Vitalidad Subjetiva, Bienestar Psicológico y Fortaleza Mental en Deportes de Combate / Vitalidade Subjetiva, Bem-Estar Psicológico e Resistência Mental em Esportes de Combate / Subjective Vitality, Psychological Wellbeing and Mental Strength in Combat Sports

La percepción de vitalidad es crítica para el funcionamiento físico, psicológico, y para el bienestar psicológico de los deportistas. Las investigaciones en el ámbito del deporte indican que existe una alta correlación entre vitalidad subjetiva y bienestar psicológico, siendo la fortaleza mental una variable protectora para la salud, ya que aumenta el bienestar psicológico. Por ello, el objetivo del presente estudio es conocer el nivel de bienestar psicológico y las posibles relaciones que existen entre los tres constructos en una muestra de adolescentes y adultos jóvenes de alto rendimiento deportivo en deportes de combate. Los resultados indican que existe una relación positiva entre las tres variables, siendo la vitalidad la que explica parte de la fortaleza mental y el bienestar psicológico con un efecto del tamaño alto. Además, la Fortaleza Mental es mediador de la relación de vitalidad subjetiva con bienestar psicológico (B=.122; SE= .028; LLCI=.073; ULCI=.183). Es decir, la vitalidad subjetiva influye en el bienestar psicológico mediante la fortaleza mental. Por tanto, la fortaleza mental no solo es importante como constructo, sino que en este estudio desempeña un rol de mediador. Parece importante el desarrollo de programas de intervención a jóvenes deportistas para la adquisición de habilidades centradas en las variables estudiadas. (AU)

The perception of vitality is essential for physical, psychological functioning and for the psychological well-being of athletes.Research in sport psychology indicates thatthere is a high correlation between subjective vitality and psychological wellbeing, being mental strength a protective variable for health, since it increases psychological wellbeing. Therefore, the objective of this study is to know the level of psychological well-being and the possible relationships between the three constructs in a sample of adolescents and young adults with high athletic performance in combat sports.The results indicate that there is a positive relationship between the three variables, being vitality that explains part of mental strength and psychological wellbeing with a high effect size. In addition, the Mental Force is a mediator of the relationship of subjective vitality with psychological wellbeing(B=.122; SE= .028; LLCI=.073; ULCI=.183).That is, subjective vitality influences psychological well-being through mental strength. Therefore, mental toughness is not only important as a construct, but plays a mediating role in this study. It seems important to develop intervention programs for young athletes for the acquisition of skills focused on the variables studied. (AU)

A percepção da vitalidade é fundamental para o funcionamentofísico, psicológicoalém de para o bem-estar psicológico dos atletas. Pesquisas na área do esporteindicam que existe uma alta correlação entre vitalidade subjetiva e bem-estar psicológico, sendo a força mental umavariávelprotetora para a saúde, pois aumenta o bem-estar psicológico. Neste sentido, o alvodesteestudo é conhecer o nível de bem-estar psicológico e as possíveisrelações que existem entre os trêsconstrutos em umaamostra de adolescentes e adultos jovenscom alto desempenho atlético em esportes de combate. Os resultados mostram que existe umarelação positiva entre as trêsvariáveis, com a vitalidade explicando parte da força mental e do bem-estar psicológico comumtamanho de efeito alto. Alémdisso, a Resistência Mental medeia a relação entre vitalidade subjetiva e bem-estar psicológico(B=.122; SE= .028; LLCI=.073; ULCI=.183). Ouseja, a vitalidade subjetiva influencia o bem-estar psicológico através da resistência mental. Portanto, a resistência mental não é apenas importante como construto, mas tambémdesempenhaum papel mediador nesteestudo. Parece importante desenvolver programas de intervenção para jovens atletas para aquisição de habilidades focadasnasvariáveis estudadas. (AU)

Changes in the Hormonal Profile of Athletes following a Combat Sports Performance.

RESULTS: Following fighting, the adrenaline concentration was significantly higher in all athletes, most markedly in K (p < 0.001). Baseline cortisol and BDNF levels did not differ among the groups and rose significantly in all the groups after the performance. Baseline testosterone concentration was slightly higher in K than in JSW and rose in all the groups to reach similar levels; the increase in T was significantly higher than in K. CONCLUSIONS: Despite substantial differences in the characteristics of the combat sports investigated, including the type of physical effort and the required balance between restraint and aggression, the performance in each of them gives rise to similar hormonal changes with a possible exception of karate showing higher stress hormone levels.

