ArticleBMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation2026
The effect of mace training on strength, flexibility, and stability in elite wrestlers: a randomized controlled trial.
Article in BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
objectivesThis study examined the impact of mace training on strength, flexibility, stabilization, and endurance in elite wrestlers, exploring its potential advantages over traditional resistance training.
methodsA 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.
resultsMace 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<0.01, [Formula: see text]=0.39), CKCUEST (F=48.495, p < 0.01, [Formula: see text]=0.66), and push-up performance (F=16.290, p<0.01, [Formula: see text]=0.40). However, proprioception at 60° and 120° showed no significant differences (p >0.05).
conclusionMace exercises effectively enhance grip strength, flexibility, and stabilization in elite wrestlers, making them a valuable tool for functional training. Future research should explore long-term effects and applications in other combat sports. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Our study should not be considered a clinical trial because it does not involve any medical or therapeutic intervention on any health or biological outcome. The study aims to evaluate athletic performance parameters only. Therefore, it does not require registration in the international clinical trial registry system.
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