Competitive Wrestling Research Articles

Аналіз виступів кваліфікованих борців греко-римського стилю на чемпіонаті України 2023 року

Purpose: to analyze the performances of the wrestlers at the 2023 championship of Ukraine in Greco-Roman wrestling among juniors (U20). Material and methods. The fights of the 2023 Championship of Ukraine among juniors (U20) in Greco-Roman wrestling were analyzed. All quarter-final, semi-final and final fights in all weight categories were selected for analysis. The analysis was implemented due to the processing of competition protocols. Consider the following indicators of competitive activity: the number of scored points per fight/per minute; duration of the fight. Mean values, standard deviation and Student's value criterion were calculated using the methods of mathematical statistics. Results: for all wrestlers – 4,3±1,9 points, for wrestlers who won – 7,2±2,7 points, and for wrestlers who lost – 1,4±0,8 points. According to the data, the average number of points per minute is: for all wrestlers – 1,2±0,7 points, for wrestlers who won – 1,9±1,0 points, and for wrestlers who lost – 0,4±0,1 points. in addition, almost two-thirds of the fights (65,6 %) ended prematurely, which indicates the high competitiveness and determination of the fighters to achieve victory. The analysis showed that in almost half of all matches (46,7 %) one of the wrestlers did not score a single point, which confirms the dominance of some wrestlers over others and highlights the importance of technical and tactical training. For quarter-final and semi-final matches, the average number of points for all wrestlers is 4,3±2,0 points; for wrestlers who won – 7,4±2,7 points; and for wrestlers who lost – 1,2 ±0,8 points. In the final matches, these indicators change: for all wrestlers – 4,4±2, points; for winners – 7,0±2,4 points; and for those who lost – 1,8±1,1 points. The average duration of the fights in general was 3 minutes 45 seconds, the last finalists competed for an average of 4 minutes 15 seconds, which is 30 seconds more than the other athletes. Conclusions. Patterns were revealed in the indicators of points scored by wrestlers per fight and per minute, depending on the result of the victory and the stage of the competition. The significant difference between the indicators of the winners and the losers is a clear indicator that the ability to effectively use the technical-tactical arsenal in the conditions of competitive wrestling is critical to achieving success in sports wrestling.

METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO INJURY PREVENTION IN FREESTYLE WRESTLING

The aim of this study was to explore methodological approaches of preventing injuries in freestyle wrestling. The analysis of the sources of the literature under study allows us to draw the following conclusions: prevention of sports injuries involves a number of organizational and methodological measures: continuous improvement of material and technical support, improvement of the conditions of training sessions and competitions, systematic professional development of sports doctors and coaches, compliance with the rules of medical control, improvement of physical, technical and tactical training, moral qualities of athletes, health promotion. From a pedagogical and methodological point of view, it is necessary to introduce into the training process special training on injury prevention at all stages of long-term training aimed at achieving and maintaining an optimal level of flexibility and targeted strengthening of the musculoskeletal system. The optimal level of flexibility is characterized by the fact that the available momentum of specific movements is slightly larger than the width of competitive exercises - the so-called "flexibility reserve", which minimizes the resistance to stretched muscles, so that the exercise is performed without excessive tension and reduces the possibility of injury in similar positions in competitive wrestling. For targeted strengthening of the musculoskeletal system, it is advisable to apply measures aimed at strengthening different parts of the spine, shoulder girdle, knee, tibiofemoral joints and increasing the elasticity of muscles and ligaments. The sets of exercises compiled for these purposes should be used throughout the entire sport career, including them in pre-training, the final part of the lesson, as well as in specialized and individual classes.