Dimensión psicológica en el proceso de formación del luchador olímpico español / Psychological dimension in the formation process of the Spanish Olympic wrestler

El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer cómo se ha llevado a cabo el trabajo psicológico en el proceso de formación deportiva de los luchadores olímpicos españoles. Partiendo de un enfoque cualitativo, el instrumento utilizado fue una entrevista semi-estructurada, la cual se aplicó a 21 luchadores olímpicos. Los resultados muestran que los deportistas conceden gran importancia a los factores psicológicos en su disciplina, y que son fundamentales en la etapa de alta competición para alcanzar la excelencia. Consideran la motivación y la autoconfianza como las variables psicológicas más significativas en el rendimiento deportivo y predictoras del éxito en lucha. También se valoran aspectos necesarios como la capacidad de sacrificio, constancia, disciplina y perseverancia. Estiman que no han trabajado adecuadamente los aspectos psicológicos, y solo en épocas recientes se ha incorporado la figura del psicólogo deportivo a su entrenamiento

The aim of this study was to know how psychological work has been carried out in sports training process of Spanish Olympic wrestlers. From a qualitative perspective, the instrument used was a semi-structured interview, which was applied to 21 Olympic wrestlers. The results show that athletes attach great importance to psychological factors in their discipline, and that they are essential at the high competition stage to achieve excellence.They consider motivation and self-confidence as the most significant psychological variables in sports performance, and predictors of wrestling success. Also necessary aspects such as a capacity for self-sacrifice, constancy, discipline and perseverance are valued. They estimate that psychological aspects have not been properly trained, and only in recent times has the figure of the sports psychologist been incorporated into their training

The Relationship Between Spiritual Intelligence and Aggression Among Elite Wrestlers in Hamadan Province of IRAN.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between spiritual intelligence and aggression among elite wrestlers of adolescent age group. The present study was descriptive of correlation type in terms of method and applied in terms of purpose. The population of this research was the elite wrestlers of adolescents age group aged 14-17 (mean and SD of 15.27 ± 1.33) using the convenient sampling method for adolescent wrestling teams of Hamedan clubs selected as samples. To measure variables, King's spiritual intelligence scale and Bass and Perry aggression questionnaire were used. Pearson correlation coefficient and simple regression method were used for data analysis. Results showed a significant negative relationship between spiritual intelligence and aggression. The spiritual intelligence scores also have a significant effect on aggression. The findings show that the higher the spiritual intelligence, the less likely the aggression of the elite wrestlers in different competitions and they can have a better performance than others.

Motivación de logro en deportistas de combate de élite: Evaluación objetiva computeritzada / Achievement motivation in elite combat athletes: computerised objective assessment / Motivação para a conquista em esportes de combate de elite: avaliação objetiva computorizada

El objetivo del estudio fue identificar las diferencias en la motivación relacionadas con la tarea, la motivación hacia las metas personales, el nivel de aspiración y la motivación relacionada con la competencia en deportes de combate, según género, tipo de deporte y nivel competitivo. Para superar las limitaciones de las evaluaciones de la motivación mediante autoinformes, se evaluó la motivación de logro mediante una prueba objetiva computerizada, el Objective Achievement Motivation Test (OLMT, Schuhfried(R)). La muestra estuvo compuesta por 69 deportistas de combate de judo y lucha. Se realizó un análisis MANOVA para analizar las diferencias en género (masculino y femenino), tipo de deporte (lucha y judo) y nivel competitivo (deportistas de alto rendimiento y deportistas de menor nivel), así como pruebas t para muestras independientes. Se encontraron únicamente diferencias significativas en la variable nivel de aspiración respecto al género, con un tamaño del efecto moderado alto a favor de las mujeres (d(R) .6). Estos resultados apuntan en dos direcciones: en primer lugar, a plantear las diferencias respecto a otros estudios sobre motivación de logro en los que aparecen diferencias significativas mediante el uso de autoinformes. En segundo lugar, enfatizar la importancia de profundizar en el estudio del nivel de aspiración como aspecto central de la motivación de logro, que podría explicar la implicación deportiva en los deportes de combate, así como su relación con variables como satisfacción, tolerancia a la frustración o abandono deportivo. Se defiende el uso de la evaluación psicológica computerizada, justificando pruebas como el OLMT para ser más precisos en los resultados de los estudios realizados en el marco de la motivación deportiva

The objective of the study was to identify the differences in task motivation, personal goal motivation, aspiration level, and competence motivation in combat sports, depending on gender, type of sport and competitive level. To overcome the limitations of self-report motivation assessments, achievement motivation was assessed by means of a computerised objective test, the Objective Achievement Motivation Test (OLMT, Schuhfried(R)). The sample comprised 69 judo and wrestling combat athletes. A MANOVA test was carried out to analyse the differences in gender (male and female), type of sport (wrestling and judo), and competitive level (high-performance athletes and lower level athletes), as well as t-tests for independent samples. Significant differences were only found in the aspiration level variable in terms of gender, with a moderate-to-high effect size in favour of women (d(R) .6). These results point in two directions: first, to consider differences in comparison to other studies on achievement motivation, in which significant differences appear when self-report is used. Second, emphasise the importance of going deeper into the study of the aspiration level as a core aspect of achievement motivation, which could explain sports engagement in combat sports, as well as its relationship with variables such as satisfaction, tolerance to frustration or sport abandonment. The use of the computerised psychological assessment is defended by justifying tests such as the OLMT to achieve more accurate results in studies conducted within the framework of sport motivation

