Anthropometric characteristics and physical performance of colombian elite male wrestlers.
BACKGROUND
Wrestling was an important part of the ancient Olympic Games and is still one of the most popular events of the modern Olympic Games. Studies indicate that general physiologic profile of successful wrestlers is high anaerobic power and capacity, muscular strength, above average aerobic power, exceptional flexibility, fat free mass, and a mesomorphic somatotype.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of the present study was to evaluate anthropometric characteristics and physical performance of elite male wrestlers.


METHODS
The Colombian Wrestling Team was evaluated while in preparation for the Olympic Games (n = 21; age, 27.9 ± 6.7 years). Athletes were tested on anthropometric and fitness parameters: body composition, somatotype distribution according to Heath-Carter, aerobic capacity, vertical jump, and anaerobic power.


RESULTS
The evaluations showed a mean body fat percentage of 13.6% ± 3.0% (95% CI, 12.2%-15%), muscle mass of 46.4% ± 2.2% (95% CI, 45.4%-47.4%), Ponderal index of 41.0 ± 1.8 (95% CI, 40.2-41.8), body adiposity index (BAI) 25.1 ± 3.6 (95% CI, 23.5-26.8), and somatotype distribution mesomorphic-ectomorph (5.3-1.6-3.8). Mean aerobic capacity was 45.9 ± 6.6 mL/kg/min (95% CI, 42.8-48.9), vertical jump was 36.4 ± 6.6 cm (95% CI, 11.8-16.6), and anaerobic power was 92.6 ± 19.5 kg/s (95% CI, 83.7-101.5).


CONCLUSIONS
These results provided a profile of elite wrestlers that could be used as training targets for developing athletes. The results may also provide information for training and tactical planning.
GICAEDS Group, Faculty of Physical Culture, Sports and Recreation, University of Santo Tomas, Bogota DC, Colombia.
Robinson
R
Ramirez-Velez
Physical Therapy Program, Faculty of Health, University of Manuela Beltran, Bogota DC, Colombia.
Rodrigo
R
Argothyd
GICAEDS Group, Faculty of Physical Culture, Sports and Recreation, University of Santo Tomas, Bogota DC, Colombia.
Jose Francisco
JF
Meneses-Echavez
Physical Therapy Program, Faculty of Health, University of Manuela Beltran, Bogota DC, Colombia.
Maria
M
Beatriz Sanchez-Puccini
Center for Research in Health and Human Performance Health and Fitness ZOE Quality of life, Cali, Colombia.
Carlos Alejandro
CA
Lopez-Alban
Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Santander (UDES), Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia.
Daniel Dylan
DD
Cohen
Aerobic Power; Anaerobic Capacity; Anaerobic Power; Anthropometric; Colombia; Wrestling