Contemporary Issue: Health and Safety of Female Wrestlers.

ABSTRACT: Female wrestling has grown exponentially over the past decade. Within the United States, 46 states now recognize female high school wrestling, and 153 colleges have programs. It is on track to become an NCAA championship-level sport in 2026. A primary health and safety risk among this cohort pertains to rapid weight loss strategies. These can lead to intentional caloric restriction and decreased body fatness, with the perceived goal of attaining a competitive advantage. Low energy availability and low body fatness are associated with a number of health concerns including menstrual dysfunction and loss of bone mineral density in girls and women. The current recommendation of 12% as a minimum for percentage body fat is very likely too low, opening the door for health perturbations among this population. The minimum threshold might more appropriately fall within the range of 18% to 20%. Body fat assessment methods, primarily skinfold measures that are used to guide weight class selection, have not been adequately validated among this population and therefore should be an area of research focus, while also exploring alternative assessment techniques. Further, we recommend that weight cycling, restrictive energy intake, and intentional dehydration be avoided. Research should assess the effects of frequent weight cycling (to "make weight") and prolonged periods of low body fat on the reproductive and bone health of these athletes. Finally, research and clinical evaluations on female wrestlers are limited, and we offer a list of research priorities for future investigation into this contemporary issue.

Comparative Analysis of Adaptive Changes in Immunoendocrine and Physiological Responses to High-Intensity Sprint Interval Training with Progressive and Nonprogressive Loads in Young Wrestlers.

The objective of this study was to explore the effects of a 7-week short sprint interval training (SSIT) with differing in programming volume-loads including progressive (P-SSIT) and nonprogressive (NP-SSIT) approaches on the immunoendocrine, physical fitness attributes and physiological parameters in male wrestlers during the pre-season. Thirty young freestyle wrestlers at the collegiate national-level were included in the study and were divided into three groups: P-SSIT (n = 10), NP-SSIT (n = 10), and an active control group (n = 10). The wrestlers engaged in their specific wrestling training three days weekly, while the P-SSIT and NP-SSIT groups underwent a 7-week SSIT, with scheduling in either progressed or nonprogressed volume-based overloads, three times per week. Before and after the intervention, various aspects of physical fitness (such as 20-m sprint, 4×9-m shuttle run, and maximal strength) and physiological parameters (including cardiorespiratory fitness and anaerobic power output), as well as immunoendocrine responses (such as immunoglobulin-A, testosterone, and cortisol) were measured. Following the training intervention, the control group did not show any significant changes in the variable measured; however, both the P-SSIT and NP-SSIT groups experienced significant improvements (p = 0.001) in physical fitness attributes and physiological parameters with effect sizes ranging from small to very large, and also more adaptive responses compared with control group (p < 0.05). In addition, there were no statistically significant changes observed among the P-SSIT and NP-SSIT groups in terms of immunoendocrine response to training, and physical fitness, as well as physiological parameters (p > 0.05). In conclusion, neither the progressed nor nonprogressed approaches of SSIT demonstrated superior effects on adaptations compared to one another. Therefore, it is recommended for strength and conditioning coaches in wrestling to incorporate both P-SSIT and NP-SSIT into their annual training plan, especially during the pre-season phase, to maximize the physical fitness and physiological parameters of their wrestlers while minimizing changes in immunoendocrine responses.

Parsonage-Turner syndrome, affecting suprascapular nerve and especially to infraspinatus muscles after COVID-19 vaccination in a professional wrestler, a case report and literature review of causes and treatments.

BACKGROUND: Acute peripheral neuropathy, also known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome or neuralgic amyotrophy, mostly affects the upper brachial plexus trunks, which include the shoulder girdle. It is typically accompanied by abrupt, intense pain, weakness, and sensory disruption. The etiology and causes of this disease are still unknown because of its low prevalence, however viral reactions-induced inflammation is one of its frequent causes. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we introduce a professional wrestler patient who was diagnosed with PTS after vaccination and was treated, and we review some articles in this field. CONCLUSION: When it comes to shoulder-girdle complaints and pain, Parsonage-Turner syndrome can be a differential diagnosis. Corticosteroids during the acute period, followed by physical therapy, appear to be an efficient way to manage pain, inflammation, muscular atrophy, and the process of recovering to full nerve regeneration.

