Abstract
This study investigated the effectiveness of a specialized strength training
program on maximal handgrip strength in young wrestlers. 72 young wrestlers (36
children: 8–10 years-old and 36 adolescents:13–15 years-old)
participated in the present study. Both age-categories were assigned into a
training group (18 children and 18 adolescents) and a control group (18 children
and 18 adolescents). The training groups, in conjunction with the wrestling
training performed a 4-month (2 sessions/week) specialized handgrip
training program. Maximal handgrip strength was evaluated pre, at the
intermediate (2 months) and at the completion of the program (4 months). Maximal
handgrip strength values increased during the intermediate and post-training
measurements compared to pre-training measurement in training and control groups
(p<0.001). No significant differences were observed on pre-training and
intermediate measurements between groups, while significant differences were
observed during the post-training measurement. Training group exhibited
significantly (p<0.01) greater maximal handgrip strength values than the
control group irrespective of age-category and hand-preference. A 4-month
handgrip strength training program, incorporated into the conventional wrestling
training, provokes greater adaptations in maximal handgrip strength than the
wrestling training per se. For greater handgrip training adaptations are
required more than 14 specialized handgrip training-sessions.
Key words
Greco-Roman wrestling - isometric evaluation - hand function - performance - developmental years
