Physical and Performance Differences Between More and Less Experienced Wrestlers
This study aimed to compare anthropometric characteristics, body composition, and physical performance parameters between more and less experienced wrestlers to determine the influence of competitive experience on key performance indicators. A total of 47 male wrestlers were divided into two groups based on their competitive experience: more experienced (n=22, >6 years) and less experienced (n=25, <6 years). Anthropometric measurements included body mass, height, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage (BF%). Performance assessments consisted of the countermovement jump (CMJ), handgrip strength (HGS), and the Specific Wrestling Fitness Test (SWFT). Group differences were analyzed using t-tests for independent samples, and discriminant canonical analysis. More experienced wrestlers had significantly lower body fat percentage (p=0.04) and better performance in the SWFT repetitions test (p=0.001) compared to their less experienced counterparts. They also exhibited a lower heart rate response during the SWFT (p=0.01), indicating better recovery capacity. Also, competing experience was correlated to SWFT repetitions (R=0.51) and SWFT index (R=-0.45). Wrestling experience appears to be associated with wrestling-specific performance. However, the experience did not significantly influence absolute strength or explosive power. These findings suggest that training programs for less experienced wrestlers should emphasize wrestling-specific performance development to improve performance.