Body posture biogeometric profile parameter variations of arm wrestlers owing to post-isometric relaxation

Abstract

The modern training system for elite arm wrestlers exists due to heavy exercise load, which sometimes can approach the physiological capabilities in terms of both amount and intensity. The fact remains that the lack of recommended practice for individual-specific training of arm wrestlers and further posture correction requires a more detailed study of the biogeometric profile of the musculoskeletal system of this category of athletes. Study objective: analysis of body posture biogeometric profile of arm wrestlers, taking into account the introduction of corrective exercises into the work-out sessions. Material & methods: the study included 2 groups of arm wrestlers aged 24 to 32 years. The Group 1 (n=16), the Group 2 (n=14), sports qualification – master of sport. The subjects were identical in terms of morphofunctional parameters. Postural examination was performed in frontal and sagittal planes using the Reedco’s posture score. Shoulder index was calculated as the ratio between shoulder width and shoulder arch. Athletes of the Group 1 did additional post-isometric relaxation sessions with a physical therapist. Arm wrestlers of the Group 2 did Pilates exercises after working out. According to the Reedco’s posture score, the Group 1 arm wrestlers had about 72.06±1.39 points, and the Group 2 subjects had about 69.15±1.42 points out of 100 points with respect to the norm, that is shoulder roundness was detected. According to statistically average data, shoulder index of arm wrestlers of the Group 1 corresponded to 76-84%, and for arm wrestlers of the Group 2 ranged from 70 to 80%. One month after the introduction of additional corrective exercises into the work-out sessions, a positive response was noticed. That is because in the Group 1 there was an increase in the Reedco’s scale by 10.04 % (p>0.05), and an increase in shoulder index by 5.81% (р<0.05). In the Group 2 there was an increase in the Reedco’s scale by 4.77% (p>0.05), and an increase in shoulder index by 2.81% (p>0.05). It means that after sessions with a physical therapist body posture biogeometric profile parameters acquired a higher value. Conclusions. The study allowed to make adjustments to the work-out sessions of arm wrestlers. Due to the use of post-isometric relaxation under the supervision of a physical therapist, the body posture biogeometric profile parameters of the arm wrestlers were significantly improved. Unassisted doing Pilates exercises suggests reasonability of performing these exercises after working out.