Page 110 - Safe Wrestling

Marina Dobnik, Rok Vatovec, and Matej Plevnik

valgus, asymmetrical loading, or insufficient trunk control. More recent
reviews emphasise that no single test is sufficient for robust injury-risk
assessment; instead, it is more appropriate to combine multiple indica-
tors, for example jump tests (e.g., countermovement jump), the FMS, and
muscle-diagnostic methods such as tensiomyography within a broader
screening battery (Velarde-Sotres et al., 2025).
Screening Tailored to Combat-Sport Demands
In combat sports, sport-specific screening protocols remain relative-
ly scarce (Bodden et al., 2015; Boguszewski et al., 2019; Khuyagbaatar
et al., 2025). Nevertheless, most authors suggest that it is advisable to
combine general functional assessments with evaluations that reflect
combat-specific movement demands (Asgari et al., 2021; Bishop et al.,
2015; Dorrel et al., 2015). Accordingly, a screening battery may include:
1. general movement assessments, such as the deep squat, single-leg
squat, lunge, hip hinge, and trunk rotation performed in standing
and kneeling positions (Asgari et al., 2021; Cook et al., 2014);
2. dynamic balance tests, such as the Y-Balance Test, which are partic-
ularly relevant for stability control during rapid directional changes
and defence against throws (Darbandi et al., 2023; Dong et al., 2025;
Eri¸s et al., 2022); and
3. specific positions characteristic of combat sports, for example the
fighting stance, transitions from standing to groundwork, and simu-
lated positions associated with throws or joint-lock techniques (e.g.,
the terminal position of an elbow or shoulder lock) (Bishop et al.,
2015; Boguszewski et al., 2019; Chaabene et al., 2018; Krkeljas & Ko-
vac, 2020).
In combat sports, screening should not rely exclusively on general
functional tasks (e.g., squat or plank variations), but should also in-
clude assessment of positions and movement patterns associated with
the most common injuries. In grappling disciplines such as wrestling,
judo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, this includes assessment of the ability to
maintain a neutral spine while lifting and rotating an external load (sim-
ulating opponent lifting), control of knee alignment during weight shifts,
lunges, and transitions to groundwork, and stabilisation of the shoulder
girdle in positions that mimic gripping and controlling an opponent dur-
ing clinch situations or throws. In striking combat sports, it is advisable
to assess rotational trunk control, thoracic spine mobility, and scapular
stability during simulated punches or kicks.

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