Comparison of the Physical and Physiological Capacities of Elite Turkish Wrestlers and the Wrestlers of the U.S. National Wrestling Team

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the present study is to determine the physical and physiological characteristics of international caliber Turkish freestyle wrestlers and then compare these results with the physiological variables of the U.S. National Freestyle Wrestling Team. The parameters of height, age, weight, body fat percentage, vital capacity, aerobic power (MaxVO₂), speed (36.56 m), 400 m run, 2400 m run, right and left hand grip strength and the physiological traits concerning dominant grip and weak grip were selected for comparison. For the purpose of comparing the physiological parameters of the elite Turkish wrestling team and the U.S. national freestyle wrestling team, a t test technique was employed at the 0.05 significance level. In the comparison of the physical and physiological parameters of the two teams, statistical differences in disfavor of the elite Turkish wrestling team were determined in the parameters of aerobic power (Max VO₂), 400 m run and the 2400 m run. No statistical differences were found between the other physiological parameters of the two teams. These results indicate that Turkish wrestlers may work and train less than foreign elite wrestlers.

Key Words::

• profiles
• physical and physiological tests.