Isokinetic muscle strength cannot be related to the odds ratio of musculoskeletal injuries in young elite wrestlers

Background Wrestling is considered one of the oldest sports in the world. There is a high rate of injuries in Wrestling. To prevent injuries, it is necessary to identify the risk factors. Despite the functional importance of strength in wrestling, few studies have investigated the relationship between isokinetic strength and the rate of injuries in the sport. Objectives The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the isokinetic strength of elite wrestlers and the rate of injuries prospectively. Method A total of 72 young wrestlers with at least 2 years of experience in the Tehran Wrestling Premier League participated in this study. Before the start of the competition season, the isokinetic strength of flexor and extensor muscles of the knee and shoulder were measured at different velocities by an isokinetic dynamometer. The injuries and training hours of these wrestlers were then recorded for nine months. Results The study results showed no significant relationship between isokinetic strength of flexor and extensor muscles of the knee or shoulder at different angular speeds of 60, 180, and 300 degrees/s. There was neither significant between the ratio of the strength flexor/extensor for knee and/or shoulder in young elite wrestlers with injuries. Conclusion Isokinetic strength of lower and upper limb muscles alone cannot predict wrestlers' injuries. Therefore, the use of these tests is not recommended to evaluate the risk of injury in this population.