The Effect of 8 Weeks Preparatory Training Program on Body Composition and Blood Parameters in Elite Wrestlers

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of an 8-week training program applied during the preparatory period of elite-level wrestlers on blood parameters and body composition. This study involved the voluntary participation of 10 Greco-Roman wrestlers competing at the national team level and achieving rankings in international tournaments. The participants had an average age of 22.00 ± 3.2 years, an average height of 172.00 ± 8.4 cm, and an average weight of 80.50 ± 11.9 kg. These wrestlers had approximately 12 years of wrestling experience. An 8-week preparatory training program, prepared by experts and coaches, was implemented for participant wrestlers. This training program was applied at the national team level and in the adult category. It was carried out following a 20-day active rest period during the offseason. The following tests and measurements were conducted at the beginning and end of the training program. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 10.0. The mean values and standard deviations of the measured parameters for all participants were calculated. The paired-sample t-test was applied to identify differences between pre and post 8-week preparatory training program. When the participants' blood lipid values were examined, no significant difference was observed in HGB and HCT values between the pre-test and post-test, while RBC and WBC values showed a statistically significant increase (p0.05). When the participants' body composition values were examined, a significant decrease was observed in body fat percentage (BFP) and body fat mass (BFM), while there was a significant increase in lean body mass (LBM) (p0.05). In conclusion, it has been determined that the 8-week preparatory training program has positive effects on weight, body fat percentage, lean body mass, MaxVo2, strength, and immune health.Keywords: Body Composition, Hematological Parameters, Training Program