Page 174 - Safe Wrestling

Extended Abstract (English)

entific evidence into applied coaching strategies. Particular emphasis is
placed on biomechanics and movement quality, highlighting fundamen-
tal movement patterns (e.g. squatting, hip hinging, trunk stabilisation,
scapular control) and common dysfunctional patterns associated with
injury risk in wrestling. The monograph further presents dynamic warm-
up as a primary, time-efficient injury-prevention strategy. Based on sys-
tematic reviews and meta-analyses, dynamic warm-up programmes are
identified as one of the most effective approaches for reducing injury in-
cidence in high-intensity sports. The RAMP framework (Raise-Activate-
Mobilise-Potentiate) is used as a conceptual foundation, linking physio-
logical preparation with neuromuscular control and sport-specific readi-
ness.
A substantial applied section is dedicated to evidence-based pre-
ventive warm-up protocols in combat sports, with particular focus on
Wrestling Plus, a programme developed by United World Wrestling and
supported by experimental and randomised studies demonstrating sig-
nificant reductions in injury incidence and improvements in movement
quality. Additional protocols, including MASS-12 and the Injury Preven-
tion Warm-Up (IPW), are presented as complementary models tailored
to different combat sport contexts. Together, these programmes repre-
sent contemporary standards of best practice in injury prevention.
The monograph is embedded within the Erasmus+ Sport project Safe
Wrestling – Women in Wrestling for Equal Opportunities (2024–2026),
which aims to strengthen safety culture, preventive competence, and
gender equality in youth wrestling across Europe. Special attention is de-
voted to adolescent girls, who face distinct biomechanical and psychoso-
cial challenges and remain underrepresented in tailored prevention pro-
grammes.
By integrating scientific evidence, coach education, and inclusive ped-
agogical principles, Safe Wrestling provides a sustainable foundation for
safer, more equitable, and development-oriented youth wrestling envi-
ronments.

174