Characteristics of Upper-Limb Pull Power and Power Endurance in Japanese Female Wrestlers

Abstract

This study aimed at elucidating the characteristics of upper-limb physical strength required by female wrestlers by comparing the pull power, power endurance, and number of repetitions between female wrestlers at world and national levels. The subjects were 20 female wrestlers (8 Olympic- and/or world-class and 12 national-class top-ranking individuals). The subjects assumed a lying prone (face down) position on a bench and pulled a bar from arms length until contact with underside of bench. The weight load was increased in 10-kg steps and the upper-limb pull power was measured for each lift. To measure power endurance, the power to achieve the repetition maximum and the maximum number of repetitions were measured at the load at which they exerted their maximum power. All measurements were obtained using a GymAware power meter (Kinetic Performance Technology, Canberra, Australia). Pull power was greater at 20, 30, 40 and 50 kg in world-class wrestlers than in national-class wrestlers. No difference was observed in the time course of power endurance between the groups; however, the power in world-class wrestlers declined slower than in national-class wrestlers. Repetition maximum also tended to be higher in world-class wrestlers than in national-class wrestlers. Female wrestlers were observed to have greater upper-limb pull power in a range from low to high loads and were able to preserve repetition ability while maintaining high power. Their competitive performance appears to be related to these abilities.