Poster 253: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in 118 Competitive Wrestlers: Outcomes, Reoperations, and Return to Play at 5 years Mean Follow Up

Objectives:Introduction:Wrestling is a physically demanding sport with young athletes prone to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. However, there is a paucity of data evaluating the results of ACL reconstruction (ACLR) in this cohort.Purpose:To assess patient-reported outcomes, reoperation rates, graft survival, and return to play (RTP) following ACLR in a large cohort of competitive wrestlersMethods:All competitive wrestlers (high school, collegiate, or professional) with a history of an ACLR at a single institution between 2000 and 2019 were retrospectively identified. Graft failure was defined as a re-tear determined by clinical or advanced imaging evaluation, and/or revision ACL reconstruction. All patients were contacted for determination of reinjury rates, current sport status, visual analog scale (VAS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Tegner activity scores.Results:118 knees in 114 wrestlers were included at a median follow-up time of 5.8 years (IQR: 3.6 – 10.3). The median age was 17 years (15 – 18) with 116 (98%) males. ACLR was most often performed with bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) autograft (n = 64; 54%) or hamstring tendon (HT) autograft (n = 43; 36%). At final follow-up, 80% of athletes were able to RTP at a median of 273 days (IQR: 203 – 379). Graft failure occurred in 17 (14%) patients at a median time of 1.4 years (IQR: 0.8 – 4.7) after the index ACLR. BTB autograft demonstrated a lower failure rate compared to HT autograft (8% vs. 21%; P = 0.044). Kaplan-Meier survivorship free from graft failure for the entire cohort was 95.3% at 1 year, 92.5% at 2 years, 89.8% at 5 years, 84.6 at 10 years, 77.6 at 20 years. BTB autograft was associated with better survival than HT autograft up to 15 years after the index ACLR (90.4% vs. 76.3%; P = 0.030).Conclusions:Return to competitive wrestling was observed in 80% of athletes after ACLR, with 14% of wrestlers experiencing graft failure. BTB autograft reconstruction may serve as a more durable graft for competitive wrestlers with lower rates of failure when compared to HT autograft even up to 15 years after surgery.Table 1.Baseline Demographic, Clinical, and Operative DataFigure 1.Kaplan-Meier survivorship curve demonstrating progression to graft failure of the entire cohort.Figure 2.Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrating progression to graft failure of each graft type.Figure 3.Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrating progression to graft failure of BTB autograft vs. hamstring autograft

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in 107 Competitive Wrestlers: Outcomes, Reoperations, and Return to Play at 6-Year Follow-up.

Background:Wrestling is a physically demanding sport, with young athletes prone to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. There is a paucity of data evaluating the results of ACL reconstruction (ACLR) in this cohort.Purpose:To assess return to sport (RTS), patient-reported outcomes, reoperation rates, and graft survival after ACLR in a large cohort of competitive wrestlers at midterm follow-up.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:We identified all competitive wrestlers (club, high school, collegiate, or professional) with a history of an ACLR at a single institution between 2000 and 2019. Graft failure was defined as a retear (as determined via clinical or advanced imaging evaluation) and/or revision ACLR. All patients were contacted for determination of reinjury rates; current sport status; and pain visual analog scale, International Knee Documentation Committee, and Tegner activity scores.Results:Included were 107 knees in 103 wrestlers, with a median follow-up time of 5.9 years (interquartile range [IQR], 3.9-10.3 years). The median age was 17 years (IQR, 15-18 years), with 106 (99%) male patients, and the distribution of bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) and hamstring tendon (HT) autografts was 64 (60%) and 43 (40%), respectively. At final follow-up, 80% of athletes were able to RTP at a median of 280 days (IQR, 212-381 days). Graft failure occurred in 14 (13%) knees at a median time of 1.8 years (IQR, 0.7-5.3 years) after the index ACLR. BTB autograft demonstrated a lower failure rate compared with HT autograft (8% vs 21%; P = .044) and was associated with better survival compared with HT autograft up to 15 years after the index ACLR (90.4% vs 76.3%; P = .030). When compared by graft diameter, HT autografts of at least 7.5 mm were not associated with a lower graft failure than BTB constructs of all sizes (P = .205).Conclusion:Return to competitive wrestling was observed in 80% of athletes after ACLR, with 14% of wrestlers experiencing graft failure. BTB autograft was associated with better survival than HT autograft.

