Differences in Some Physical Fitness and Anthropometric Measures Between Greco-Roman and Freestyle Wrestlers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in physical fitness and anthropometric measures between Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestlers. Thirty three Iranian elite wrestlers (Freestyle, age: 24.54±3.43 years, N=13) and (Greco-Roman, age: 23.05±1.95 years, N=20) who were invited to the training camps participated in this study. The anthropometric traits included height, sitting height, arm-span, and the physical fitness traits included flexibility (sit-and-reach test), muscular endurance (pull-ups and bent-knee sit-ups), agility (4×9 m shuttle run), speed (40-yd sprint), and bilateral visual reaction time. Statistical comparison of the freestyle and GrecoRoman wrestlers groups was carried out using independent samples t test (P ≤ 0.05). The results indicated that in speed, reaction time, flexibility and pull-ups tests, Greco-Roman wrestlers were better than freestyle wrestlers, and in agility and bent-knee sit-ups tests the freestyle wrestlers were better than Greco-Roman wrestlers. However, these differences were not statistically significant. INTRODUCTIONGreco-Roman (GR) is an international discipline and an Olympic sport. In this style, it is forbidden to hold the opponent below the waist, to make trips, and to actively use the legs in the execution of any action. Recent rule changes in Greco-Roman increase opportunities for and place greater emphasis on explosive and high amplitude throws. Pinning ones opponent to the mat is one way of winning. Freestyle wrestling (FS) is an international discipline and Olympic sport, for both men and women. This style allows the use of the wrestler's, or his opponent's legs in offensive and defensive positions. Freestyle wrestling has its greatest origins in catch-as-catch-can wrestling and the prime victory condition in these styles involves the wrestler winning by throw and pinning his opponent on the mat (4).

Identification of success factors in elite wrestlers—An exploratory study

“…The main difference is that Greco-Roman wrestlers are forbidden from performing any holds below the waist, whereas in freestyle they are allowed to use their whole body during the fight [2]. A great body of studies dealing with differences in physical, physiological or psychological profiles between wrestling styles revealed that there are no significant differences between Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling [3][4][5]. A few studies, however, have found some differences between both wrestling styles.…”

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

“…Most investigations regarding wrestlers' RT have focused on performance (match result) of competitors Kroll, 1958;Mirzael et al, 2011), weight class (Rashid, Nejad, Khodayari, & Mohammadi, 2012;Singer & Weiss, 1968), the type of match (Gierczuk, 2008;Mirzael, Curby, Barbas, & Lofti, 2013), and physiological factors (Cankaya, 2012). MT, which is the other component of quick reaction, has not been analyzed as thoroughly, despite its correlation with performance being stronger than the correlation of RT with performance (Whitley & Montano, 1992).…”

Is arm length a sexually selected trait in humans? Evidence from mixed martial arts.

“…All else being equal, longer arms enable a person to strike an opponent, with fist or weapon, while being out of range of retaliation. It also makes grabbing an opponent easier, which may aid in grappling (discussed in Mirzaei, Curby, Barbas, & Lotfi, 2011, 2013), and keeping opponents at a greater distance can allow for better defense. Further, it produces greater momentum for weapon swings and punches thrown with a wide arc (known as “haymakers” in combat sports), because the further distance from the shoulder joint allows the person to increase velocity (though punching power also heavily involves bodily rotation and force generation of the legs, see Lenetsky, Harris, & Brughelli, 2013).…”