Öz
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of start of season maximal strength
training applied to elite athletes on body composition and some strength parameters of the
athletes. Material and Method: 17 elite wrestlers at national team level with an average age of
18 who were staying at a camp and who had the same dietary conditions participated in the
study. Strength trainings were made three days a week (Monday -Wednesday-Friday) before
noon. The training program applied to athletes was applied as 75% intensity and 8 repetitions
in the first set, 80% intensity and 6 repetitions in the second set, 85% intensity and 4
repetitions in the third set, 90% intensity and 3 repetitions in the fourth set, and 95-100%
intensity and 2 repetitions in the fifth set. The training program included shoulder press,
bench press, lat pull, squat, butterfly, barbell curl, jerk, and leg curl moves. The study lasted
for 8 weeks. Specified tests were taken starting from the first training and they were taken
before the last trainings of weeks 4 and 8. Body composition was measured with TANITA
TBF 300A make device (BMI, Fat, Fat mass, FFM, TBW). As for strength tests, back and leg
measurements were made with Baseline Back Leg Chest DAWOB660 make leg and back
dynamometer, while handgrip strength was measured with Takei Hand Dynamometer
(Handgrip). Results: According to the results of the study, participants’ body weight (BW)
values were not found to differ significantly based on the period of training (p>0.05).
Similarly, no significant differences were found in BMI values depending on the period of
training (p>0.05). In addition, significant differences were found in total body water (Tbw)
,fat, and fat mass values depending on the period of training (p<0.05). In strength tests,
significant differences were found in handgrip strength, leg strength and back strength values
(p<0.05). Discussion and Conclusion: The present study researches the differences caused by
start of season maximal strength trainings on elite athletes. The results of the study showed
that there were decreases in body fat ratios and increases in fat free body mass although no
significant differences were found in BMI and BW of the athletes. Significant increases were
also found in measured strength parameters. Decreases and increases in athletes were found to
occur after week 4. It is thought that this result can be associated with the period of
adaptation.