The effect of mace training on strength, flexibility, and stability in elite wrestlers: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the impact of mace training on strength, flexibility, stabilization, and endurance in elite wrestlers, exploring its potential advantages over traditional resistance training. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 27 elite male wrestlers assigned to either a mace training group (n = 13) or a control group (n = 14). The experimental group performed mace exercises three times a week for 12 weeks, in addition to regular training. Pre- and post-training assessments included grip strength, shoulder flexibility, closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability (CKCUEST), push-up endurance, and proprioception assessed by shoulder joint position sense (JPS) testing using a digital inclinometer at 60° and 120°. Group × time interactions were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Mace training significantly improved grip strength (Dominant [D]: F = 28.009, p < 0.01, [Formula: see text]=0.49; Non-dominant [ND]: F=12.864, p=0.01, [Formula: see text]=0.31), shoulder flexibility (D: F =17.079, p