gms | German Medical Science

Objective: The assessment of body composition and anaerobic efficiency in a selected group of athletes practicing wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Material/Methods: The study was performed with the participation of 43 athletes, aged 21±4 years, practicing free-style wrestling (n=23) and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (n=20). Analyses of body composition of athletes were conducted using the bioelectric impedance method with a BIA 101S analyser by AKERN-RJL. In turn, the anaerobic strength was assessed using the Wingate test with the application of a Monark 894E cycle ergometer.

Results: Analysis of body composition showed a mean content of the adipose tissue in athletes to be 14.4% body weight (wrestlers: 14.6% vs. BJJ: 14.2%). In both sports disciplines the level of fat-free body mass and the muscle tissue in athletes were also similar, amounting on average to 85.5% and 56% body weight. We need to stress here that fact that in over 50% athletes practicing wrestling (57%) and BJJ (55%) the adipose tissue was found at less than 14.9%. Moreover, 13% examined wrestlers had a very low body fat content, amounting to less than 10% body weight. Analysis of anaerobic efficiency of the examined group of athletes, performed on the basis of the Wingate test, showed a maximum strength of 11.8±2.0 W/kg in wrestlers and 11.5±1.3 W/kg in athletes practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu. In both sports disciplines a similar time to reach maximum strength was observed (wrestlers: 2.7±1.6 s vs. BJJ: 2.6±1.2 s), as well as mean strength (wrestlers: 8.0±0.6 W/kg vs. BJJ: 7.9±0.5 W/kg), minimum strength (wrestlers: 4.9±0.6 W/kg vs. BJJ: 4.6±0.6 W/kg) and reduction of strength [wrestlers: 57.9% (7.1±1.8 W/kg) vs. BJJ: 59.0% (6.8±1.5 W/kg)]. Statistical analysis of results collected in this study showed correlations e.g. with mean strength and body weight (r=0.90, p<0.001), total water content (r=0.93, p<0.001), fat-free body weight (r=0.93, p<0.001) ad muscle mass (r=0.60, p<0.001), as well as maximum strength and body weight (r=0.77, p<0.001), total water content (r=0.77, p<0.001), fat-free body weight (r=0.76, p<0.001) and muscle weight (r=0.70, p<0.0001). Moreover, a correlation was found between the reduction of strength and body weight (r=0.69, p<0.001), mass of the adipose tissue (r=0.45, p<0.01) and fat-free body weight (r=0.72, p<0.001). In case of the time required to reach maximum strength a negative correlation was shown with muscle mass (r=–0.51, p<0,001) and cell mass (r=–0.50, p<0.001).

Conclusion: Assessment of body composition and anaerobic strength did not show significant differences depending on the practiced sports discipline. Polish athletes practicing wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu are characterized by an appropriate state of nutrition and the results obtained using the Wingate test indicate a very good anaerobic efficiency of the examined group of athletes. We need to stress here the fact that in individuals practicing martial arts, exhibiting e.g. a higher level of fat-free body weight and appropriate hydration of the organism, we observe a better adaptation to anaerobic effort.