Features of the training process of freestyle wrestlers in the pre-competition stage

As a kind of sport, wrestling is characterized by a complex compositional nature of preparing, which requires equal attention to the development of the physical and functional qualities of an athlete. The aim of the study is to optimize the mode and algorithm of training loads of a competitive nature in the period of preparation. The effectiveness of the training process was evaluated by functional indices and blood lactate level not only at the end of training load, but also in the recovery period. In the process of the study also, pedagogical analysis was carried out, anthropometric parameters and analysis of body components were determined. The results of the study indicate the need for regular monitoring of the regime of loads in order to timely correction of the training process, taking into account the individual characteristics of wrestlers at the stage of pre-competition preparing.
 Keywords: competitive wrestling; freestyle wrestling; functional preparation; lactate; training process.

ASSESSMENT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL COMPATIBILITY OF ACROBATS AT THE STAGE OF PERFECTION OF SPORTS SKILLS

The article provides an assessment of the psychological compatibility of those who go in for sports acrobatics at the stage of improving sportsmanship. The results of the study confirmed the influence of the level of harmony and compatibility on the achieved result in the course of competitive wrestling.

Surgical Treatment of Isolated Meniscal Tears in Competitive Male Wrestlers: Reoperations, Outcomes, and Return to Sport.

Background:Wrestlers are highly active, young athletes prone to meniscal injuries that often require surgery. However, there is a lack of data evaluating the results of meniscal repair or partial meniscectomy in this cohort.Purpose:To describe the outcomes (subjective function, return to play, complications, reoperation rates, and progression of osteoarthritis) for treatment (meniscectomy or repair) of meniscal injuries in a cohort of competitive wrestlers.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:All competitive wrestlers (high school, collegiate, or professional leagues) with a history of a meniscal injury and isolated meniscal surgery at a single institution between 2001 and 2017 were retrospectively identified. Failure was defined as a reinjury of the operative meniscus by clinical or advanced imaging examination, reoperation, or any additional surgical treatment of the meniscus after the index procedure. All patients were contacted for determination of reinjury rates, current sport status, and International Knee Documentation Committee and Tegner activity scores.Results:Of 85 male wrestlers with isolated meniscal tears, 34% underwent a meniscal repair, and 66% received a partial meniscectomy. Index surgery failed for 9.4% of the cohort. Among wrestlers treated with initial meniscal repair, 21% required a subsequent partial meniscectomy at a mean 2.2 years, and of those treated with partial meniscectomy, 3% underwent a second operation (P < .001). All secondary operations were revision partial meniscectomies occurring at a mean 3.2 years (95% CI, 0.01-6.4 years) after the index procedure. At final follow-up, 89% of patients were able to return to sport, with 65% returning to wrestling competition. There was significant improvement in the Tegner score from a mean 6.5 (95% CI, 5.9-7.2) preoperatively to 8.3 (95% CI 8.0-8.6) postoperatively (P < .001).Conclusion:The reoperation rate after meniscal surgery in wrestlers was quite low, but only 65% returned to competitive wrestling. Meniscal repair and partial meniscectomy improved patient-reported outcomes and activity levels at short-term follow-up. However, 21% of wrestlers treated with initial meniscal repair required a subsequent partial meniscectomy at a mean 2.2 years.

THE NONOPERATIVE REHABILITATION OF A TRAUMATIC COMPLETE ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT TEAR OF THE ELBOW IN A HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLER: A CASE REPORT.

Injuries frequently occur in competitive wrestling, with the elbow joint representing about 25% of all injuries. Specific to the elbow, the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) can be injured traumatically from takedowns in wrestling. In athletes with complete UCL tears, surgical management is often recommended with nonoperative management resulting in less favorable outcomes. The purpose of this case report is to present a nonoperative criterion-based rehabilitation program for a high school wrestler with a complete UCL tear of the elbow. A 17-year-old male wrestler presented to outpatient physical therapy with a complete UCL tear sustained from falling on an outstretched hand during a wrestling match. He presented with limited elbow range of motion (ROM), medial elbow instability, and weakness of the involved shoulder and forearm musculature. A three staged criterion-based rehabilitation protocol was developed for this subject based on specific criteria, including pain, elbow ROM, arm strength, and functional outcomes. The subject was treated for nine visits over six weeks, and demonstrated improvements in all strength tests of the involved upper extremity, with elbow flexion strength improving the most by 58%. Return to sport (RTS) tests were used to assess the subject's ability to return to practice. At approximately eight weeks after initial injury, the subject was able to return to full participation in competitive wrestling with no reports of elbow pain or instability. Through the utilization of a criterion-based rehabilitation protocol for the nonoperative management of an UCL injury, this high school wrestler was able to safely progress back to wrestling without pain or instability in an accelerated time frame. Previously, no detailed rehabilitation guidelines for nonoperative management of UCL injuries in contact sports have been described. Additionally, few studies exist which report on the inclusion of RTS testing following an injury to the UCL of the elbow, as RTS testing is optimal for determining readiness for sport. 4, Case Report.

