Postural Stability and Trunk Strength in Wrestlers

Overview

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the relationship between sagittal plane isokinetic trunk strength and dynamic postural stability in elite wrestlers compared to healthy sedentary volunteers (males, aged 18-30). The main questions it aims to answer are: Is there a significant correlation between maximal concentric isokinetic trunk torque/power values and dynamic postural stability variables in elite wrestlers? How do the agonist/antagonist (flexion/extension) ratios and core strength profiles of elite wrestlers differ from those of a sedentary control group. Comparison Group: Researchers will compare elite wrestlers (with at least 5 years of professional experience) to a healthy sedentary control group to see if professional wrestling training leads to superior trunk muscle integration and enhanced dynamic balance control.Participants will:Complete a demographic data form and a health screening to ensure they meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria (e.g., no history of spinal surgery or acute back pain).Perform a standardized warm-up session on a cycle ergometer at 55-60 rpm.Undergo dynamic postural stability testing to measure balance control and center of gravity displacement.Perform isokinetic trunk strength testing (flexion and extension) to measure peak torque, total work, and power values relative to body weight (PT/BW).

Sport is defined as an activity that involves the performance of high-level physical activities while simultaneously maintaining static and dynamic balance. For athletes to perform sport-specific movements effectively, they must possess a high level of physical fitness and develop various factors that determine performance. Balance is defined as the ability to maintain the body's center of gravity within the limits of support, while static balance is expressed as the ability to sustain the base of support with minimum movement. Maintaining postural balance is considered a fundamental requirement for the effective and efficient execution of many sporting activities. The core muscles consist of 29 pairs of muscle groups that support the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex, contributing to the stabilization of the pelvis, vertebrae, and the kinetic chain. Defined as the center of the functional kinetic chain, the core region resembles a cylindrical structure formed by the paravertebral and gluteal muscles posteriorly, abdominal muscles anteriorly, the diaphragm superiorly, and the pelvic floor and hip girdle muscles inferiorly. The coordinated contraction of these muscles provides maximum stability in the proximal region, enabling optimal controlled and effective movement in the distal region. In this context, isokinetic testing of trunk flexor and extensor muscle strength is used as one of the standard measurement methods for evaluating core stability in clinical sports medicine and allows for the objective assessment of athletes' muscle strength capacity. Isokinetic measurement possesses high reliability and sensitivity and is frequently preferred in dynamic force analyses to determine the mechanical profile of trunk muscles. Core stability is the capacity of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex to prevent instability in the spine and return to a state of equilibrium following a perturbation. According to the results of previous research and review studies, core strength, core endurance, and the lumbo-pelvic muscle control structure together constitute core stabilization. Some studies have shown that decreased strength in the core muscles increases body sway and may impair body balance, and that balance ability is associated with active arm swing, core stabilization, and trunk muscle endurance. Wrestlers require highly developed abdominal and spinal muscle strength capacities to compensate for sport-specific loads. Although it is known that wrestlers possess high absolute trunk extensor strength, the sudden explosive attacks and high balance requirements during a match make not only the strength of the trunk muscles but also the integration of this strength with postural stability critical. One study reported that extensor muscle strength for weightlifters and wrestlers was higher compared to the sedentary population, yet similar values were found between groups regarding flexor muscle strength. Despite this, there remains a significant gap in the literature regarding the interpretation of spinal isokinetic variables in relation to performance and postural stability.