Application of Functional Tests in the Prevention from Musculoskeletal Injuries in Young Classical Style Wrestlers

Backgorund: Wrestling is a contact sport with a high risk of injury occurrence caused by typical motor system dysfunctions. In wrestling training a high value is put on the development of power and muscle strength, however, a program aimed at improving motor control is not introduced. Methods: The study involved 25 men wrestlers from School of Sporting Excellence in Radom Poland. To identify musculoskeletal system weak links low threshold Performance Matrix Tests were used. An analysis of weak links occurrence in biokinematics chain was done using ANalysis Of Variance (ANOVA), location and direction of weak links occurrence was identified. Results: The low threshold tests provide the information that tested athletes (n = 25) have weak links in musculoskeletal system. Players training experience has significant influence on their occurrence Pr (>F) 0.01809. The values p3 = Pr (>F) 0.03215 and p5 = Pr (>F) 0.04042 reflect significant correlation with occurrence of weak links number in various places in wrestlers musculoskeletal system. The results Pr (>F) for training frequency, wrestlers age and sports level indicate no significant effect of these characteristics on weak links location in musculoskeletal system. Conclusions: Obtained results lead to the following conclusions: (1) training loads in wrestling cause weak links occurrence in musculoskeletal system among juniors; (2) wrestlers training in junior category significantly affects weak links occurrence in chain of musculoskeletal system in different locations; (3) wrestlers training frequency does not have a significant impact on weak links location estimated by low threshold tests.