Reliability of the two new specific wrestling tests: performance, metabolic and cardiac indicators

Background and Study Aim: Wrestling belongs to the group of multidisciplinary acyclic sports which require well-trained physical, technical, tactical and psychological abilities. Based on the former result analysis, it can be noticed that there is a need for designing tests for evaluation of wrestlers’ specific performance abilities. The aim of the research is the reliability and usefulness quantitative descriptive indicators of given properties of wrestler’s based on results two innovative specific tests. Material and Methods: The test-retest procedure was used to define the reliability: Specific Wrestling Fitness Test (SWFT); Specific Wrestling Performance Test (SWPT). The sample consisted of 8 male wrestlers who compete at national level, aged 20.43 ±2.06 years. A dummy was used as a prop, and the “suplex” technique as a standard throw; the load was relativised by using three different weight dummies. In relation to the test and the attempts, the total number of throws, metabolic and cardiac indicators, as well as the derived criterion variables of specific performance were observed. Results: The reliability indicators and applied tests and abilities measured were determined as reliable (Cronbach’s Alpha: 0.798 to 0.953; IIC: 0.664 to 0.910; ICC: 0.674 to 0.957), and quite sensitive to the change of results achieved. Describing the same characteristic of applied variables for specific wrestling performance evaluation was determined by the factor analysis. Therefore all variables could be successfully implemented in the wrestling practice. Conclusions: These tests provide the possibility to wrestling coaches to individually realise testing during a season, and to use certain performance evaluation models, depending on the informational needs and available equipment in the function of better performance description, in order to improve the sports training methodology and to increase the knowledge fundus.