Iranian Wrestlers Research Articles

Collective sports success through effective social performances: The case of Olympic wrestling in Iran

This study argues that the athletic success of Iranian wrestlers is fused with success in social performances. Using Alexander's cultural sociology, we propose that individuals’ behavioral, emotional, and mental dispositions toward sports are shaped by tacit and invisible social forces encompassing them at a given time and place. Furthermore, we make use of Alexander's notion that the power of culture is manifested when it is actively enacted. To ground our theoretical frameworks with empirical evidence, we conducted a case study of successful Iranian male wrestlers. The study reveals that the success of Iranian wrestling is constructed upon cultural foundations, social organizations, cooperative networks, and a set of social relations that performatively contribute to producing world-class wrestlers. It is within a given social, cultural, and organizational context that culture is performed through a series of collective actions and agencies. Such successful cultural performances reinforce the meaning of certain practices by connecting the past to the present and ensuring their continuity, thereby establishing a strong tradition of collective sporting achievements.

Molecular typing of a collection of Iranian clinical Trichophyton tonsurans isolates based on the non-transcribed spacer region of rDNA and antifungal susceptibility testing of the species.

Wrestling, considered the national sport of Iran, has gained immense popularity among Iranians. Wrestlers frequently encounter skin conditions, with dermatophyte fungal infections, particularly tinea gladiatorum (TG), being a common issue. TG, caused by the Trichophyton genus, has emerged as a major health concern for wrestlers and other contact sport athletes worldwide. This study aimed to assess the genotypic diversity and antifungal susceptibility of Trichophyton tonsurans isolates responsible for TG in Iranian wrestlers from Mazandaran province, northern Iran. A total of 60 clinical T. tonsurans isolates collected from various cities in Mazandaran, were included in the study. The isolates were identified through PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing methods. Genomic DNA was extracted from these isolates, and the non-transcribed spacer (NTS) region of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) was targeted for genotyping using newly designed primers. Haplotype analysis was performed to explore genetic diversity, and antifungal susceptibility to terbinafine (TRB) and itraconazole (ITC) was assessed. The results revealed five distinct NTS types: NTS-I, NTS-II, NTS-III, NTS-IV and NTS-V, with NTS-IV being the most prevalent. The distribution of NTS types varied across different cities, suggesting potential transmission patterns among wrestlers. Antifungal susceptibility testing showed that all isolates were susceptible to TRB, while one isolate demonstrated resistance to ITC. Genotypic diversity was not correlated with antifungal susceptibility, emphasising the importance of monitoring susceptibility to ensure effective treatment. Haplotype analysis highlighted significant genetic diversity among the T. tonsurans isolates. This diversity may be attributed to factors such as human-to-human transmission, geographic location and lifestyle changes. The study's findings underscore the need for comprehensive genotypic analysis to understand the epidemiology and evolution of T. tonsurans infections in athletes. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the genotypic diversity and antifungal susceptibility of T. tonsurans isolates causing TG in Iranian wrestlers. The presence of multiple NTS types and varying susceptibility patterns highlights the complexity of T. tonsurans infections in this population. Further research is warranted to track the transmission routes and genetic evolution of T. tonsurans strains among wrestlers and develop effective control measures.

Passion, grit and mindset of Iranian wrestlers: A socio-psychological approach

The study presents a socio-psychological analysis of the conventional psychological concept of passion, grit and mindset among Iranian elite wrestlers, along with exploring the associations of the aforementioned variables. We conducted a cross-sectional, correlational questionnaire survey among 124 international and national Iranian top male wrestlers and recruited 106 male and female Iranian university students as a control group to provide more rationale of the variables within the context. Passion Scale, Grit-S Scale and Theories of Intelligence Scale (TIS) were used to measure the variables. The wrestlers scored high on the passion, grit and growth mindset scales, higher than the controls. Further analysis indicated a positive association between passion, grit and growth mindset on wrestlers as a whole and the subgroups. There were, however, no differences in terms of the level of competency and achievement within the groups of wrestlers, which counters former findings. This research contributes valuable insights into how passion, grit and growth mindset, considering the interplay between individual agency and an apt social context, sustain athletes’ desire for tough training; motivate them to overcome a series of setbacks and challenging situations in order to meet further achievements in such a competitive sport. The research further provides insight into a distinctive sport culture and proposes how the socio-cultural context of athletes impacts their mentality and achievement.

