Body posture in female wrestlers before and after specialized physical training

Abstract

Aim. This study discusses the changes in the parameters of body posture caused by a 90-minute physical training aimed at mastering wrestling techniques. Method. The examinations were carried out in July 2011 among the 30 female members of The Polish National Wrestling Team (mean ± SD, age: 16.8±1.21 years; body height: 163±5.77 cm; body mass: 54.1±9.28 kg). The research method consisted in carrying out measurements of the 29 parameters describing pelvis and physiological spinal curvatures in the sagittal, frontal and transverse planes before and after physical training using Posturometer M method. Results. After physical effort the length and height of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis increased very significantly, with the medium statistical deepening of the lumbar lordotic angle. The verticality of the body improved considerably because of a very significant reduction in the angle of extension and some not very significant changes in the angle of trunk bend. Due to these changes the total spine length increased significantly. In the female wrestlers with their pelvis rotated to the right in the transverse plane the rotation increased, whereas in those with left-rotated pelvis, the rotation was reduced. Conclusion. The most substantial training-induced changes in the body posture of the female wrestlers can be observed in the sagittal plane. Smaller changes occurred in the transverse plane, while the smallest effect was observed in the frontal plane. Preventing back pain syndrome or postural defects should become a routine in the supplementary physical training. Initial part of basic training should contain exercises that build up the strength of postural muscles, whereas its final part should focus on relaxation and stretching.