AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightTherefore, in arm wrestling athletes, spinal posture should not be considered as a sole determinant of performance.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Aims: This study aimed to compare grip strength, upper-extremity muscle strength, joint position sense, and reaction time between arm wrestlers with and without thoracic kyphosis and/or scoliosis. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 32 active arm wrestlers were categorized into two groups based on radiographic assessment: those with postural impairment (thoracic kyphosis >40° and/or scoliosis >10°) and those without. Grip strength was measured with a digital dynamometer, muscle strength with a handheld dynamometer, joint position sense with active joint repositioning at 45° and 60°, and reaction time with a light-based system. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 31.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) Results: Athletes with postural impairment demonstrated significantly higher bilateral grip strength and non-dominant elbow extensor strength (p 0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that neuromuscular performance characteristics may differ according to spinal postural status in arm wrestlers. Group differences were observed in selected strength measures, whereas proprioception and reaction time were broadly comparable between athletes with and without postural impairment. Therefore, in arm wrestling athletes, spinal posture should not be considered as a sole determinant of performance.