All physical activity may not be associated with a lower likelihood of adolescent smoking uptake

ObjectiveResearch has documented that physical activity is associated with a lower risk of adolescent smoking uptake, yet it is unclear whether this relationship exists for all types of physical activity. We sought to determine whether certain types of physical activity are associated with a decreased or an increased risk of adolescent smoking uptake. MethodsIn this longitudinal cohort study, adolescents (n=1356) were surveyed every six months for four years (age 14–18years old). Smoking and physical activity were measured at each of the eight time-points. Physical activity that was negatively associated with smoking across the eight waves was considered positive physical activities (i.e., PPA; linked to not smoking such as racquet sports, running, and swimming laps). Physical activity that was positively associated with smoking across the eight waves were considered negative physical activities (i.e., NPA; linked to smoking such as skating, walking, bicycling, sport fighting, and competitive wrestling). ResultsAssociative Processes Latent Growth Curve Modeling revealed that each 30-minute increase in NPA per week at baseline was associated with a 4-fold increased odds of smoking progression (OR=4.10, 95% CI=2.14, 7.83). By contrast, each 30-minute increase in PPA at baseline was associated with a 51% decrease in the odds of smoking progression (OR=.49, 95% CI=.25, .93). ConclusionsThe type of physical activity that an adolescent engages appears to be important for the uptake of cigarette smoking among adolescents. These associative relationships warrant consideration in interventions to increase overall physical activity and those promoting physical activity to prevent smoking uptake.

NEW RULES OF JUDO AS A FACTOR OF DECREASE IN COMPETITIVENESS OF THE RUSSIAN WRESTLERS ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE

The last changes in rules of competitions on judo wrestling caused the mass of negative comments from athletes and trainers of CIS countries. Many experts consider that changes in rules were made purposely to reduce quantity of the medals won by wrestlers of the CIS on the international scene. In their opinion, with introduction of new rules, considerable advantage will be got by wrestlers of the Asian and European Union of judo. This statement has under itself a basis as according to the last changes in rules all sprints with clench below a belt are forbidden, than representatives of the «Soviet» school of judo always were famous. Purposes: Taking into account the above, the purpose of authors researches was to reveal level of readiness of the Russian athletes to competitive wrestling by new rules of competitions. Research methods: During researches authors used recommen-dations of the Polish experts: A. Krushevskiy and others, in which these authors state possibility of definition of level of technical and tactical readiness of judoists on the basis of the video analysis of their sporting appearance on the international starts. Results: During researches significant decrease in sports results of athletes of a national team of Russia on judo, in comparison with results of sporting appearance on the previous large tournaments is noted. A significant amount of the referee’s remarks which are giving to the Russian wrestlers testifies to insufficient readiness of our athletes for conducting competitive wrestling is revealed also. Scope of results: the obtained data can be applied with success by experts in training process of judo wrestlers for the purpose of preparation competitive athletes in sporting appearance on the in-ternational scene.

Acute Management of Auricular Hematoma

This retrospective case series is used to describe a refined technique for the aspiration and drainage of auricular hematoma that is simple, cost-effective, and allows for rapid recovery. Patients, all high school males participating in competitive wrestling, were enrolled voluntarily after risks and benefits were discussed, and consent was obtained. Criteria for enrollment included acute auricular hematoma of at least 2 cm in size with occurrence no greater than 3 weeks before presentation, and no overt signs of infection. Patients underwent alcohol cleansing followed by injection of 1% lidocaine, and hematoma aspiration with an 18-gauge catheter. The cannula was left within the hematoma cavity, and a compression dressing was applied. This method is an acceptable alternative to current methods of managing auricular hematoma. It is simple, cost-effective, and provides rapid recovery with a complication rate comparable to other procedures described.

