Effect of Second Respiratory Threshold (RCP) on Skill Performance Accuracy in Critical Moments of Wrestling Matches Among Professional Wrestlers

Background: Wrestling requires both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. The second ventilatory threshold (RCP) indicates the shift toward anaerobic metabolism, which leads to fatigue. This study investigates the effect of the second ventilatory threshold on wrestling performance during critical moments. Methods: Six male professional wrestlers participated in the study. They performed a series of wrestling drills to assess execution time, accuracy, and success rate before and after reaching the second ventilatory threshold. A graded exercise test was used to determine the second ventilatory threshold, and participants completed the same skill-performance drills before and after reaching this threshold. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests to compare differences in performance. Results: The results showed a significant increase in execution time (p = 0.003), a decrease in accuracy (p = 0.005), and a reduction in success rate (p = 0.002) after participants reached the second ventilatory threshold. These findings indicate that fatigue resulting from anaerobic energy production significantly impairs wrestling performance. Conclusions: Reaching the second ventilatory threshold significantly weakens wrestling performance, as evidenced by increased execution time and decreased accuracy and success rate. These findings highlight the impact of anaerobic fatigue on skill execution. Improving anaerobic endurance and recovery strategies in training may help mitigate these effects.