The Effect of Start of Season Maximal Strength Training on Body Composition and Some Strength Parameters in Elite Wrestlers

Authors : Serhat Ozbay

Pages : 150-155

View : 17 | Download : 8

Publication Date : 2018-06-22

Article Type : Research

Abstract :The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of start of season maximal strength training applied to elite athletes on body composition and some strength parameters of the athletes. Material and Method: 17 elite wrestlers at national team level with an average age of 18 who were staying at a camp and who had the same dietary conditions participated in the study. Strength trainings were made three days a week (Monday -Wednesday-Friday) before noon. The training program applied to athletes was applied as 75% intensity and 8 repetitions in the first set, 80% intensity and 6 repetitions in the second set, 85% intensity and 4 repetitions in the third set, 90% intensity and 3 repetitions in the fourth set, and 95-100% intensity and 2 repetitions in the fifth set. The training program included shoulder press, bench press, lat pull, squat, butterfly, barbell curl, jerk, and leg curl moves. The study lasted for 8 weeks. Specified tests were taken starting from the first training and they were taken before the last trainings of weeks 4 and 8. Body composition was measured with TANITA TBF 300A make device (BMI, Fat, Fat mass, FFM, TBW). As for strength tests, back and leg measurements were made with Baseline Back Leg Chest DAWOB660 make leg and back dynamometer, while handgrip strength was measured with Takei Hand Dynamometer (Handgrip). Results: According to the results of the study, participants’ body weight (BW) values were not found to differ significantly based on the period of training (p>0.05). Similarly, no significant differences were found in BMI values depending on the period of training (p>0.05). In addition, significant differences were found in total body water (Tbw) ,fat, and fat mass values depending on the period of training (p<0.05). In strength tests, significant differences were found in handgrip strength, leg strength and back strength values (p<0.05). Discussion and Conclusion: The present study researches the differences caused by start of season maximal strength trainings on elite athletes. The results of the study showed that there were decreases in body fat ratios and increases in fat free body mass although no significant differences were found in BMI and BW of the athletes. Significant increases were also found in measured strength parameters. Decreases and increases in athletes were found to occur after week 4. It is thought that this result can be associated with the period of adaptation.  
Keywords : Wrestling, Body Composition, Maximal Strength, Strength