2022, Volume 18
Strength profile in wrestlers – a systematic review
Mario Baić1, Nebojša Trajković2, Dušan Đorđević2, Mima Stanković2, Damir Pekas1
1Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
2Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
Author for correspondence: Nebojša Trajković; Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia; email: nele_trajce@yahoo.com
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Abstract
Background and Study Aim: Succes in wrestling depends on many different factors, but strength could be considered as the most important one. Different strength indicators are closely related to high-level wrestling performance. The aim of this review is to generalize the recommendations of the authors of works dedicated to the analysis of muscle strength in wrestlers, regardless of style (Greco-Roman and freestyle) and knowledge of the most commonly used tests to assess the various manifestations of this motor ability.
Materials and Methods: The search and the analysis of the studies were done in accordance to PRISMA guidelines. A literature search of 3 databases (Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct) was conducted. The identified studies had to meet the following criteria: year of publication (2010-2021), published in English, wrestlers as sample of participants, who do not suffer from acute and chronic injuries.
Results: A total of 24 papers were included to analyses, with a total of 1254 participants, both genders. Greco-Roman style participants were 530, while freestylers were 529. Hand grip strength conducted 18 studies, explosive power of legs 12 studies, basic motor tests 8 studies, 1RM squat and bench 4 studies, isokinetic strength conducted 4 studies and isometric strength only once. The most commonly used test to assess different types of strength in wrestlers are handgrip strength, isometric and isokinetic strength, 1RM bench and squat, explosive strength of legs tests and basic motor tests.
Conclusions: The authors cannot with certainty determine an optimal wrestlers profile, but this review can serve as an framework for eventual practical preparation for the demands of competition.
Key words: exercise, Greco-Roman, 1RM, freestyle, explosive power, motor tests, weight category