The contribution of energy systems during 30-second lower body Wingate anaerobic test in combat sports athletes: Intermittent versus single forms and gender comparison.

Combat sports, encompassing a range of activities from striking and grappling to mixed and weapon-based disciplines, have witnessed a surge in popularity worldwide. These sports are demanding, requiring athletes to harness energy from different metabolic pathways to perform short, high-intensity activities interspersed with periods of lower intensity. While it is established that the anaerobic alactic (ATP-PC) and anaerobic lactic systems are pivotal for high-intensity training sessions typical in combat sports, the precise contribution of these systems, particularly in varied training modalities such as single (SMT) and intermittent (IST) forms of the 30-second Wingate test, remains inadequately explored. This study aims at comparing performance outputs, physiological responses and gender differences during the SMT and IST forms of the 30-second Wingate test. Thirty-three highly trained combat sports athletes (17 women, 16 men; 10 boxing, 8 wrestling, 8 taekwondo and 7 karate) randomly performed SMT and IST. The IST consisted of three 10-second all-out attempts separated by 30 seconds of passive recovery, whereas the SMT was a single 30-second maximal effort. Resting, exercise and post-exercise oxygen uptake and peak blood lactate value were used to determine the metabolic energy demands via the PCr-LA-O2 method. The findings showed that total metabolic energy expenditure (TEE), ATP-PCr system contribution and the output of mechanical variables were higher in the IST than in the SMT form (all p<0.001). In contrast, the contribution of glycolytic and oxidative systems was higher in the SMT form (all p<0.001). However, exercise form and gender interaction were not significant (p>0.05). In combat sports, performance is not only determined by physiological and technical skills but also by metabolic energy input and efficiency. Therefore, our results can provide a comparison regarding the effects of exercise type and gender on metabolic energy metabolism to design the training of combat sports athletes.

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is independently associated with the bioelectrical impedance phase angle in junior sumo wrestlers: A pilot study.

The study explores the relationship between phase angle (PhA), an indicator of cellular health, and metabolic health parameters among junior sumo wrestlers in Japan. Given the demanding lifestyle and high-energy diets of sumo wrestlers that predispose them to metabolic syndrome post-retirement, this study focuses on a younger cohort. The primary aim is to evaluate if PhA could serve as an early indicator of metabolic health issues within this unique demographic. A total of 14 sumo wrestlers aged 9-17 years were assessed to determine the relationship between PhA and various metabolic markers, including glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), using a TANITA MC-780A-N body composition analyzer and standard blood tests. Bivariate regression analysis and Pearson's correlation revealed a negative relationship between PhA and HbA1c even after adjusting for age and weight (ß = -0.496, r2 = 0.776, r = -0.756, p = 0.004). The results indicate a significant negative relationship between PhA and HbA1c levels, suggesting that lower PhA values, which indicate poorer cellular integrity, are associated with higher HbA1c levels, signifying impaired glycemic control. These findings underscore the potential of PhA as a valuable biomarker for monitoring metabolic health in young sumo wrestlers, with implications for early intervention and management strategies.

The Delayed Presentation and Diagnosis of Youth Wrestling Injuries: A 20-Year Analysis of National Injury Data.

