A comparison of the effects of a wrestling practice and a weightlifting workout on the body fat percent of wrestlers

Abstract

This study looked at the chance of error that a wrestling and weightlifting workout had on the proximity of body fat percent measurements of wrestlers. The study compared a pretest measurement to the following posttest measurements: immediate, 30, 60, and a 90 minute posttest. A second part of the study compared the effects on body fat percent between a wrestling and weightlifting workout. The body fat percent was determined by using the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) standards by using skinfold measurements. There were three sites used (triceps, subscapular, and umbilical) to determine the wrestler's body fat percent. Subjects were 19 college wrestlers ranging from 18 to 24 years of age. A paired t-test was performed to compare the effects of pretest to posttest measurements on body fat percent. A paired t-test was also used to compare the effects on body fat percent between a wrestling workout and a weightlifting workout. The body fat percent for the wrestling workout and the weightlifting workout was significantly different (p < .05) from the pretest measurements during the following posttest times: 30, 60, and 90 minutes after each workout. The body fat percent was significantly different (p < .05) when the wrestling workout was compared to the weightlifting workout during the following measurements: pretest, immediate, 30, 60, and 90 minute posttests. These data suggest that each workout had an effect on skinfold measurements taken following the workout. The body fat percent decreased with each time period following both workouts. However, the immediate posttest for both workouts was not significantly different. This is contrary to what the WIAA suggests, which is not to take skinfold measurements immediately after a workout. Despite what has been found, it would be best to take skinfold measurements before a workout or on a separate day of a workout.