O objetivo do estudo foi identificar as diferenças de motivação relacionadas à tarefa e às metas pessoais, nível de aspiração e a motivação à competição em esportes de combate, em função das variáveis: sexo; modalidade esportiva; e nível competitivo. Para superar as limitações das avaliações do constructo motivação por meio de autorrelatos, a motivação para a conquista foi mensurada com o uso do teste objetivo computadorizado Objective Achievement Motivation Test (OLMT, Schuhfried(R)). A amostra foi composta por 69 atletas de judô e luta livre. Para testagem das variáveis sexo (feminino e masculino), modalidade esportiva (luta livre e judô) e nível competitivo (elite e atletas de nível inferior), utilizou-se a análise de variância multivariada (MANOVA) e o teste t para amostras independentes. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas apenas para a variável nível de aspiração, quando relacionada ao sexo, com um tamanho de efeito moderadamente alto em favor das mulheres (d(R) .6). Esses resultados apontam para duas direções: primeiro, aumenta as diferenças com relação a outros estudos sobre motivação para a conquista, nos quais diferenças significativas são encontradas com o uso de autorrelatos. Em segundo lugar, enfatiza a importância de aprofundar o estudo do nível de aspiração como um aspecto central da motivação para a conquista, o que poderia explicar o envolvimento esportivo em modalidades de combate, bem como sua relação com variáveis como satisfação, tolerância à frustração ou abandono esportivo. Defende-se o uso da avaliação psicológica computadorizada, por meio de testes como o OLMT, visando a maior precisão nos resultados de estudos relacionados da motivação esportiva

Anticipatory Salivary Cortisol and State Anxiety Before Competition Predict Match Outcome in Division I Collegiate Wrestlers.

Cintineo, HP and Arent, SM. Anticipatory salivary cortisol and state anxiety before competition predict match outcome in Division I collegiate wrestlers. J Strength Cond Res 33(11): 2905-2908, 2019-Anticipation of exercise and other stressors has been shown to result in physiological and psychological changes, which include increased levels of cortisol and anxiety. Combat sports, in particular, typically elicit robust anticipatory responses because of the distinct nature of these sports. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationship between state anxiety scores, anticipatory cortisol response, and performance outcomes in college wrestlers. A secondary purpose was to determine the correlation between anticipatory cortisol and state anxiety scores. Twenty-six collegiate wrestlers were recruited to undergo saliva collection and to complete the State Anxiety Inventory before a wrestling match and again on a rest day in a time-matched, control session. Univariate analyses revealed that both salivary cortisol and anxiety were greater before competition than on a rest day. In addition, it was found that losers had higher levels of anticipatory cortisol and anxiety compared with winners. A significant correlation between salivary cortisol and anxiety was found as well. These data show that higher cortisol and anxiety may negatively affect performance. Athletes and coaches should work together to determine optimal levels of arousal and should aim to replicate this during both training and competition to ensure consistently high levels of performance through appropriate preparation.

Significado do judô paralímpico: um estudo de caso / Significado del judo paralímpico: un estudio de caso / The meaning of the paralympic judo: acase study

Na busca pela compreensão do significado do judô paralímpico e do impacto desta modalidade na vida do atleta, foi desenvolvido um estudo de caso, de natureza qualitativa, com a participação de um atleta paralímpico da seleção brasileira de judô, que obteve resultados importantes no cenário internacional. A Abordagem História Oral de Vida fundamentou a realização da entrevista, salientou o fenômeno da vida do atleta e privilegiou uma visão contextualizada da situação e dos processos de interação deste atleta com descrição de eventos de sua vida antes e durante a trajetória esportiva, e a expressão de sua luta e estratégias de superação das adversidades. Também foi possível conhecer a trajetória esportiva, o processo de aceitação da deficiência e a aderência ao esporte adaptado. O esporte significou a possibilidade de exercer sua autonomia e, ao mesmo tempo, desempenhar seu papel social e representou o espaço para mostrar sua competência e obter reconhecimento social, a partir do bom desempenho obtido e das vitórias. Assim, pode-se concluir que a ocorrência de um determinado fenômeno (no caso a cegueira) foi ao mesmo tempo um produto e um produtor da mudança evolutiva do atleta

