The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in physical fitness and anthropometric measures between Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestlers. Thirty three Iranian elite wrestlers (Freestyle, age: 24.54±3.43 years, N=13) and (Greco-Roman, age: 23.05±1.95 years, N=20) who were invited to the training camps participated in this study. The anthropometric traits included height, sitting height, arm-span, and the physical fitness traits included flexibility (sit-and-reach test), muscular endurance (pull-ups and bent-knee sit-ups), agility (4×9 m shuttle run), speed (40-yd sprint), and bilateral visual reaction time. Statistical comparison of the freestyle and GrecoRoman wrestlers groups was carried out using independent samples t test (P ≤ 0.05). The results indicated that in speed, reaction time, flexibility and pull-ups tests, Greco-Roman wrestlers were better than freestyle wrestlers, and in agility and bent-knee sit-ups tests the freestyle wrestlers were better than Greco-Roman wrestlers. However, these differences were not statistically significant.
INTRODUCTIONGreco-Roman (GR) is an international discipline and an Olympic sport. In this style, it is forbidden to hold the opponent below the waist, to make trips, and to actively use the legs in the execution of any action. Recent rule changes in Greco-Roman increase opportunities for and place greater emphasis on explosive and high amplitude throws. Pinning ones opponent to the mat is one way of winning. Freestyle wrestling (FS) is an international discipline and Olympic sport, for both men and women. This style allows the use of the wrestler's, or his opponent's legs in offensive and defensive positions. Freestyle wrestling has its greatest origins in catch-as-catch-can wrestling and the prime victory condition in these styles involves the wrestler winning by throw and pinning his opponent on the mat (4).