs to improve back and hip extensor performance in junior Greco-Roman wrestlers.

Response Time and Effectiveness in Elite Greco-Roman Wrestlers Under Simulated Fight Conditions

Gierczuk, D, Bujak, Z, Cieśliński, I, Lyakh, V, and Sadowski, J. Response time and effectiveness in elite Greco-Roman wrestlers under simulated fight conditions. J Strength Cond Res 32(12): 3442-3449, 2018-The purpose of the study was to determine changes in response time and its correlations with tactical and technical actions performed by Greco-Roman wrestlers in a fight. Twenty wrestlers aged 19-25 (21.4 (Equation is included in full-text article.)1.8) years were divided into 2 groups, i.e., finalists of Polish Senior Championships (winners of 1st and 2nd places) and wrestlers who won 3rd-6th places in those competitions. The subjects from 1 group were individually paired with the wrestlers from the other group according to the same weight class. Response time before a fight and during the intervals between the 3 rounds was assessed. Batak Lite (test IV) was used in the study. The Polar M400 watch was used to register heart rate. Response time changed during a fight. The finalists showed significantly quicker reaction and performed a higher number of technical and tactical actions. The differences grew in the course of a fight, and the largest ones were observed during the third round. The strongest correlations were noted between response time and the number of technical and tactical actions performed during the third round (r = 0.77, p < 0.001). Response time is a significant determinant of wrestlers' results, which can be observed at submaximal intensity of the effort (176-195 b·min) during a fight.

Assessing performance in pre-season wrestling athletes using biomarkers

Introduction

Although regular training introduces the desired changes in athletes' metabolism towards optimal final performance, literature is rarely focusing on the metabolic responses off-competition. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate biochemical indices during typical preseason training in wrestling athletes.

Materials and methods

Twenty male freestyle and Greco-roman wrestlers (14 to 31 years) followed a typical session of the preparatory phase. Capillary blood glucose and lactate concentrations were assessed immediately before and after training. Protein, microalbumin, creatinine and their ratio were estimated the next day in the first morning urine.

Results

Pre-training lactate concentrations were lower in Greco-roman than in freestyle wrestlers (1.8 (1.4 - 2.1) vs. 2.9 (2.1 - 3.1) mmol/L). Exertion resulted in a significant increase in lactate concentrations, by 3.2 (2.6 - 4.1) mmol/L in Greco-roman wrestlers and 4.5 (3.4 - 5.3) mmol/L in freestylers. These changes were found to correlate with athlete's sport experience (r_s = 0.71, P < 0.001). Glucose concentrations were also significantly increased by 0.5 (0.1 - 0.8) mmol/L, in correlation with lactate change (r_s = 0.49, P = 0.003). Twelve subjects exhibited urine albumin concentrations at 30 mg/L, and thirteen creatinine concentrations around 17.7 mmol/L. The corresponding ratio was found abnormal in 4 cases, especially when creatinine excretion and body fat were low.

Conclusions

Wrestling training is associated with mobilization of both lactic and alactic anaerobic energy systems. The regular comprehensive monitoring of biochemical markers would be advantageous in determining the efficiency of the preparatory phase and the long-term physiological adaptations towards the competition phase, or athlete's overtraining.

lnjuries in wrestling: systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To identify all studies of injuries in wrestling, assess risk of bias and compute weighted average injury rates.

METHODS

17 online databases and nine grey literature resources were searched with no language/date limitations. Abstracts were assessed for inclusion and data abstracted independently by two reviewers.

RESULTS

Eleven studies of competitions, 27 databases, four surveys (699 wrestlers) and seventeen case reports (604 cases) were included. Studies provided varying completeness of data. Weighted average injury rates of 16.3/1000AE (AE = Athletic encounter) could be computed for 8/11 studies of competitions and 69.5/1000AE for 5/27 databases. Eleven of the databases focused on specific injuries. Weighted average injury rates by location for 8/11 competition studies and 7/16 databases were similar for the upper extremities (competitions 26%, databases 24%) and torso (15%, 12%), but dissimilar for head/neck (31%, 20%) and lower extremities (24%, 39%). Weighted average injury rates by injury type varied from 6/11 to 2/11 competition studies and 6/16 to 3/16 database studies. Percentages were similar for fractures (6%, 7%), dislocations/subluxations (6%, 6%), ligament tears/cartilage injuries (12%, 17%) and concussions/1000AE (2 competition studies, 1 database) in competitions (25%, 27%) and training (5.7%, 7.1%). Percentages were dissimilar for lacerations/abrasions/contusions (23%, 4%) and sprains/strains (38%, 26%). The differences may be due to the small number of databases providing specific data and the unknown proportion of training injuries. Databases extrapolating injuries to the national US level reported high annual numbers.

CONCLUSIONS

Average injury rates weighted by sample size are 16.3/1000AE for 8/11 competition studies and 69.5/1000AE for 5/27 databases. Competition data are likely to be accurate because they were observed by physicians, trainers and referees and the completeness and accuracy of database studies vary. Databases which extrapolated data to provide annual national rates estimated large numbers. Few studies provided data about the situations in which injuries occur and the causes of injuries.

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.

Speed of Reaction and Fighting Effectiveness in Elite Greco-Roman Wrestlers

The purpose of the study was to determine the changes in simple reaction time and to define correlations between simple reaction time and technical and tactical actions performed by elite Greco-Roman wrestlers during a match. Twenty Greco-Roman wrestlers (M age = 19.5 years, SD = 1.8) from the Wrestling Sports Centre in Radom participated in the study. Simple reaction time (including reaction time and movement time) before a match and after the first, the second, and the third round was analyzed. The wrestlers' reaction time and movement time changed in the course of performance. Wrestlers with higher sports achievements demonstrated a smaller decrement in simple reaction time and performed more technical and tactical actions during a match. The strongest correlations were observed between both reaction time and movement time and the number of technical and tactical actions performed during the last round. Quick reaction was a significant factor in determining the match outcome, which is revealed at submaximal intensity of the effort during a match.