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 5 13), and others as elite (n 5 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.

An easy-to-apply series of field test for physical education teachers in an educational setting: ALPHA test battery

“…In a different study that used similar tests with adolescent handball players, the discriminant analysis predicted successful and less successful players with an overall accuracy of 73.6% (Palamas et al, 2015). Additionally, Özbay and Ulupınar (2020) found that laboratory tests performed with classical methods can accurately distinguish elite athletes from others with an overall accuracy of 65.4%. Another study showed that there is a 0.68 correlation (r 2 = 0.46) between musculoskeletal fitness and body composition and emphasized the importance of this finding (Nikolaidis, 2014).…”

“…The handgrip strength and standing broad jump tests have been used in scientific studies for more than 50 years as valid and reliable methods for measuring musculoskeletal fitness (Everett & Sills, 1952;Ince & Ulupinar, 2020;Kane & Meredith, 1952;Wind et al, 2010). These tests have also been used to determine isometric strength, or muscle strength, in many different sections of the population (including amateur-professional, male-female, children, youth and adults) to identify their strength-power profile (Fukuda et al, 2013;Özbay & Ulupınar, 2020;Peterson, Alvar, & Rhea, 2006;Wind et al, 2010). Similarly, according to previous studies, the 4 × 10-m shuttle run test is a reliable test for measuring motor fitness (Calatayud et al, 2017;Ortega et al, 2008).…”

Is training age predictive of physiological performance changes in developmental rugby league players? A prospective longitudinal study

“…33 Furthermore, greater improvements in upper body strength endurance tests have been observed in more skilled wrestlers. 34 Modern day RL training incorporates frequent grappling and wrestling training. However, potential relationships between either maximal or strength endurance and other forms of TA in RL players have not been explored.…”

Counter movement jump and sport specific frequency speed of kick test to discriminate between elite and sub-elite kickboxers

“…The structural coefficient was used to determine the variables that discriminate between elite and sub-elite. A structural coefficient above .30 was considered as relevant for the interpretation of the linear vectors (Özbay & Ulupınar, 2020).…”

“…Vertical jump tests have been used in sports requiring explosive strength for diverse goals, including evaluating the lower limb neuromuscular power (Liebermann & Katz, 2003), identifying Silva, Del Vecchio, Picanço, Takito, & Franchini, 2011). Combat sports athletes, therefore, are expected to have high levels of anaerobic capacity for all-out attacks during the fight, also need a high aerobic energy system to replenish high-energy phosphates to maintain the anaerobic power-requiring attacks (Özbay & Ulupınar, 2020;Podrigalo, Volodchenko, Rovnaya, & Stankiewicz, 2017). With various methods such as proper and planned training and regular nutrition, kickboxers are trying to increase their competition performance (Franchini, Cormack, & Takito, 2019;Reale, Slater, & Burke, 2017).…”