Comparison of anthropometric, physiological and psychological characteristics of professional and novice athletes Zurkhaneh in South Khorasan

In order to identify the capabilities of Zorkhaneh sports for the development of this sport at the world and Olympic levels, it is necessary to conduct research on a group of talented athletes who are at a higher level of performance than their peers. So, the purpose of this study was to compare some of the anthropometric, physiological, and psychological characteristics of novice and professional athletes in zurkhaneh, South Khorasan.

For this purpose, 12 professional (age: 22.58 ± 2.6; height: 175.65 ± 7.46 cm; weight: 66.88 ± 8.38 kg) and 12 athletes of zurkhaneh beginner in Birjand (age: 20.58 ± 1.93 years; height: 175.88 ± 6.97 cm; weight: 79.97 ± 15.26 kg) were compared. The anthropometric variables (height, weight, hip and leg length, body mass index, arm span, thigh and legs circumferences); physiological variables (handgrip, chest and back muscle strength, aerobic power, lower and upper body anaerobic power, muscular endurance, double-sided standing balance, flexibility); and psychological variables were evaluated in several separate sessions in both groups. The independent T-test was used for data analysis.

There was no significant difference between the two groups in any of the anthropometric and psychological indicators (p>0.05). Among the physiological indices, there was a significant difference between the two groups of zurkhaneh athletes in hand grip (P=0.303) and back muscles strength (P=0.014); VO2max (P=0.024); Semi-dynamic left balance (P=0.04) and right (P=0.044); and muscular endurance (P=0.001), and professional athletes were better than novice. However, there was no significant difference between groups in chest muscle strength (P=0.069), upper (P=0.808) and lower (P=0.988) anaerobic power. On the other hand, no significant difference was observed between groups in the psychological characteristics (p>0.05).

According to the research findings, physiological factors may be more important than other indicators in distinguishing between novice and professional zurkhaneh athletes and in the process of talent identification in this field can be selected. Due to the high score in six psychological skills, both groups of zurkhaneh athletes were also well mentally prepared.