The effect of Wrestling+ warm-up program on balance and proprioception of adolescent wrestlers

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of an 8-week Wrestling+ warm-up program on static-dynamic balance and proprioception of adolescent freestyle wrestlers. Methods: Twenty-four wrestlers (mean standard deviation for age: 15.8 0.8 years, and body mass index: 23.4 4.3 kg/ m2) participated in this study and were randomly divided into experimental (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. The experimental group performed three sessions/week of the Wrestling+ warm-up program, while the control group performed routine warm-up exercises during each session. The balance error scoring system (BESS) test for static balance, the Y-test for dynamic balance, and an active angle reconstruction test for knee and ankle joint proprioception were used. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and pairedsamples t-test were used to compare the intergroup and intragroup differences, respectively, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: After the intervention, there were significant improvements in static balance (p < 0.001) on both stable and unstable surfaces, and dynamic balance for the anterior (p = 0.047), posteromedial (p = 0.040), and posterolateral (p = 0.028) segments. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in proprioception errors during knee movements (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The eight-week Wrestling+ warm-up program seems to have a positive effect on static and dynamic balance ability by improving knee joint proprioception in adolescent wrestlers. Hence, it is highly recommended to incorporate this specific warm-up program to enhance the performance of adolescent wrestlers and prevent injuries.