Response Time and Effectiveness in Elite Greco-Roman Wrestlers Under Simulated Fight Conditions.

Gierczuk, D, Bujak, Z, Cieśliński, I, Lyakh, V, and Sadowski, J. Response time and effectiveness in elite Greco-Roman wrestlers under simulated fight conditions. J Strength Cond Res 32(12): 3442-3449, 2018-The purpose of the study was to determine changes in response time and its correlations with tactical and technical actions performed by Greco-Roman wrestlers in a fight. Twenty wrestlers aged 19-25 (21.4 (Equation is included in full-text article.)1.8) years were divided into 2 groups, i.e., finalists of Polish Senior Championships (winners of 1st and 2nd places) and wrestlers who won 3rd-6th places in those competitions. The subjects from 1 group were individually paired with the wrestlers from the other group according to the same weight class. Response time before a fight and during the intervals between the 3 rounds was assessed. Batak Lite (test IV) was used in the study. The Polar M400 watch was used to register heart rate. Response time changed during a fight. The finalists showed significantly quicker reaction and performed a higher number of technical and tactical actions. The differences grew in the course of a fight, and the largest ones were observed during the third round. The strongest correlations were noted between response time and the number of technical and tactical actions performed during the third round (r = 0.77, p < 0.001). Response time is a significant determinant of wrestlers' results, which can be observed at submaximal intensity of the effort (176-195 b·min) during a fight.