Resumen En la búsqueda por la comprensión del significado del judo paralímpico y del impacto de esta modalidad en la vida del atleta, se desarrolló un estudio de caso, de naturaleza cualitativa, con la participación de un atleta paralímpico de la selección brasileña de judo, que obtuvo resultados importantes en el escenario internacional . El Enfoque Historia Oral de Vida fundamentó la realización de la entrevista, subrayó el fenómeno de la vida del atleta y privilegió una visión contextualizada de la situación y de los procesos de interacción de este atleta con descripción de eventos de su vida antes y durante la trayectoria deportiva, y la expresión de su lucha y estrategias de superación de las adversidades. También fue posible conocer la trayectoria deportiva, el proceso de aceptación de la discapacidad y la adherencia al deporte adaptado. El deporte significó la posibilidad de ejercer su autonomía y, al mismo tiempo, desempeñar su papel social y representó el espacio para mostrar su competencia y obtener reconocimiento social, a partir del buen desempeño obtenido y de las victorias. Así, se puede concluir que la ocurrencia de un determinado fenómeno (en el caso de la ceguera) fue al mismo tiempo un producto y un productor del cambio evolutivo del atleta

In the search for an understanding of the meaning of Paralympic judo and the impact of this modality on the athlete's life, a case study of a qualitative nature was developed with the participation of a Paralympic athlete of the Brazilian judo team, who obtained important results in the international scenario. The Oral History of Life Approach based the interview, emphasized the phenomenon of the athlete's life and privileged a contextualized view of the situation and the interaction processes of this athlete with a description of events of his life before and during the sporting trajectory, and the expression of their struggle and strategies to overcome adversities. It was also possible to know the sporting trajectory, the process of acceptance of the disability and the adherence to the adapted sport. The sport meant the possibility of exercising its autonomy and, at the same time, playing its social role and represented the space to show its competence and obtain social recognition, from the good performance obtained and the victories. Thus, it can be concluded that the occurrence of a certain phenomenon (in this case blindness) was at the same time a product and a producer of the evolutionary change of the athlete

Optimismo versus pesimismo precompetitivo en los deportes de combate olímpicos. Diferencias de género, ranking y campeones / O otimismo em relação pessimismo pré-competitivo esportes de combate Olímpicos. Diferenças de gênero, rankings e campeões / Optimism versus pre-competitive pessimism in Olympic combat sports. Gender differences, ranking and champions

El objetivo de este estudio ha sido analizar la influencia previa del optimismo y pesimismo en los Campeonatos de España de cada una de las disciplinas de combate olímpicas examinadas, así como observar las diferencias de género, ranking campeonato y campeones. La muestra total fue de 183 hombres y mujeres especialistas en las modalidades de combate de lucha olímpica, taekwondo y boxeo que cumplimentaron a el cuestionario LOT-R, en su versión española, entre 30 y 60 minutos antes del pesaje oficial de sus respectivos campeonatos nacionales. Los resultados demuestran un mayor número de deportistas optimistas de sexo masculino (85,2%), en relación con las atletas del sexo femenino (72,7%). Con respecto a los competidores que subieron a lo más alto del podio, sólo podemos encontrar 5 deportistas pesimistas, frente a los 17 del resto de clasificados. Los datos referentes al ranking del campeonato, medallistas y no medallistas, fueron muy similares, tanto para pesimistas como optimistas. Los resultados de este estudio van a facilitar la elaboración de escalas de puntuación pre-competitivas a los deportistas de combate y sus entrenadores, así como orientar y ayudar en los métodos habituales de selección y detección talentos en deportes de combate (AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a influência anterior de otimismo e pessimismo no Campeonato de Espanha de cada Olímpicos disciplinas de combate examinados e observou as diferenças de gênero, e ranking campeões campeonato. A amostra total foi de 183 masculinos e femininos especialistas modalidades de combate de luta livre, taekwondo e boxe preenchido o questionário LOT-R, em sua versão em espanhol, de 30 a 60 minutos antes da pesagem oficial dos respectivos campeonatos nacionais. Os resultados mostram atletas mais otimistas do sexo masculino (85,2%), em relação a atletas do sexo feminino (72,7%). Com relação aos concorrentes que subiu ao topo do pódio, só podemos encontrar 5 atletas pessimistas, em comparação com 17 no resto do anúncio. Dados relativos aos medalhistas campeonato de classificação e não-medalhistas, foram muito semelhantes para ambos pessimista e otimista. Os resultados deste estudo irá facilitar o desenvolvimento de escalas atletas de combate pré-competitivos e seus treinadores marcar, bem como guia e auxiliar nos métodos usuais de seleção e talentos de triagem em esportes de combate (AU)

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the optimism and pessimism in the Spanish championships of each of the Olympic combat disciplines examined, as well as to assess differences by gender, ranking and champions. The total sample was 183 subjects, all of them specialist in wrestling, taekwondo and boxing. Everyone conducted the LOT-R questionnaire, in the Spanish version, 30 to 60 minutes before the official weighing of their respective national championships. The results show a higher number of male athletes optimistic (85,2%), in relation to female athletes (72,7%). The data regarding the ranking championship medalists and non-medalists were very similar for both pessimistic and optimistic. These results indicate that it may be helpful for combat athletes and their coaches develop pre-competitive scales score as well as to assist in the usual methods of talents selection (AU)