INTRODUCTION: The nature of wrestling may lead athletes to mask injuries with the delayed presentations of youth wrestling-related injuries not being well characterized. METHODS: This descriptive epidemiological study queried the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database to characterize delayed presentations of wrestling-related injuries in middle and high-school athletes. Data collection consisted of national estimates, demographics, and injury characteristics of patients with delayed (D) presentations (≥1 day) and same-day (S) presentations to US emergency departments after sustaining a wrestling-related injury during the scholastic wrestling season (December to February, 2000 to 2019). RESULTS: Of middle and high-school wrestlers presenting to US emergency departments, 5.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.3% to 7.1%) reported delayed presentations for a total of 1,110 patients (CI, 591 to 1,630) annually. Most commonly (P < 0.001), injuries were sustained on Saturdays in both cohorts (D, 28.2%; CI, 22.4% to 34.8%; S, 29.6%; CI, 24.3% to 35.5%). Patients reporting delayed presentations were less likely to sustain fractures (D, 11.5%; CI, 8.3% to 15.6%; S, 18.9%; CI, 15.0% to 23.5%; P = 0.019) and injuries of the head/neck (D, 20.0%; CI, 16.5 to 24.1%; S, 26.2%; CI, 21.4% to 31.7%; P = 0.011). DISCUSSION: A substantial proportion of adolescent wrestlers report delayed presentations of injuries. This emphasizes the need for vigilance in detecting subtle signs of injury.

Connection of pre-competition anxiety with gut microbiota and metabolites in wrestlers with varying sports performances based on brain-gut axis theory.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the connection of pre-competition anxiety with gut microbiota and metabolites in wrestlers with different sports performances. METHODS: One week prior to a national competition, 12 wrestlers completed anxiety questionnaires. Faecal and urine samples were collected for the analysis of gut microbiota and metabolites through the high-throughput sequencing of the 16 S rRNA gene in conjunction with untargeted metabolomics technology. The subjects were divided into two groups, namely, achievement (CP) and no-achievement (CnP) wrestlers, on the basis of whether or not their performances placed them in the top 16 at the competition. The relationship amongst the variations in gut microbiota, metabolites, and anxiety indicators was analyzed. RESULTS: (1) The CP group exhibited significantly higher levels of "state self-confidence," "self-confidence," and "somatic state anxiety" than the CnP group. Conversely, the CP group displayed lower levels of "individual failure anxiety" and "sports competition anxiety" than the CnP group. (2) The gut microbiota in the CP group was more diverse and abundant than that in the CnP group. Pre-competition anxiety was linked to Oscillospiraceae UCG_005, Paraprevotella, Ruminococcaceae and TM7x. (3) The functions of differential metabolites in faeces and urine of the CP/CnP group were mainly enriched in caffeine metabolism, lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and VEGF and mTOR signaling pathways. Common differential metabolites in feces and urine were significantly associated with multiple anxiety indicators. CONCLUSIONS: Wrestlers with different sports performance have different pre-competition anxiety states, gut microbiota distribution and abundance and differential metabolites in faeces and urine. A certain correlation exists between these psychological and physiological indicators.

Eating Behavior Disorders and Disordered Eating Habits in Spanish High-Performance Women's Olympic Wrestling Athletes.

Eating disorders (EDs) are a significant health issue in combat sports. This study investigated the differences between the different types of female wrestlers and the frequency at which EDs occur in the elite population, and it also sought to establish which factors are predictors of EDs. This study was comprised of 22 elite, female wrestlers who were selected based on the following inclusion criteria: having previously been the Spanish champion, being part of the Spanish national team, participating in at least one international championship, and having a history of ED. Data collection involved five questionnaires: demographic data, the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), the Bulimic Investigatory Test, the Edinburgh (BITE), the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI-3), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The results revealed diverse levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, with BITE scores indicating abnormal eating patterns. Group comparisons exposed significant distinctions in eating behaviors based on competition and training experience. Regression analyses showed competition and training experience as predictors of bulimia severity and symptoms. The study revealed prevalent extreme weight-control practices, including fasting, diuretic and laxative use, and binge eating. This research emphasizes the importance of EDs in Olympic wrestling, urging a comprehensive approach involving education, support, and policy implementation by coaches, health professionals, and sports organizations to prioritize athletes' well-being and discourage unhealthy weight-control practices.

Nutritional and Training Strategies for Actual Competition in World-Class Japanese Female Wrestler: A Case Report.

