The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in musculoskeletal pain, joint range of motion, and blood flow in the brachial artery of elite Greco-Roman athletes following exercise or stretching. Twenty Greco-Roman wrestlers with low back and shoulder pain were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A performed muscle release using a foam roller combined with elastic- band–assisted thoracic mobility exercises, while Group B performed stretching without foam rolling or external resistance. Following the intervention, pain intensity (VAS), functional disability (ODI), brachial artery blood flow, and arterial diameter were evaluated. The diameter and blood flow of the brachial artery demonstrated numerical improvements. Both groups showed significant reductions in VAS and ODI scores following the intervention (p < 0.01). Thoracic flexion and extension range of motion significantly increased in both groups, while thoracic rotation improved significantly only in Group B. These findings may serve as foundational data for injury prevention and performance enhancement in Greco-Roman wrestlers.
KEY WORDS: Greco-Roman wrestler; Blood flow; Shoulder pain; Low back pain; Trunk stability.
KIM, B. H. The relationship between pain, range of motion, and brachial artery blood flow changes in Greco-Roman wrestlers. Int. J. Morphol., 44(3):881-887, 2026.