Perfeccionismo y «alarma adaptativa» a la ansiedad en deportes de combate / Perfeccionismo e «alarme adaptativa» na ansiedade em esportes de combate / Perfectionism and «adaptative alarm» to anxiety in sports figthing

La descripción de las relaciones diferenciales entre la personalidad y la respuesta deportiva ha permitido ofrecer explicación sobre el comportamiento psicológico de las personas cuando practican deporte. Por otra parte, han sido más reducidos los estudios realizados en particular en los deportes de combate. El presente estudio se dirige al análisis de cómo los indicadores de perfeccionismo se relacionan con la vulnerabilidad y sensibilidad a la sintomatología de ansiedad. La muestra consta de 110 deportistas de combate, de los cuales 78 hombres y 32 mujeres. Se han utilizado diferentes cuestionarios adaptados a población española para la medición del perfeccionismo (FMPS) y sensibilidad a la ansiedad (ASI-3). Los resultados sugieren que la falta de coherencia entre las exigencias personales y la organización propia para el deporte (rutinas personales en entrenamientos, descansos, preparación de competiciones, etc.) se relacionan de forma significativa con confusión y discrepancias cognitivas. En la diferenciación por género, las mujeres señalan diferencias de significación en normas personales y vulnerabilidad a la ansiedad social. Son las dudas sobre acciones y percepción de las expectativas paternas, las dimensiones del perfeccionismo que más alteran la reactividad a la ansiedad social y física. Es posible afirmar, que si bien se afirma la existencia de sensibilidad a la sintomatología de ansiedad, la falta de recursos para su entendimiento e intervención permitirán el desarrollo de la patología de ansiedad, la detección precoz de elementos claves en su relación con la personalidad permitirá anticipar y preparar al deportista ante su aparición, a través de estrategias y recursos integrados en el entrenamiento psicológico que convierta señales negativas en «alarmas adaptativas» para la práctica y ejecución deportiva (AU)

The description of the characteristics of personality in sports has been one of the most popular topics for Sport Psychology, there are different lines of investigation. However, they have been smaller studies especially in combat sports. This study addresses the analysis of how the indicators of perfectionism relate to the vulnerability and sensitivity to anxiety symptoms. The sample consists of 110 athletes of combat, of which 78 men and 32 women. Different questionnaires were used to measure the study’s variables, all of them adapted to Spanish population. We used different questionnaires adapted to Spanish population for the measurement of perfectionism (FMPS) and anxiety sensitivity (ASI-3). Results suggest that the lack of consistency between personal standards and own organization for sport (personal routines in training, rest, preparation of competitions, etc.) relate significantly with cognitive confusion and discrepancies. Differentiation by gender, women report significant differences in personal standards and vulnerability to social anxiety. Are doubts about actions and perceptions of parental expectations, the dimensions of perfectionism that more reactivity to alter social and physical anxiety. It can be said that although the existence of sensitivity symptoms of anxiety states, lack of resources for understanding and intervention will allow the development of the pathology of anxiety, early detection of key elements in their relationship with the personality allow anticipate and prepare for the athlete before his appearance through integrated strategies and psychological training to convert negative signals «adaptive alarms» sports practice and implementation resources (AU)

A descrição das relações diferenciais entre personalidade e a resposta no esporte, tem permitido oferecer explicações sobre o comportamento psicológico das pessoas quando elas praticam desporto. Por outro lado, eles têm sido estudos menores, especialmente em esportes de combate. Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar como os indicadores de perfeccionismo se relacionam com a vulnerabilidade e sensibilidade a sintomas de ansiedade. A amostra é constituída por 110 atletas de combate, dos quais 78 homens e 32 mulheres. Foram utilizados questionários diferentes adaptadas à população espanhola para medir o perfeccionismo (FMPS) e sensibilidade à ansiedade (ASI-3). Os resultados sugerem que a falta de coerência entre as necessidades pessoais e da organização para o esporte (rotinas pessoal de treinamento, pausas, preparação de competições, etc.) se relacionam significativamente com a confusão e as discrepâncias cognitivas. Respeito da diferenciação por gênero, as mulheres relatam diferenças significativas nos padrões pessoais ea vulnerabilidade à ansiedade social. Dúvidas sobre as ações e percepções de expectativas dos pais, as dimensões do perfeccionismo que alteram ainda mais a reatividade a ansiedade social e física. Pode-se dizer que, embora a existência de sintomas de sensibilidade de estados de ansiedade, falta de recursos para a compreensão e intervenção permitirá o desenvolvimento da patologia da ansiedade, a detecção precoce de elementos-chave na sua relação com a personalidade vão permitir antecipar e preparar o atleta antes de sua aparição através de estratégias e meios integrados no treinamento psicológico para transformar os sinais negativos em «alarmes adaptativas» para a prática dos esportes (AU)

STATES OF PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS OF ELITE ATHLETES IN DIFFERENT AGING GROUPS.