Effects of a competitive wrestling season on body composition, endocrine markers, and anaerobic exercise performance in NCAA collegiate wrestlers

Few data exist examining the body composition, endocrine, and anaerobic exercise performance changes over a competitive wrestling season. Eighteen NCAA wrestlers were tested for endocrine markers, body composition, hydration, grip strength, and power on four occasions: prior to pre-season training (T1); after pre-season training 3 days prior to the first seasonal meet (T2); mid-season one day prior to a meet (T3); and at the end of the season 2-3 days following the last meet (T4). Body mass, percent body fat (BF %), and fat mass were significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) at T2 and T3 compared to T1 but were not different between T1 and T4. Lean body mass was significantly reduced at T2 only. Urine specific gravity was significantly elevated at T3 compared to T1, T2, and T4. Resting cortisol concentrations did not change but resting testosterone concentrations were significantly reduced at T2, T3, and T4. Maximal grip strength was significantly reduced at T2. Vertical jump peak power was significantly reduced at T2, T3, and T4. Wingate peak power was significantly reduced at T2 and T3. However, Wingate average power and total work did not significantly change. Fatigue rate during the Wingate test was significantly improved at T2, T3, and T4 compared to T1. In conclusion, body mass, BF %, and measures of peak force and power were reduced for most of the competitive wrestling season. Competitive wrestling reduces resting total testosterone concentrations throughout the entire season.

Biomechanical Protocol to Assist the Training of Arm-Throw Wrestling Technique

The purpose of this paper was to present an example of the quantitative contribution of modern sport biomechanics to the training of a competitive wrestling technique, specifically the arm throw in young wrestlers. Two experienced wrestlers who had been training for 10 yrs participated as subjects. The kinematic waveforms were recorded for all body segments using an optoelectronic system with six infrared cameras. The recordings were made in 5 different successful trials. Besides the waveforms, the coefficients of multiple correlations were calculated as measures of each waveform’s variability. The results showed that typical repetitive joint angle waveforms exist in specific joints of the body like the torso, the pelvis and the lower limbs. However, the respective waveforms for the upper limbs showed a very large variability (CMCs<.085). It was concluded, that biomechanical analysis may be a very useful tool for quantifying information on the execution of a complex wrestling technique, such as the arm-throw which can assist the coach in making the adjustments needed to improve the athlete’s technique and performance.

Perceived Coaching Behaviors in Wrestling

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the present study was to determine the internal consistency and the reliability of the scales of Coaching Behavior Assessment System - Perceived Behavior Scale (CBAS-PBS) when using the Greek version (Gr-CBAS-PBS) with athletes and coaches in Greco-Roman wrestling. A secondary purpose was to determine the degree to which athletes' perceptions about their coaches' behaviors correlate with coaches' perceptions about their own behavior. Participants in this study were 105 male Greco-Roman wrestling athletes (M = 25.8, SD = 5,3 years) and their experience in competitive wrestling was 11.34 (SD = 5.68 years). Additionally, 21 male Greco-Roman wrestling coaches (M = 44.9, SD = 12.8 years) participated in this study and their experience in competitive wrestling was 14.9 (SD = 11.3 years). Analysis of data revealed that GR-CBAS-PBS items have good internal consistency (α = .86). Calculation of intraclass correlations using a 2-way random variable absolute agreement approach generated an ave...

