Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part B (2025)

Background: Greco-Roman wrestling demands exceptional aerobic capacity and technical proficiency, particularly in the execution of side throwing holds. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) using resistance bands offers a sport-specific approach to enhance both cardiovascular fitness and technical performance in wrestling contexts. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of HIIT using resistance bands on aerobic capacity and competitive performance in side throwing holds among Greco-Roman wrestlers. Methods: Thirty senior Greco-Roman wrestlers (aged 21-26 years) from four wrestling clubs in Baghdad were randomly assigned to experimental group (n=15) receiving HIIT with resistance bands, and control group (n=15) following traditional training methods. The 10-week intervention included 3 sessions per week, combining high-intensity resistance band exercises with wrestling-specific movements. Measurements included VO₂max, lactate threshold, side throwing technique success rate, and competitive performance indicators. Results: The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements compared to the control group (p<0.05) in VO₂max (48.3±3.2 to 56.8±3.6 ml/kg/min, +17.6%), lactate threshold (3.8±0.4 to 4.6±0.5 mmol/L, +21.1%), side throwing success rate (62.4±7.8% to 83.2±6.4%, +33.3%), and match performance score (6.2±1.1 to 8.7±0.9 points, +40.3%). Conclusion: HIIT using resistance bands effectively improved aerobic capacity and competitive performance in side throwing holds among Greco-Roman wrestlers. The sport-specific nature of the training protocol enhanced both physiological adaptations and technical execution, demonstrating superior results compared to traditional training methods.