A canonical analysis of the general variability and interrelationships among parameters of speed-strength fitness, circumferential, and longitudinal body dimensions in highly skilled wrestlers

Background and Study Aim. Speed-strength fitness and body dimensions are components of athletic performance in combat sports. The interaction between speed-strength fitness parameters and anthropometric characteristics influences physical capabilities and competitive outcomes in wrestlers. Despite the application of various approaches to assessing these parameters, their interrelationships and general variability remain of practical interest. The aim of the study is to perform a canonical analysis of the general variability and interrelationships among parameters of speed-strength fitness (SSF), circumferential, and longitudinal body dimensions in highly skilled wrestlers. Materials and Methods. The research was conducted on 44 combat athletes aged 18–31 who were members of the Ukrainian national teams in Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestling, and judo. The assessment of SSF was based on the results of motor tests that characterize the manifestation of anaerobic alactate work capacity, explosive strength, and speed-strength endurance in athletes. Circumferential (CBD) and longitudinal (LBD) body dimensions were considered indicators of physical development (PD). Canonical correlation, regression, and correlation analysis methods were used to process the research data. Results. The analysis of general variability and interrelationships between the canonical variables of PD and SSF in combat athletes revealed a high level of mutual influence (R = 0.981, p = 0.0000). Increases in CBD and LBD are accompanied by increases in SSF, and increases in SSF are associated with increases in CBD and LBD. The interaction between SSF and CBD parameters demonstrates approximately equal mutual influence (redundancy: 53.9% and 53.4%). In the relationships between LBD and CBD, a stronger influence of LBD parameters on CBD is observed (redundancy: 66.88% vs. 57.5%). CBD values are more dependent on changes in SSF parameters than on the group of LBD indicators (39.53% vs. 24.79%). The SSF level of athletes shows greater dependence on the group of CBD indicators than on that of LBD indicators (43.71% vs. 44.83% of total variability contribution across significant roots). LBD values are less dependent on CBD values and SSF level than CBD parameters are on LBD values and SSF level. Conclusions. The findings indicate that speed-strength fitness parameters are functionally related to circumferential and longitudinal body dimensions in highly skilled wrestlers. The structure of these relationships reflects the role of specific anthropometric characteristics in the manifestation of different forms of physical work capacity. The intergroup interactions between circumferential and longitudinal body dimensions form a structural basis associated with the development of speed-strength fitness. The identified patterns characterize the integration of morphofunctional and performance-related parameters within the physical state of combat athletes.