Relationships Between Competitive Wrestling Success and Neuroendocrine Responses

Previous research on wrestling suggests winning wrestlers will have a greater increase in testosterone (Tes) than losing wrestlers, although the physiological mechanism is unknown. To determine the role of the sympathetic nervous system in this phenomenon, 12 male wrestlers from an National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I program wrestled 5 matches over a 2-day period. Serum samples were collected pre (Pre) and immediately postmatch (Post) for the determination of Tes, cortisol (Cort), Tes/Cort, and epinephrine (Epi). The subjects had a combined record of 34 wins, 31 losses, and 4 ties. Testosterone increased (p < 0.05) for both winners and losers, but the increase was greater for winners (X ± SE; nmol · L(-1); winners, pre = 16.4 ± 1.2, post = 23.2 ± 1.5; losers, pre = 14.8 ± 1.0, post = 19.4 ± 1.2). Cortisol and Epi increased similarly for both winners and losers, whereas the Tes/Cort ratio was unaltered at any time. Relative changes in the Epi response (%Δ) for losers were correlated to %ΔTes (r = 0.91), whereas winners did not exhibit similar relationships (r = 0.09). These data suggest that winning wrestlers may use a different regulatory mechanism for their acute Tes responses than losers who appear to depend on sympathetic regulation. Additionally, these data from humans support the biosocial theory of status and the challenge hypothesis developed for competing males in other species.

Managing Herpes Gladiatorum Outbreaks in Competitive Wrestling

Skin infections in wrestling have escalated in the past 20 yr. Failure to recognize and manage primary or recurrent herpes gladiatorum (HG) puts all wrestlers who come in direct contact with the affected athlete at risk. In 2007, a major outbreak of HG occurred during the Minnesota State High School wrestling season. Rapid response to the outbreak based upon lessons learned from previous episodes in the state prevented an epidemic from developing that would have threatened the state competitions at the end of the season. When a primary outbreak occurred involving multiple teams, an 8-d isolation period with suspended competition contained the outbreak in more than 90% of exposed individuals. Prophylactic treatment with antiviral medications can reduce recurrent infections, the risk of asymptomatic viral shedding, and can be based upon annual herpes simplex virus (HSV) testing to identify seropositive individuals. Those with recurrent HG or who are HSV seropositive should be placed on seasonal prophylaxis with oral antiviral medication to reduce the risk of HG spread to susceptible teammates or opponents. With proper education of athletes, coaches, and health care providers, HG can be recognized, treated, and controlled.

Dental trauma and antemortem tooth loss in prehistoric Canary Islanders: prevalence and contributing factors

AbstractDifferential diagnosis of the aetiology of antemortem tooth loss (AMTL) may yield important insights regarding patterns of behaviour in prehistoric peoples. Variation in the consistency of food due to its toughness and to food preparation methods is a primary factor in AMTL, with dental wear or caries a significant precipitating factor. Nutritional deficiency diseases, dental ablation for aesthetic or ritual reasons, and traumatic injury may also contribute to the frequency of AMTL. Systematic observations of dental pathology were conducted on crania and mandibles at the Museo Arqueologico de Tenerife. Observations of AMTL revealed elevated frequencies and remarkable aspects of tooth crown evulsion. This report documents a 9.0% overall rate of AMTL among the ancient inhabitants of the island of Tenerife in the Canary Archipelago. Sex‐specific tooth count rates of AMTL are 9.8% for males and 8.1% for females, and maxillary AMTL rates (10.2%) are higher than mandibular tooth loss rates (7.8%) Dental trauma makes a small but noticeable contribution to tooth loss among the Guanches, especially among males. In several cases of tooth crown evulsion, the dental root was retained in the alveolus, without periapical infection, and alveolar bone was in the initial stages of sequestering the dental root. In Tenerife, antemortem loss of maxillary anterior teeth is consistent with two potential causal factors: (a) accidental falls while traversing volcanic terrain; and (b) interpersonal combat, including traditional wrestling, stick‐fighting and ritual combat. Steep‐walled valleys (barrancos) and lava fields (malpaís) required agile locomotion and occasional vaulting with the aid of a wooden staff. Accidental falls involving facial injury may have contributed to AMTL. Traditional conflict resolution involved competitive wrestling (lucha canaria), stick‐fighting (juego del palo), and ritualised contests involving manual combat. These activities made a small but recognisable impact on anterior dental trauma and tooth loss. Inter‐personal behaviours of such intensity leave their mark on skeletal and dental remains, thereby providing insight into the lives and cultural traditions of the ancient Guanches. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Tinea gladiatorum: wrestling's emerging foe.