Wrestlers have a risk of relative energy deficiency in sports because they believe that they can gain an advantage over their opponents by temporarily adopting weight-making strategies even women. However, precise methods of making weight and the effect of manipulating body mass (BM) on health and performance in female wrestlers have not been reported. Our study aimed to report a case of weight making in a world-class female wrestler, who won the world competition seven times in 5-y and had oligomenorrhea. We obtained the BM, blood, urine, and saliva samples, hand grip strength, subjective condition a month before the match (baseline), and 3-d before the match (day-3), and food and physical activity records during baseline and 10 d before the competition. The wrestler lost 4.7% of BM from baseline to day-3 and 7.6% of BM to the match by method to reduce energy intake and enhance dehydration. Hand grip strength did not change by weight loss. After weigh-in, the wrestler took the recovery food containing 4.9 g/kg BM of carbohydrate. Although these weight strategies may at least contribute to the success of wrestlers, the impact on health needs to be clarified in future studies.

Collegiate women's wrestling body fat percentage and minimum wrestling weight values: time for revisiting minimal body fat percent?

BACKGROUND: The estimation of body fat percentage (BF%) in wrestling is used to determine the minimum wrestling weight (MWW) and lowest allowable weight class (MWC) in which wrestlers are eligible to compete. A 12% minimum threshold is currently used for women wrestlers, yet a potential increase for safety has been discussed. Because of the novelty of collegiate women's wrestling, there is a paucity of literature available on the body composition norms of this population. The purpose of this study was to provide a descriptive summary of BF% and MWW values of female wrestlers and how MWW values would change with the use of different BF% thresholds. METHODS: Data from the 2022-2023 collegiate season were retrospectively analyzed resulting in a sample of 1,683 collegiate women wrestlers from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA, n = 868) and the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA, n = 815). All wrestlers completed skinfold assessments for weight certification at the start of the competition season. The skinfold values were used to estimate BF% using the Slaughter skinfold prediction equation. Frequency statistics and descriptive analysis were performed to compute normative MWW and BF% profiles. BF% thresholds of 12% (12MWW) and the BF% value defined as the lowest 5th percentile, which would be considered unusually lean, were used to determine the resulting MWW and MWC for each method. The lowest recorded weight and weight class division throughout the season was also recorded for each wrestler. RESULTS: There was a positively skewed (0.94) and platykurtic (1.86) distribution of MWW values. The median ± interquartile range BF% for all wrestlers was 27.4 ± 10.22%, with 17% BF representing the 5th percentile. Only 354 out of 1,579 (22.4%) wrestlers competed in their lowest allowable weight class, based on the 12MWW. Of these 354 wrestlers, the mean BF% was 21.3 ± 5.2% at weight certification with only n = 17 being at or below 12% body fat and an average weight loss of 11.1 ± 8.8 lbs. from the time of weight certification. Throughout the season, wrestlers competed at weights that were, on average (mean ± SD), 19.4 ± 16.9 lbs. higher than their 12MWW (95% CI: 18.6, 20.2 lbs. p < 0.001; effect size [ES] = 1.1), 13.4 ± 19.0 lbs. higher than the 17MWW (p < 0.001; ES = 0.70), and 8.7 ± 8.3 lbs. lower than their weight at the certification (95% CI: 8.3, 9.1 lbs. p < 0.001; ES = 1.1). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly all BF% values were well above the 12% threshold used to determine MWW. Increasing the minimum BF% threshold from 12% to 17% would affect a small percentage of wrestlers, likely reduce the need for excessive weight cutting, and minimize the deleterious health effects of an athlete at such a low BF%.

Molecular typing of a collection of Iranian clinical Trichophyton tonsurans isolates based on the non-transcribed spacer region of rDNA and antifungal susceptibility testing of the species.

