Dynamics of strength training of qualified wrestlers during weight loss: case study

Abstract

Purpose: to investigate the dynamics of strength training of qualified wrestlers under the influence of an experimental strength training program during the period of weight loss. Material and Methods. A member of the national freestyle wrestling team. took part in the research. The athlete is 20 years old, and has been practicing wrestling for 9 years. The study was conducted during the  preparation  for  the  national  championship.  A  training  program  was  developed  for qualified  wrestlers,  which  is  advisable  to  use  when  preparing  for  competitions  in  special conditions of weight loss. The experimental program consisted of a strength training program and  a  body  weight  loss  program  with  the  use  of  a  specially  developed  diet  and  drinking regime,   and   additional   use   of   ergogenic   means   was   also foreseen.   In   addition,  the experimental training program included special training work. Research methods: analysis of scientific and methodological sources; summarizing the  practical  experience of specialists; pedagogical   observations;   pedagogical   experiment;   pedagogical   testing;   methods   of mathematical statistics. Results. During the study period, the tested athlete, despite a significant decrease in his own weight by 6.5 kg (7.4%), managed to maintain the absolute power index in the bench press (100%), increase the result in the squat with a barbell by 2.8%, by 10% in the dead lift and by 10.5% in the standing long jump. Significant positive changes were observed in the study of relative strength indicators. The subject improved by 8.1% in the bench press, 18.8% in the barbell squat, 11.6% in the dead lift, and 19.3% in the long jump. A significant positive dynamic of the special speed strength indicator is observed when the athlete performs a double leg shot during training bouts (t = 9.4; p ˂ 0.01). The study of general and special speed-power endurance  also  revealed  significant  positive  changes  in  the  tested  athlete.  The  time  for performing a  set  of Cross Fit exercises decreased by 17.6%. Special Endurance coefficientt improved by 10.7%. Conclusions The results of the study showed that the use of an experimental program for training qualified wrestlers  for  competitions,  in  the  conditions of reducing  body  weight,  during  eight weeks, contributed to a significant positive dynamic of the strength general and special preparedness of the athletes.