Tinea corporis, or ringworm, has become a common nuisance in competitive wrestling. Although it is a fairly benign infectious skin disease, it has significant effects on the ability of a wrestler to compete because of infection control issues. Very little has been published in the medical literature describing this problem. The majority of the literature has described outbreaks in an isolated group of wrestlers. One must examine ringworm infections in wrestlers as an entity distinct from tinea corporis infections typically seen in the paediatric population, thus the term 'tinea gladiatorum'. Tinea gladiatorum outbreaks have been caused by the dermatophyte, Trichophyton tonsurans. The epidemiology and microbiology point to person-to-person contact as the main source of transmission in wrestlers. The clinical features of tinea gladiatorum may or may not be consistent with those found in the general population. Ancillary tests, including potassium hydroxide preparations and fungal cultures may have to be done to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment guidelines for tinea corporis have failed to produce the desired goals in this particular population. More research studying different treatment regimens in the wrestling environment is needed to define the optimal treatment to return wrestlers to competition quickly without putting other wrestlers at risk for infection. Intuitive hygiene practices have been suggested to prevent spread of the infection, but they have not been substantiated. Anecdotal reports suggest that hygiene practices fall short of producing adequate primary or secondary prevention. Pharmaceutical prophylaxis has been effective, but universal drug prophylaxis carries risks including drug adverse effects and potential drug resistance. The role of potential asymptomatic carriers of dermatophytes has yet to be elucidated in the origin and/or perpetuation of tinea gladiatorum outbreaks. There are many unanswered questions about tinea gladiatorum. Sports medicine professionals must work to define this entity more completely before making recommendations about treatment, prevention and infection control. The ultimate goal is the eradication of tinea infections from the wrestling world. Energy should be focused on primary and secondary prevention, as well as treatment. Without a thorough knowledge of tinea gladiatorum as a distinct disease entity, wrestling has been losing its battle with this formidable opponent.

Predictors of competitive trait anxiety in male youth sport participants

This field study examined intrapersonal and significant adult factors related to the levels of dispositional or competitive trait anxiety experienced by 9- to 14-yr-old male participants of a competitive wrestling program. Competitive trait anxiety (CTA) is a personality disposition which reflects the tendency to experience stress in situations involving competitive sport (20). Multiple regression analyses of questionnaire data revealed that boys with more frequent somatic competitive trait anxiety symptoms 1) had lower self-esteem, 2) reported greater upset if they performed poorly, and 3) expressed a greater preference for avoiding a tournament match. Investigated cognitive anxiety symptoms involved characteristic precompetitive worries about failure and worries about adult expectations and evaluation. Youngsters with more frequent worries about failure placed greater importance on wrestling well and felt greater upset when they performed poorly, in comparison with boys who worried less frequently about failure. More frequent adult-related worries were predicted by greater personal upset for poor performance and perceptions of 1) greater parental and coach shame and upset, 2) more negative adult evaluations, and 3) greater parental pressure to wrestle.

Physiological Alterations in 7- to 9-Year-Old Boys following a Season of Competitive Wrestling

Abstract Muscular and aerobic capacity changes resulting from three months of wrestling training were examined in a group of normally active 7- to 9-year-old boys (N = 23) who competed in an intramural league tournament. A nontraining group of twenty-two boys of similar age, height, and weight served as control subjects, and were studied during the same period of time. The subjects were measured for body dimensions and skinfolds, and were given measures of back lift, leg press, and arm endurance (dips and chins). They were also measured for [Vdot]E max, [Vdot]O 2 max, and HR max employing a progressive treadmill protocol. Results of ANCOVA analyses indicated that (1) the mean improvements in [Vdot]E max (2.93 1·min −1 ) and in [Vdot]O 2 max (+ 6.6 ml·kg −1 ·min −1 ) were not significantly greater than control (p > .05), nor was HR max; (2) arm endurance improved significantly over control (p .05); (3) no significant change...