Differences in Degree of Dorsiflexion In Varying Base Stances of Collegiate Wrestlers

Lower extremity injuries are very common among wrestlers, especially at a collegiate level. The purpose of this research project was to examine if a difference between dorsiflexion range of motion existed in the talocrural joint between two different wrestling base stances among collegiate wrestlers. The motion measured was active dorsiflexion of the talocrural joint. This motion was measured using a goniometer, an inclinometer, and functional, dynamic balance was assessed using the Y-balance test. A difference in dorsiflexion between these base stances could indicate a higher risk for certain lower body injuries of the knee, foot, and ankle. Wrestling is a high intensity sport with a high risk of injury. Therefore, determining a risk factor that has been associated with increased lower extremity injury risk is useful. Further, if it can be determined that selection of a base stance is associated with increased loss of dorsiflexion range of motion, training could be changed to decrease the athlete’s risk for injury. The more that wrestlers and coaches can be educated on this subject, the safer the sport will be. The hypothesis was that there will be a difference between the maximum dorsiflexion that is achieved between the two different groups of wrestlers. Y-balance reach distance will also be significantly different between the two groups. After independent t-tests were completed, there was no significant difference found in ROM or LEYBT measurements between the two base stances