Biomechanical Protocol to Assist the Training of Arm-Throw Wrestling Technique

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper was to present an example of the quantitative contribution of modern sport biomechanics to the training of a competitive wrestling technique, specifically the arm throw in young wrestlers. Two experienced wrestlers who had been training for 10 yrs participated as subjects. The kinematic waveforms were recorded for all body segments using an optoelectronic system with six infrared cameras. The recordings were made in 5 different successful trials. Besides the waveforms, the coefficients of multiple correlations were calculated as measures of each waveform's variability. The results showed that typical repetitive joint angle waveforms exist in specific joints of the body like the torso, the pelvis and the lower limbs. However, the respective waveforms for the upper limbs showed a very large variability (CMCs<.085). It was concluded, that biomechanical analysis may be a very useful tool for quantifying information on the execution of a complex wrestling technique, such as the arm-throw which can assist the coach in making the adjustments needed to improve the athlete's technique and performance.