Weight Control Methods of High School Wrestlers
No Thumbnail Available
Links to Files
Permanent Link
Collections
Author/Creator
Author/Creator ORCID
Date
2011-05
Type of Work
Department
Program
Masters of Education
Citation of Original Publication
Rights
Collection may be protected under Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. To obtain information or permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the Goucher Special Collections & Archives at 410-337-6347 or email archives@goucher.edu.
Abstract
The purpose of this descriptive research was to determine the overall prevalence of potentially harmful weight control practices among Maryland high school wrestlers at the highest level of success and competition, the Maryland Public State School Athletic Association State Championship. The instrument used in this study was a four-page survey designed to assess weight control methods of high school wrestlers which was distributed during the 2010 MPSSAA Wrestling Championship. Surveys were completed by 68 wrestlers. The study had three hypotheses. First, high school wrestlers are using fewer extreme weight control methods and more of the common, healthy weight control methods. Secondly, wrestlers are using common weight control methods more frequently, and extreme weight control methods are being used very infrequently. Lastly, coaches and teammates have the greatest influence on a wrestler’s weight control, and mothers and doctors have the least amount of influence. Each of the three hypotheses was shown to be correct. The results help to support the effectiveness of the current weight control programs. It is recommended that coaches be aware of their impact on wrestlers’ weight control practices and strive to educate their wrestlers about the dangers of using unhealthy weight control methods. Recommendations for future research include using a larger sample size and wider range of participants including non-qualifying and junior varsity wrestlers.