Maximal strength and gender in adolescent olympic wrestling athletes
Keywords:
Maximal strength;, gender;, adolescents;, Olympic wrestling.Abstract
Maximal strength is a determining factor in the performance of combat sports, particularly in Olympic wrestling, where it plays a role in technical actions, joint stability, and injury prevention. During adolescence, its development is influenced by biological maturation processes and gender differences. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate maximal strength in adolescent Olympic wrestling athletes according to gender. A quantitative, descriptive-comparative, and cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 athletes (25 males and 25 females) aged 15 to 16 years, with a minimum of one year of experience. The following tests were applied: 1 RM squat, handgrip dynamometry, mid-thigh pull, pull-ups, and vertical jump. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U test (p ≤ 0.05). Males showed significantly higher values in all evaluated variables: relative 1 RM (1.65 vs. 1.10), handgrip strength (42 vs. 27 kg), mid-thigh pull (3.10 vs. 2.40), pull-ups (11 vs. 5 repetitions), and vertical jump (42 vs. 28 cm), with statistically significant differences (p < 0.001). There are significant differences in maximal strength and its manifestations between male and female adolescent Olympic wrestling athletes, with male athletes showing higher values. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender in the evaluation and planning of training, promoting specific strategies that support equitable performance development during formative stages.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Margarita Esther Pico Meléndez, Enrique Chávez Cevallos , Paula Analía Romo Pico, Jorge Eduardo Gaguancela Palaquibay
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