Balance and Fatigue in Wrestlers

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to show that: being "in context" and "similarity" in fatiguing protocols to the main aspects of sport does not alter wrestlers balance. Methods: Twenty professional male wrestlers (age 26.2±1 yr, VO 2 max 62.3±3.1 ml kg min) participated in this study (10 in experimental and 10 subjects in control group) and completed a fatigue protocol. In this study, a regular wrestling match was used for the metabolic fatigue protocol. Biodex® balance system and lactometer were used for evaluation of balance and blood lactate level (respectively). For statistical analysis, the Pearson correlation coefficient, paired t-test, sample t and ANOVA tests were used. Results: Based on these study results, the static balance alterations in the experimental group (eyes open and eyes closed positions) were respectively 0.16% and 3.17%, and this was not statistically meaningful. Also, dynamic balance alterations in the experimental group (eye opened and eye closed positions) were 0.12% and 0.41% (respectively) which was not statistically meaningful. There was not a significant relationship between lactate acid accumulation and variations of the stability indices (r=-0/570, p<0.05). Conclusion: one of the best explanations for the absence of alteration in wrestlers balance is that: the fatiguing protocol exerted in this study is "in context" and "similar" to wrestling training and this can cause the wrestlers to utilize an anticipatory postural adjustment system for further maintaining postural stability. The possible mechanisms responsible for limiting the effect of fatigue on static and dynamic stability include: an alteration in afferent sensory inputs, a decrease in postural adjustment, increase in COP displacement, increase in delay time and decease in muscular activity, alteration in proprioception and the dysfunction of contractile units in anti gravity muscle following fatigue.

Investigation of the Effect of Acute Muscular Fatigue on Static and Dynamic Balance Performances in Elite Wrestlers

“…When the reviewing literature, there are few studies on the evaluation of balance parameters before and after acute fatigue in wrestlers. Letafatkar and Milaei (2012) evaluated the balance parameters before and after the wrestling competition in their study. They used a similar sample group and similar balance system.…”

The effects of neck muscular fatigue on static and dynamic postural control in elite male volleyball players

“…Fatigue can also affect the discharge of a lot of sensory receptors such as muscle spindles (10). On the other hand, muscle spindle discharge may be influenced directly by fatigue (2). Muscle spindle discharge may be also affected by changes related to changes in the alpha motor neurons discharge (1).…”

“…Based on research results, Postural control is associated with the occurrence of injuries in athletes (2). Thus, identification of factors associated with postural control is helpful in reducing injuries in athletes.…”

“…Hence, it should be said that muscle fatigue may occur as a result of any failure in muscle contraction (3). Fatigue depends on the type of exercise (1), the type of contraction, intensity and duration of exercise (2). Potential factors that contribute to fatigue include: central factors (which cause fatigue by disrupting neuromuscular transmission between central nervous system and muscle membranes) and environmental factors (Which cause changes within the muscle) (3).…”

“…Muscle fatigue is a common phenomenon that occurs during sports activities and causes impairing in the motor function of individuals (2) and is defined as any decrease in power generation capacity (3). Start of voluntary muscle activities involves many steps which starts with cortical control of brain and ends in cross bridges inside the muscle fibers.…”