F-27 Free Communication/Poster - Epidemiology of Physical Activity and Health in Adults

Abstract

Collegiate wrestlers may be required to drop a large percentage of their body mass as they transition from off-season training to in-season competition; however, it is unclear what type of effect this potential reduction in body mass may have on strength and power. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the impact of transitioning from off-season training to competition on body composition, and strength and power characteristics of collegiate wrestlers. METHODS: Ten collegiate wrestlers (21.2±2.1yrs, 175.1±7.7cm, 75.3±10.7kg) participated in this study. Wrestlers completed two trials separated by five weeks. The first trial corresponded with the transition from off-season training to in-season training, the second corresponded with the first competition of the collegiate wrestling season. Each trial consisted of body composition determination by hydrostatic weighing, maximal isometric knee extension contractions performed at angles of 30°, 45°, and 60° (Biodex, Shirley, NY), T-test and hexagon agility testing, and a 30s Wingate test performed at 7.5% of body mass (Monark 874E, Monark Exercise AB, Sweden). Pre and post statistical comparisons were made using a paired t-test, with a Bonferroni adjustment. RESULTS: There was a decrease in body fat percentage (7.7±3.6% to 5.1±3.8%, p<0.05), and T-test time (10.24±0.51s to 10.05±0.61s, p<0.05); however, body mass, power (absolute and relative), strength (absolute and relative), and hexagon test time were unaffected during the initial in-season training phase. CONCLUSION: It was anticipated that there would be a decrease in body mass as wrestlers prepared for competition. Although that was not the case, wrestlers still managed to reduce body fat percentage, and improve agility based on T-test time. The lack of change in body mass, and maintenance of strength and power characteristics suggest that this group of wrestlers entered their initial training phase in good condition and near competition weight.