The influences of aging peculiarities in elite athletes on the psychophysiological states on the stage of the maximum capacity were studied. Three groups of athletes with different age were studied. The first group was composed of the athletes aged 18-20, the second one included athletes aged 21-25, the third group included athletes aged 26-34, and were the members of the team of Ukraine in Greco-Roman wrestling. We revealed that elite athletes of older age group were significantly different from the younger by the presence of a large fatigue with the decline of autonomy when forming strategies of sports activities and more perfect the mechanism of autonomic reactions. The aging deterioration of perception of visual information in elite athletes of older age group manifested in a significant decrease of productivity, efficiency and speed for comparison with the groups of younger athletes. Also, in elite athletes older age group there is a significantly higher level of tension of autonomic regulation of heart rhythm compared with young athletes and the presence of more optimal activation of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.

Wrestlers with Limb Deficiencies: A Descriptive Study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine if wrestling is a safe, positive athletic option for limb-deficient individuals. DESIGN: This descriptive study consisted of an opportunity sample of limb-deficient wrestlers, aged 5 yrs and older with at least 1 yr of experience. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding health, satisfaction, and achievements. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: Sixteen male wrestlers reported nine below-the-knee, five above-the-knee, and three below-the-elbow limb deficiencies. There were nine congenital deficiencies and seven amputations acquired during childhood. Two individuals won National Collegiate Athletic Association championships, and seven competed collegiately. All reported a positive impact on quality-of-life, 87% reported no difficulty finding acceptance with the team, and 50% experienced wrestling-related residual limb complications. Associations between (1) residual limb complications before and during wrestling and (2) skin breakdown before and during wrestling did not demonstrate statistical significance (P = 0.30 and 0.1189, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that wrestling is a safe, positive sport for limb-deficient individuals, that it fosters competitive equality between impaired and nonimpaired participants, and that it has a positive impact on health and quality-of-life. The incidence of residual limb complications warrants monitoring.

[ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FOUR SEROTONIC GENES POLYMORPHISM (5HTTL, 5HT1A, 5HT2A, AND MAOA) AND PERSONALITY TRAITS IN WRESTLERS AND CONTROL GROUP].

This study presents the data on the polymorphisms of the serotonin system genes (5-HTTL, 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and MAOA) in male and female wrestlers and in the control group. The population genetics analysis of the 5HTTL gene showed the highest frequency of the SS genotype 5-HTTLPR in sportsmen (p = 0.04), as well as the trend toward higher frequency of united genotypes of the locus of 5-HTTLPR VNTR and SNP rs25531--SASA (p = 0.06) in comparison with the control group. As for the polymorphisms for other genes 5-HT1A (rs6295), 5-HT2A (rs6311), and MAOA (VNTR), we found no significant differences between the groups tested. Using the NEO PI-R questionnaire we analyzed the possible correlations between the genotypes and the psychological traits in our samples. It was demonstrated that the athletic success in elite sportsmen was associated with lower openness to experience and higher conscientiousness. The interaction effect of the gender and 5-HT2A on the self-rating for openness to experience, interaction effect of the level of the sport success and 5-HT2A, and the interaction effect of the gender and 5-HT1A genotype on self-reported conscientiousness were observed as a trend.

"The margin for error": Ritual coping with cultural pressures.

Meritocratic sport cultures, media attention, coaches' ambitions, and "enthused" parents create stress and make coping pivotal for athletes' performance. A transdisciplinary dialogue between a sports-sociologist and a sport-psychologist manifests ritual practices in athletes' lived sport experiences as coping strategies. Based on two empirical strands, field observations of boy's handball and interviews with elite male wrestlers', analysis of pregame routines scrutinize psychosocial dimensions of athletes' ritual practice. The implications of ritual meaning making are investigated as a means to cope with sport specific sociocultural anxieties. Rituals are interpreted as psychosocial processes applied to construct perceived order and comfort in stressful sport milieus. We contend that it is reasonable to believe that successful coping is not solely because of athletes' psychological competencies and experiences, but also their ability to ritually use culture in meaningful ways. To manifest important contextual aspects of athletes' lived sport experiences, to nurture task-oriented sport milieus, and to create change in sport and physical cultural contexts, we consequently suggest that the cultural meanings applied in ritual should be an important aspect to address.

[Perception, processing of visual information and resistance to emotional stresses in athletes of different ages].

Among the numerous studies devoted to the study of perception and information processing, no data available on the effects of age on these processes. In this paper we studied the influence of psycho-emotional stress and different levels of stress on the mental processes of perception and information processing in highly skilled athletes divided into two groups. The first group included the athletes aged 19-24 years (12 athletes, members of the Ukrainian team in Greco-Roman wrestling), the second group included the athletes aged 27-31 years (7 highly skilled athletes, members of the Ukrainian team in Greco-Roman wrestling). We revealed that the athletes of the first group had higher productivity and better visual perception and visual information processing efficiency, compared with athletes from the second group. This observation suggests a dependency of cognitive component of perception and information processing on the age of the athletes. Sportsmen from the second group had higher stress resistance compared to the older age group.