INTRODUCTION: Wrestling, considered the national sport of Iran, has gained immense popularity among Iranians. Wrestlers frequently encounter skin conditions, with dermatophyte fungal infections, particularly tinea gladiatorum (TG), being a common issue. TG, caused by the Trichophyton genus, has emerged as a major health concern for wrestlers and other contact sport athletes worldwide. This study aimed to assess the genotypic diversity and antifungal susceptibility of Trichophyton tonsurans isolates responsible for TG in Iranian wrestlers from Mazandaran province, northern Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 clinical T. tonsurans isolates collected from various cities in Mazandaran, were included in the study. The isolates were identified through PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing methods. Genomic DNA was extracted from these isolates, and the non-transcribed spacer (NTS) region of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) was targeted for genotyping using newly designed primers. Haplotype analysis was performed to explore genetic diversity, and antifungal susceptibility to terbinafine (TRB) and itraconazole (ITC) was assessed. RESULTS: The results revealed five distinct NTS types: NTS-I, NTS-II, NTS-III, NTS-IV and NTS-V, with NTS-IV being the most prevalent. The distribution of NTS types varied across different cities, suggesting potential transmission patterns among wrestlers. Antifungal susceptibility testing showed that all isolates were susceptible to TRB, while one isolate demonstrated resistance to ITC. Genotypic diversity was not correlated with antifungal susceptibility, emphasising the importance of monitoring susceptibility to ensure effective treatment. Haplotype analysis highlighted significant genetic diversity among the T. tonsurans isolates. This diversity may be attributed to factors such as human-to-human transmission, geographic location and lifestyle changes. The study's findings underscore the need for comprehensive genotypic analysis to understand the epidemiology and evolution of T. tonsurans infections in athletes. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the genotypic diversity and antifungal susceptibility of T. tonsurans isolates causing TG in Iranian wrestlers. The presence of multiple NTS types and varying susceptibility patterns highlights the complexity of T. tonsurans infections in this population. Further research is warranted to track the transmission routes and genetic evolution of T. tonsurans strains among wrestlers and develop effective control measures.

An epidemiological study of martial arts injuries in patients presenting to US emergency rooms.

INTRODUCTION: With the advent of mixed martial arts (MMA) growing in popularity, there has been a described increase in its participation. The term MMA generally describes the hybridization of combat disciplines including but not limited to: karate, judo, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, taekwondo, boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. With increased participation in MMA and martial arts, differing physical demands are placed on participants. Due to the physical nature of combat sports, there are injuries associated with participation. The purpose of this study is to report the incidence and characteristics of injuries seen from various martial art disciplines presenting to United States Emergency Rooms in order to educate participants and providers alike about risks assumed with participating in martial arts. METHODS: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database was queried for martial arts-related injuries from 2009 to 2019. Cases were examined and data including patient age and gender, injury type and location, hospital disposition, and type of martial arts practiced were extracted. RESULTS: A total of 8,400 injuries were recorded, leading to a national estimate of 310,143 martial-arts related injuries over the 11 year period of 2009-2019 (95 % CI 239,063-381,223). The most common types of injuries were strains/sprains (n = 2664, 31.7 %), fractures (n = 1,575, 18.8 %), and contusions/abrasions (n = 1,698, 20.2 %). There were 260 dislocations, with shoulder dislocations being most common (n = 96, 36.9 %). Lower extremities were affected more frequently than upper extremities (n = 3566, 42.5 % versus n = 3026, 36.0 %), with the knee being the single most common location of injury (n = 811, 9.7 %). Males more commonly sustained fractures (19.7 % versus 17.4 %, p = 0.03) and dislocations (3.5 % versus 2.4 %, p = 0.01) when compared to females. Ankle injuries were more common in females than males (10.4 % versus 6.0 %, p < 0.001). Only 2.2 % of patients required admission to the hospital. Risk factors for admission included patients >35 years of age and male sex. CONCLUSION: Martial arts injuries are a significant source of musculoskeletal injuries among patients presenting to US emergency rooms. Lower extremity injuries are seen most frequently, with patients rarely requiring hospital admission. Using this information, both providers and participants may be better equipped to make educated decisions on injury prevention and treatment.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Wrestlers after International Tournaments, April 2021.

