The development of trunk muscles in male wrestlers assessed by magnetic resonance imaging.
The purpose of this study was to compare the development of trunk musculature among Elite, Sub-elite, and Elite junior wrestlers. The performance level of these groups, ordered highest to lowest, is as follows: Elite (n = 20), Sub-elite (n = 25), and Elite junior (n = 39). A magnetic resonance imaging device was used to measure the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the trunk muscles. The whole trunk muscle cross-sectional area (t-MCSA) of the Elite group was significantly larger than that of the Elite junior group (p < 0.05). The rectus abdominis muscle CSA of the Elite group was significantly larger than that of the Elite junior group (p < 0.01). The psoas major muscle CSA of the Elite group was significantly larger than that of the Elite junior group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the CSA of any of the trunk muscles between the Elite and Sub-elite groups. In conclusion, compared with Elite junior wrestlers, it is conceivable that a greater CSA of trunk flexors of Elite wrestlers is one factor which supports increased performance.
Kubo
Junjiro
J
Heisei International University, Sports Science Institute, Kazo-shi, Saitama 347-8504, Japan. kubo@hiu.ac.jp
Ohta
Akemi
A
Takahashi
Hideyuki
H
Kukidome
Takeshi
T
Funato
Kazuo
K
D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D014952:Wrestling / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*