The aim of this study was to compare the injured body regions that elite
Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers suffered from and to determine the
importance of injuries. 41 Freestyle and 51 Greco-Roman wrestlers, who were
practicing in Turkish National Wrestling Team camps, participated in this study.
‘Chi Square’ and student t tests were used in statistical
analyses. When examined injury status and body regions distribution between
Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers, significant difference was found in head
and trunk injuries according to wrestling styles (p<0.05). No difference
was found in upper/lower extremities and lesion/scrape and
friction burns status of the wrestlers according to wrestling style
(p>0.05). There was significant difference in trunk and upper extremity
injuries with respect to weight category (p<0.05 and p<0.001).
Significant difference was also found in nose injuries according to wrestling
styles (p<0.05). When examined wrestling style and upper extremity
injuries according to the number of injuries, there was found significant
difference between two styles in muscle injuries, finger and wrist injuries
(p<0.05). The difference between toe injuries in respect to the
wrestling style was statistically significant (p<0.05). Results:
Greco-Roman wrestlers experienced more injuries in trunk, head and nose compared
to Freestyle wrestlers. Trunk, lower and upper extremity injuries varied
depending on weight categories. Neck, back, lumbar and chest injuries were more
common in Greco-Roman wrestlers. Freestyle wrestlers were more vulnerable to
muscle injuries while Greco-Roman wrestlers were more vulnerable to finger and
wrist injuries. It is recommended to improve some abilities excellently such as
aerobic power, strength, balance and neuro-motor coordination in wrestling.
Techniques should be taught well to the wrestlers, most risky extremities for
injury have to be applied extra training and these extremities should be
protected from injuries by several tapes, bandages or gears during exercise.
Freestyle wrestlers ought to be more careful in diving move. Using ear protector
in addition to preventive measures can be recommended during training in order
to prevent temporal bone fractures and swellings.