An investigation into the relationship between certain physical performance parameters and body composition in wrestlers

This study aimed to examine the relationship between certain physical performance parameters and body composition in wrestlers. The research included 36 active wrestlers from various sports clubs in Kirkuk, Iraq. The participants' body composition parameters, including body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage, were determined. A demographic questionnaire was administered to collect data on age, height, weight, dominant hand, and dominant foot. To assess the athletes' physical performance, countermovement jump (CMJ) and handgrip strength tests were conducted. Data collected in the study were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). According to the results, there were significant negative correlations between the participants' physical performance parameters and body composition variables. In particular, strong and statistically significant negative relationships were found between jump performance and the suprailiac, chest, and body fat percentage variables. Additionally, significant negative correlations (p < 0.05) were identified between jump performance and the abdomen, leg, triceps, subscapular, and midaxillary skinfold regions. These findings indicate that as body fat percentage increases, vertical jump performance decreases. No statistically significant relationship was found between handgrip strength and body composition variables (p > 0.05), suggesting that vertical jump and handgrip strength develop as independent physical attributes. Furthermore, all skinfold regions showed strong positive correlations with each other, indicating that body fat is proportionally distributed across different regions. In conclusion, significant relationships were identified between body composition values and certain physical performance parameters in wrestlers.