Epidemiologic and genomic investigation of SARS-CoV-2 infections in members of Japan's national wrestling team after participation in international tournaments in 2021 revealed multiple lineages of SARS-CoV-2 not reported in Japan. The attack rate among wrestlers was high. Results suggest possible transmission during matches. We recommend early case detection and response practices.

Two Cases of Herpes Gladiatorum Identified in a Korean Middle-School Wrestling Team: A Case Report.

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The Relationship among the Performance and the ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X Polymorphisms and some Anthropometric Factors in Arm Wrestlers.

Sport genetics has become increasingly important in recent years. The concept of performance includes genetic and anthropometric factors. These factors have not been adequately examined when the current literature is examined. One of the aims of this study is to identify a possible interaction between the ACE ID and ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms and the sedentary, national arm wrestlers and amateur arm wrestlers, while another aim is to reveal some physical differences between the same persons. The research included 24 arm wrestlers who were members of the Turkish national team, 23 amateur arm wrestlers with club licenses, and 34 sedentary, all of the wrestlers participated voluntarily in the research. The genotype distribution of the ACE gene and ACTN gene and the statistical significance of the R, X, I, and D allele frequencies were compared by the Chi-Square test. The Anova one-way variance analysis was used to assess the difference among the palm circumference, wrist circumference, and forearm width among the groups, the significance was tested at p<.05 level. After the data was evaluated,  significant differences were not found statistically in ACE nor ACTN3 polymorphisms in terms of the three groups (p>0.05). In addition, statistically significant differences were found in the palm, wrist, and forearm circumferences of the arm wrestlers who were the members of the Turkish national team compared especially to the sedentary (p<0.05). From the conducted research it was concluded that the success of the athlete in arm wrestling could not be directly explained by the ACE and ACTN3 genotypic characteristics. Another result revealed by this study was that the success of the athlete in arm wrestling was more related to palm, wrist, and forearm circumferences.

Influence of different recovery intervals on time under tension, total training volume, and fatigue index in horizontal bench press exercise in young male wrestling athletes.

BACKGROUND: The recovery interval (RI) seems to be a variable closely related to the training volume since it can determine the performance after this rest time. This study investigated the influence of different recovery intervals on time under tension (TUT), total training volume (TTV), and Fatigue Index (FI) in the horizontal bench press exercise. METHODS: Eighteen male wrestling athletes underwent three visits: 1st) performed the 10-repetition maximum (10RM) test; 2nd and 3rd) performed 5 sets of up to 10 repetitions with 1 minute (RI1) and 3 minutes (RI3) of passive RI with randomized entry. TUT, number of repetitions, TTV and FI data were collected or calculated. RESULTS: TUT was lower in sets 5 (P<0.001) for RI1 when compared to RI3, with no significant difference for the other 4 sets. The number of repetitions for RI1 was lower when compared to RI3 in sets 3 (P=0.018), 4 (P=0.023), and 5 (P<0.001), with no significant difference in sets 1 and 2. The FI was significantly higher for RI1 (P<0.001); however, TTV was significantly higher for RI3 (P=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Different RI influenced the TUT and the number of repetitions along 5 sets in the horizontal bench press exercise. Moreover, these two variables showed different behavior when compared under the same condition (RI1 or RI3), especially after the third set. Using longer RI demonstrated a greater ability to maintain TTV and less negative effect of fatigue in young male wrestling athletes.

An unusual injury pattern: arm wrestling injury, treatment modalities, clinical outcomes, and return to sport.