The Effect of Moral Orientation on the Performance of Iranian Wrestlers: Explaining the Model and Providing a Strategy

The Effect of Moral Orientation on the Performance of Iranian Wrestlers: Explaining the Model and Providing a Strategy

Comparison of the physical fitness traits of Azerbaijan and Iran senior Greco-Roman national wrestling teams

Purpose: The aim of the present investigation was to compare of the physical fitness traits of Azerbaijan and Iran senior Greco-Roman national wrestling teams. Material: In this study, 10 elite wrestlers (age 27.7±3.5 years and training background 8.5±2 years) of the senior national wrestling team of Azerbaijan were measured in body composition attributes, muscular strength, muscular endurance, maximal oxygen consumption, flexibility, agility, speed, anaerobic power and explosive power and the results were compared to the national Greco-Roman wrestling team of Iran. Results: The results of this study, using t-test, showed that the mean of squats (P=0.013) and 40-yd sprint (P=0.004) in wrestlers of Azerbaijan’s team were significantly better than Iran’s average norm. However, the values of sit-ups (P=0.030), pull-ups (P=0.000) and 4×9-m shuttle run (P=0.024) the mean were significantly lower in the wrestlers of Azerbaijan compared to the norm of Iranian wrestlers. Conclusions: The results of the physical fitness tests determine the strengths and weaknesses of the training programs and provide practical guidance to coaches in order to assess the extent of wrestlers likely progress or slump.

Development and Validation of a Skinfold Model for Estimation of Body Density for a Safe Weight Reduction in Young Iranian Wrestlers.

Background:Adverse effects of excessive body mass reduction among wrestlers dictate minimum weight determination through body composition. Although skinfold equations are essential to estimate body composition in the field setting, they are mostly derived from Western societies and may lack generalizability to other populations.Purpose:Previously published skinfold equations lacked external validity in predicting body density of Iranian wrestlers. We aimed to derive a new anthropometric model specific to young Iranian male wrestlers.Study design:Cross-sectional cohort study.Level of evidence:Level 3.Methods:One hundred twenty-six Iranian male wrestlers with at least 1 year of experience and a mean age of 19 ± 4.0 years underwent underwater weight analysis for body density estimation and anthropometric measurements. The previously published equations were validated, followed by new regression modeling, using multivariable fractional polynomials, with body density as the criterion predicted by common anthropometric variables. The final model was validated throughout the modeling procedure using 1000 bootstrap replications.Results:The mean body fat percentage (%BF) was 12.6% (95% CI, 11.9%-13.4%), lower than that of previous studies. Six previously published equations each had significant deviations from the line of identity (all P < 0.001). The new prediction equation combined subscapular, tricipital, and midaxillary skinfolds and body mass index cubed to predict body density.Conclusion:The development of ethnicity-specific equations, using statistically unbiased and comprehensive validation methods, is imperative for body composition estimation to determine the minimum weight for regulation of health in athletes.Clinical Relevance:Using equations without external validation can bias the prediction of minimum weight, leading to unsafe weight reduction by athletes. Compared with a previous study, much lower mean %BF was found using an ethnicity-specific equation (12.6% vs 15.9%). This difference observed in %BF prediction could affect safe fat reduction in athletes.

What are the Causes for the Failure of Successful Cadet and Junior Iranian Wrestlers to Continue their Success as Seniors? The Coaches' Perspective

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this research is to identify the causes for the failure of successful cadet and junior Iranian cadet and junior wrestlers to continue their success as seniors, from the perspective of the coaches. The research sample was selected randomly and is included 162 people from grade 1 and 2 of active coaches of Iran. This research used a researcher-made questionnaire containing 35 questions in five subscales including program resources, management, physical fitness, sport injuries and psychological problems. The validity of this questionnaire was established by a review of 7 experts of physical education, and also in a pilot study using 30 experts. The questionnaire reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha yielded an r value of 0.80. The data analysis utilized descriptive and inferential statistical (Friedman test) in SPSS software and a significance level of p<0.05. Results showed that the factor with the greatest impact on the failure of cadet and junior medalists in senior wre...