Practices of weight regulation among elite athletes in combat sports: a matter of mental advantage?

CONTEXT: The combination of extensive weight loss and inadequate nutritional strategies used to lose weight rapidly for competition in weight-category sports may negatively affect athletic performance and health. OBJECTIVE: To explore the reasoning of elite combat-sport athletes about rapid weight loss and regaining of weight before competitions. DESIGN: Qualitative study. SETTING: With grounded theory as a theoretical framework, we employed a cross-examinational approach including interviews, observations, and Internet sources. Sports observations were obtained at competitions and statements by combat-sport athletes were collected on the Internet. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Participants in the interviews were 14 Swedish national team athletes (9 men, 5 women; age range, 18 to 36 years) in 3 Olympic combat sports (wrestling, judo, and taekwondo). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Semistructured interviews with 14 athletes from the Swedish national teams in wrestling, judo, and taekwondo were conducted at a location of each participant's choice. The field observations were conducted at European competitions in these 3 sports. In addition, interviews and statements made by athletes in combat sports were collected on the Internet. RESULTS: Positive aspects of weight regulation other than gaining physical advantage emerged from the data during the analysis: sport identity, mental diversion, and mental advantage. Together and individually, these categories point toward the positive aspects of weight regulation experienced by the athletes. Practicing weight regulation mediates a self-image of being "a real athlete." Weight regulation is also considered mentally important as a part of the precompetition preparation, serving as a coping strategy by creating a feeling of increased focus and commitment. Moreover, a mental advantage relative to one's opponents can be gained through the practice of weight regulation. CONCLUSIONS: Weight regulation has mentally important functions extending beyond the common notion that combat-sport athletes reduce their weight merely to gain a physical edge over their opponents.

Habilidades psicológicas fundamentales en las Luchas Olímpicas / Fundamental psychological skills in Olympic Wrestling

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo analizar las posibles diferencias en determinadas habilidades psicológicas fundamentales para el rendimiento deportivo en practicantes de luchas olímpicas a nivel competitivo (96 luchadores/as del programa nacional de tecnificación deportiva en las categorías cadete y juvenil de la Federación Española de Luchas Olímpicas). El estudio examina igualmente la relevancia de las variables sexo del deportista y su nivel competitivo (Élite o Amateur) en dichas diferencias. A través de la aplicación del Inventario Psicológico de Ejecución Deportiva (IPED), adaptación del PPI de Loehr, se obtienen diferencias estadísticamente significativas en Nivel Motivacional, con puntuaciones superiores de las mujeres, y en Autoconfianza donde los luchadores de nivel Élite promedian puntuaciones superiores a los Amateur, tanto en hombres como en mujeres (AU)

This study was undertaken to determine differences in certain psychological skills critical to the sport performance in competitive Olympic wrestling athletes (96 male and female wrestlers within the youth national program in cadet and junior categories of the Spanish Wrestling Federation. This study also analyzes the possible effects of the sex and the competitive level (elite or amateur) in these differences. Through the implementation of the Sport Psychological Performance Inventory, adaptation of the Loehr questionnaire, women showed significantly higher values in motivational and self-confidence levels compared to male wrestlers, as well as significantly higher values in self-confidence for male and female elite wrestlers compared to their respective amateurs groups (AU)

Rendimiento físico y psicológico en lucha olímpica: predictores del éxito en lucha femenina / Physical and psychological wrestling performance: success predictors in female Olympic wrestling

Este estudio se llevó a cabo para determinar los componentes del rendimiento físico, psicológico y antropométrico relacionado con el éxito en lucha olímpica femenina. Treinta y cinco mujeres luchadoras de la especialidad de Libre Olímpica Femenina fueron divididas en dos grupos de acuerdo a su nivel competitivo: Élite (n=13) y Amateur (n=22). Todos los sujetos fueron sometidos a una valoración antropométrica, a una completa batería de test físicos (test de fuerza dinámica e isométrica máxima, potencia muscular, test Wingate de brazos, velocidad de desplazamiento y test de extensibilidad isquiosural) así como una valoración de sus características psicológicas asociadas al rendimiento deportivo mediante el Inventario Psicológico de Ejecución Deportiva. Las luchadoras de élite presentaron niveles superiores en edad, experiencia en el entrenamiento, fuerza dinámica e isométrica máxima, potencia mecánica máxima, potencia y capacidad anaeróbica del test Wingate, así como valores inferiores en masa grasa. Las luchadoras de élite mostraron igualmente autopercepciones significativamente superiores en la escala de autoconfianza en relación a las luchadoras amateur. Estos resultados sugieren que la optimización del metabolismo anaeróbico y neuromuscular, así como determinadas habilidades psicológicas asociadas al rendimiento deportivo son condicionales y por lo tanto predictoras del éxito en lucha olímpica femenina (AU)

