Classification of traditional throwing techniques used by kurashchis based on a biomechanical approach

Background. The effectiveness of technical and tactical actions in Kurash is closely associated with the wrestler's body structure, the position of the center of mass, the quality of gripping actions, and the ability to disturb the opponent's balance. At the same time, traditional descriptions of throwing techniques do not always provide a sufficiently detailed biomechanical explanation of the sequence of movement phases. Purpose. The purpose of the study was to classify traditional throwing techniques used by kurashchis on the basis of a biomechanical approach. Materials and methods. The study involved 30 kurashchis grouped according to body height: 160-169 cm, 170-179 cm, and 180 cm and above. Anthropometric assessment and biomechanical analysis were used to examine the standing position, gripping actions, off-balancing, throw execution, and the throw-down phase. Particular attention was paid to the position of the overall center of mass relative to the support base and to the functional role of the upper limb, trunk, and lower limb muscles. Results. A five-phase classification of throwing technical actions was proposed: standing position, gripping, off-balancing, throwing, and throw-down. In contrast to the four-phase structure traditionally described in Kurash, the standing position was identified as an independent pre-start phase that creates conditions for the development of starting force and for the subsequent grip. Minor muscle-tonic asymmetry was identified in 5 athletes, whereas pronounced asymmetry was observed in 6 athletes. Conclusions. The morphobiomechanical analysis made it possible to clarify the functional content of each phase of throwing actions and to determine the importance of body type, center-of-mass displacement, gripping strength, and bilateral muscular symmetry for successful performance of Kurash techniques.