Prevalence of Fungal Skin Infections in Iranian Wrestlers

Fungal infections are one of the most common skin infections. Athletes, especially in contact sports such as wrestlers are the group at risk of fungal skin infections (FSI). The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of FSI and some effective factors in wrestlers in Tehran, Iran. This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study which was conducted in 2009 and subjects were wrestlers of wrestling clubs of Tehran, Iran. In this study the prevalence of FSI and its related factors was collected based on clinical history, physical examination and laboratory tests. We also determined the rate of dermatophytic contamination of wrestling mats. The relationship between independent variables and incidence of fungal infection analyzed by Chi square test and regression analysis. In this study, out of 454 wrestlers, 111 (24.5%) subjects had suspicious fungal skin lesions on physical examination. The Prevalence of FSI was 8.2% in all of the wrestlers (34.2% of the wrestlers with suspicious lesion). Malassezia furfur (50%) and trichophyton tonsurans (30%) were the most common causative agents. Epidermophyton floccosum (7.5%), Trichophyton rubrum (5%), Candida albicans (5%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (2.5%) were other isolated fungi. Eleven wrestling mats (44%) were contaminated with different fungal organisms. The prevalence of fungal skin infection in Iranian wrestlers is relatively high. Appropriate preventive measures need to be prepared and implemented to reduce incidence of FSI in wrestlers.

Percentage of Body Fat and Weight Gain in Participants in the Tehran High School Wrestling Championship

Weight loss in wrestling has been found to be an interesting issue for researchers. In this regard, complications of weight loss in wrestlers before the competitions and their weight gain in course of competitions have been debated in previous studies. The objective of this study was to investigate the extent of weight gain and to estimate the percentage of body fat in participants in the Tehran high school male wrestling championship. This study was a cross sectional survey. Subjects were participants of the Tehran high school male wrestling championship (n = 365). Weight gain in course of competitions and body fat levels (based on skin fold measurements) of subjects were measured. Between the first weigh-in of the wrestlers which was done one day before the competitions and the second weigh-in which was conducted immediately before the first round of their first competition (20 hours), 69% of subjects gained on average 1.3±0.9 kg (range: 0.1 to 6.10 kg) or 2.2±1.7% of the wrestler's weight (range: 0.1 to 9.3). Among the subjects, the mean of fat body percentage was found to be 15.2%. Rapid weight loss for matches was prevalent among subjects. It was also found that Iranian wrestlers have a relatively higher body fat percentage in comparison to American wrestlers. Therefore, it can be concluded that weight loss behavior of these wrestlers should be changed from using dehydration methods to using gradual methods of weight loss such as fat reduction methods.

A clinico-epidemiological study on tinea gladiatorum in Iranian wrestlers and mat contamination by dermatophytes

Dermatophytosis is still being considered as one of the major public health problems in wrestlers. To identify the prevalence, clinical pattern, aetiological agents and the predominant transmission route of dermatophytoses in Iranian wrestlers, a study was carried out in 2008. In total, 270 wrestlers from eight wrestling salons were evaluated. Classical mycological techniques were performed on 135 skin scraping samples of 110 wrestlers suspicious for dermatophytoses and 240 touch preparation samples of wrestling mats. Diagnosis of the fungus type was made based on macroscopical and microscopical characteristics of the colonies. 19.2% of the evaluated wrestlers were inflicted with tinea gladiatorum. The head and neck were the most prevalent (36.5%) areas of involvement, followed by arms and forearms (28.8%), trunk (21.2%), as well as groin and knee (13.5%). The mean age of patients was 21 years and the most frequent age group was 10-19 years (51.9%). Trichophyton tonsurans was the most frequently isolated species representing 82.7% of isolates, followed by T. rubrum (5.8%), T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale and Epidermophyton floccosum (3.8% each), and T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes and T. verrucosum (1.9% each). Of 24 wrestling mats surveyed, 33.3% were heavily contaminated with T. tonsurans. Tinea gladiatorum in Iran is a common phenomenon among wrestlers, transmission pattern of which appears to be through man-to-man and mat-to-man contact. Furthermore, the clinical features of the disease are not consistent with those of the general population of Iran.