BACKGROUND: In the sport of arm wrestling, the great rotational force is applied to the upper extremity, which can result in muscle and tendon injuries in the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints, and even bone fractures. The aim of this study was to present the treatment modalities, functional outcomes, and return to sport after arm wrestling injuries. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was made of the trauma mechanisms, treatment modalities, clinical outcomes, and time of return to sports of patients admitted to our hospital with an arm wrestling injury between 2008 and 2020. At the final follow-up examination, the functional scores (DASH score and constant score) of the patients were evaluated. RESULTS: Evaluation was made of 22 patients comprising 18 (82%) males and 4 (18%) females with a mean age of 20±6.1 years (range, 12-33 years). Two (10%) patients were professional arm wrestlers. The DASH scores at the final follow-up (mean 4 years) examination were 0.57 (min: 0 and max: 1.7) for the patients with humerus shaft fracture. All the patients with isolated soft-tissue injuries returned to sports within 1 month. Patients with humeral shaft fractures returned to sports later and had a lower functional score (P<0.05). There was no disability in any patient during long-term follow-up. Patients with soft-tissue injuries continued arm wrestling more than patients with bone injuries (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study constitutes the largest patient series evaluating patients presenting at a health-care institution with any complaint after arm wrestling. Arm wrestling is not a sport that only results in bone pathologies. Therefore, providing the participants in this sport with information that they may be injured in arm wrestling but there will be a full recovery, may reassure and encourage them.

Clinical Characteristics, Mechanism, and Outcome of Humeral Shaft Fractures Sustained during Arm Wrestling in Young Men: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: Humeral fractures are common in arm wrestling and other sports and military activities requiring similar movements; however, the precise mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we present an overview of the characteristics, possible mechanisms, and treatment of humeral shaft fractures sustained during arm wrestling. METHODS: We reviewed 8 years (January 2013 to January 2021) of medical records and retrospectively analyzed data from 27 patients with humeral shaft fractures sustained during arm wrestling. The clinical data included sex, age, affected arm, alcohol consumption, muscle warm-up, history of competitive participation, opponents' characteristics, wrist position, and post-fracture radial nerve injuries. The fracture configurations were radiographically assessed and analyzed. Surgical management included single or dual plating. Scores on the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH) were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at the last follow-up visit. RESULTS: All fractures sustained during arm wrestling were spiral fractures of the distal third of the humerus. Of these, 11 were 12-A1 type and 16 were 12-B2 type with a wedge fragment. The two subtypes differed in the total fracture line length (12-A1: 0.18 ± 0.04; 12-B2: 0.23 ± 0.04; P < 0.001). The radial nerve injury rate was 0/11 (0%) in patients with 12-A1 type fractures and 7/16 (43.8%) in patients with 12-B2 type fractures (P = 0.011). Most patients were young men (mean age, ~25 years) with a history of competitively participating in arm wrestling for >2 years. Cold seasonal temperatures and a lack of warm-ups increased the risk of injury. All patients showed improved DASH scores at the last follow-up (12-A1:77.82 ± 5.14 to 10.25 [5.38]; 12-B2:78.91 ± 7.46 to 8.95 [3.17]; P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed among the different surgical treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals who participated in arm wrestling were at risk of humeral shaft fractures (type 12-A1 or 12-B2). The 12-B2 type occurs with a wedge fragment and is frequently accompanied by radial nerve injuries. The characteristics of arm-wrestling fractures and the mechanism(s) underlying these fractures can help orthopedic surgeons understand the causes of these fractures and similar fractures sustained in traditional sports. This understanding will help surgeons choose more effective surgical treatments that will result in more desirable functional outcomes and a faster return to work.

Luchadoras Pensadoras: Reframing the development outcomes of Latina high school wrestlers.

Many necessary developmental assets and competencies can be accrued through the participation of sport that aid in the holistic healthy development of adolescent girls; however, much research in this area has focused on adolescent girls as a monolithic group, disregarding the specific outcomes of sport for girls of color. Through analysis of semistructured interviews of 31 Latina high school wrestlers, we identified various developmental outcomes associated with their sport involvement. We apply a new epistemological approach to positive youth development within the context of sports development through the usage of extensive narratives of two of the girls. This study explores adolescent Latinas' involvement in high school wrestling, a sport that is widely male dominated yet rising in popularity.