Somatic Characteristics of Women-Wrestlers of Olympic Weight Classes

The aim of research was to study somatic features of highly qualified women-wrestlers of different weight classes.

Material and methods. The study included results of somatic examinations of the strongest female wrestlers, members of the national teams of Russia and the immediate reserve (n=162). Anthropometric studies were carried out in accordance with the accepted standard at the Research Institute of Anthropology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University. Total body sizes and proportions, body composition (based on anthropometry and bio-impedancemetry) and estimated body sizes were determined in athletes. 68 different parameters defining somatotypes of women-wrestlers were studied.

Results. Standards for body composition of women-wrestlers have been developed considering the new approved weight classes (50, 53, 57, 62, 68 and 76 kg) in wrestling for the Olympic Games 2020. Skin-fat fold, adipose, muscular and bone mass parameters were studied. The body proportions of women-wrestlers were calculated. Significant differences in body composition parameters were determined using methods of anthropometry and bio-impedancemetry; this was especially pronounced for adipose and muscular body masses.

Conclusion. Parameters of the proportion and body composition in women-wrestlers of different Olympic weight classes were presented for the first time. Significant differences in body composition were revealed depending on the weight class. Different methods (anthropometry and bioimpedancemetry) were used to determine body composition. Analysis of the types of body proportions in women-wrestlers of the Olympic weight classes demonstrated that it is advisable to consider certain anthropometric markers, such as a significant size of shoulder width, relatively short lower limbs, when selecting athletes for female freestyle wrestling

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