Comparative analysis of goniometric indicators of kettlebell lifting and arm wrestling athletes

Abstract

Introduction   The examination and analysis of the condition of athletes is a mandatory and important component of sports monitoring. The focus of this study is on the basic physical qualities. Flexibility is one of the most important physical qualities in physical education and sports. Goniometry is the leading method for studying flexibility. However, goniometric indicators are rarely used to assess the condition of kettlebell lifting athletes. This determined the research direction. Purpose of the study Comparative analysis of the range of movements in the joints of the hands of kettlebell lifting and arm wrestling athletes based on the results of goniometric testing. Participants:   36 athletes practicing kettlebell lifting (KL) and arm wrestling (AW) were divided into groups. Group 1 consisted of 21 kettlebell lifting athletes with an average age of 21.57±2.11 years and skill levels ranging from beginners to International Masters of Sport. Group 2: 15 arm wrestling athletes; average age 21.80±0.49 years, skill level from beginners to Masters of Sport. Methods   The amplitudes of active movements were determined using an IGaging® electronic goniometer (USA) in the wrist, elbow, and shoulder joints of the arms. The results were expressed in angular degrees. Flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction at the wrist and shoulder joints were determined. Flexion and extension at the elbow joints were determined. 2-3 measurements of the same movement were measured, and the maximum values were recorded. Asymmetry coefficients were calculated for the studied movements. Differences between groups were assessed using the nonparametric Rosenbaum (Q) criterion. Results   An excess amplitude of flexion was found in kettlebell lifting athletes in the wrist joints – right (Q=20, p<0.05) and left (Q=17, p<0.05). The right elbow joint flexion range was greater in AW athletes (Q=7, p<0.05). The extension range of the left elbow joint was greater in kettlebell lifting athletes (Q=12, p<0.05). The range of movements in the shoulder joints was significantly greater in KL athletes (p<0.05). This was confirmed for flexion (Q = 25), extension (Q = 25), and abduction (Q = 24) of the right joint and extension (Q = 20), abduction (Q = 15), and adduction (Q = 15) of the left joint. Asymmetry in the range of movements of the hand joints was observed in kettlebell lifting athletes. The range of extension in the wrist joint was smaller in the right hand (Q=9, p<0.05). The range of adduction in the wrist joint was greater in the left hand (Q=7, p<0.05). Asymmetry was confirmed in the elbow joint for extension. The range of movement was greater on the left hand (Q=10, p<0.05). The amplitude of flexion and abduction was greater in the right shoulder joint, respectively, (Q=8, p<0.05), (Q=9, p<0.05). The adduction amplitude was greater in the left shoulder joint (Q=7, p<0.05). Asymmetry in the range of movements of the arm joints in arm wrestling athletes was established for abduction and adduction of the wrist joint, which was smaller in the right arm in both cases (Q=6, p<0.05). Conclusions   Differences in the range of movements of the joints of the hands of kettlebell lifting and arm wrestling athletes have been established. Kettlebell lifting athletes had a greater range of movements in the wrist joints, left elbow joint, right joint (flexion, extension, and abduction), and left joint (extension, abduction, and adduction). The right elbow joint flexion range was greater in arm wrestling athletes. These results illustrate the peculiarities of kettlebell lifting and arm wrestling athletes. The asymmetry was also significantly more pronounced in kettlebell lifting athletes. This also reflects the sports’ specifics. Goniometry is an objective, visual, and informative tool for assessing the condition of athletes. It can be used as a screening test for selecting and monitoring the condition of kettlebell lifting and arm wrestling athletes. The introduction of goniometric testing into practice will increase the effectiveness of athlete training.