This study was undertaken to determine differences in physical, psychological and body composition variables related to success in female Olympic wrestling. Thirty five female freestyle wrestlers were assigned into two groups according to their competitive level: Elite (n=13) and Amateur (n=22). All subjects underwent an anthropometric assessment, a complete physical fitness test battery (maximal dynamic and isometric strength, muscle power output, crank-arm Wingate test, running speed and hamstring extensibility) as well as psychological characteristics assessment associated with sport performance through the Psychological Performance Inventory. Elite wrestlers were older, had more training experience, maximal dynamic and isometric strength, muscle power, mean and peak power during the crank-arm Wingate test, as well as lower percent body fat values. Furthermore, elite wrestlers showed significantly higher self-perceptions in the self-confidence scale. The present results suggest that several neuromuscular, anaerobic and psychological performance markers can be consider such as success predictors in female Olympic wrestling (AU)

Diagnostics of psychophysiological states and motivation in elite athletes.

OBJECTIVES: Concepts explored in our study concerned identification of various types of motivation and their connection to psychophysiological states in elite judo and Greco-Roman wrestlers. We tried to figure out how do these different types of motivation interact to describe psychophysiological state in qualified wrestlers. METHODS: Neuropsychological evaluation methods as simple (SRT) and choice reaction-time (CRT) tests, HRV measurements, psychological questionnaires. To explore obtained data methods of statistical analysis were used RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Obtained data show that different combinations of levels of motivation to achieve success and motivation to avoid failure provoke different psychophysiological states. Conducted experiment revealed that combination of high levels of both motivation to achievement of success and motivation to avoid failure provides better psychophysiological state in elite wrestlers compared to other groups with different combinations of motivational variables. Conducted experiment revealed that motivation to avoid failures had been formed as a personality formation, which compensates excessive tension, caused by high level of motivation to achieve and regulate the psychophysiological state. This can be viewed as an effect of training in athletes (Tab. 3, Fig. 1, Ref. 38).

Factores físicos y psicológicos predictores del éxito en lucha olímpica / Physical and psychological factors in predicting olympic wrestling performance

Este estudio se llevó a cabo para determinar los componentes del rendimiento físico, psicológico y antropométrico relacionados con el éxito en Lucha olímpica. Treinta y siete luchadores varones de las especialidades de Libre olímpica y Grecorromana fueron divididos en dos grupos de acuerdo a su nivel competitivo: Élite (n = 18) y Amateur (n = 19). Todos los sujetos fueron sometidos a una valoración antropométrica, a una completa batería de test físicos (test de fuerza dinámica e isométrica máxima, potencia muscular, test wingate de brazos, velocidad de desplazamiento y de extensibilidad isquiosural) así como a una valoración de sus características psicológicas asociadas al rendimiento deportivo mediante el Inventario Psicológico de Ejecución Deportiva. Los luchadores de élite presentaron niveles superiores en edad, experiencia en el entrenamiento, masa libre de grasa, fuerza dinámica e isométrica máxima, potencia mecánica máxima, potencia y capacidad anaeróbica del test wingate, así como autopercepciones significativamente superiores en autoconfianza, control actitudinal y en la media total del sumatorio de todas las escalas. Estos resultados sugieren que la optimización del metabolismo anaeróbico y neuromuscular, así como determinadas variables psicológicas asociadas al rendimiento deportivo son condicionales y por lo tanto predictoras del éxito en Lucha olímpica (AU)

This study was undertaken to analyse differences in physical, psychological and anthropometric markers related to success in olympic wrestling. Thirty seven male Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers were assigned to two groups according to their competitive level: Elite (n = 18) and Amateur (n = 19). All the subjects underwent an anthropometric assessment, a complete physical fitness test battery (maximal dynamic and isometric strength, muscle power output, crank-arm wingate test, running speed and hamstring extensibility) as well as a psychological characteristics assessment associated with sport performance through the Psychological Performance Inventory. The elite wrestlers were older, had more training experience, a fat free mass, maximal dynamic and isometric strength, muscle power, mean and peak power during wingate testing and significantly higher self- perceptions of self-control, attitude control and the total average of the sum of all the scales. These results suggest that the optimisation of neuromuscular and anaerobic metabolism and several psychological performance markers are conditional and thus predictive of success in wrestling (AU)

Handedness and footedness: relations to differences in sprinting speed and multiple sprints performance in prepubertal boys.

Physical performance and movement skills are differentiated by brain hemispheric dominance. Relations of handedness and footedness to differences in sprint speed and multiple sprints performances were investigated in 362 prepubertal, male, novice wrestlers. Participants with two months of irregular training experience were grouped by hand and foot preferences and matched on age and anthropometry. Mean running speed was associated with the number of sprints and handedness, but not with footedness. The decrease in sprint speed was less for right-handed subjects, who also had better sprinting speed and multiple sprint performance. Symmetrical arm and leg strength development for left-handers should be emphasized.