PURPOSE This study investigated weight-class-related strength parameters during pulling performance in the ssireum. METHODS Elite ssireum athletes participated, 24 divided into four weight classes of six athletes each. They performed a pulling task while gripping a tube fixed to a three-axes load cell sensor, standing on force plate platforms. The test involved 30 repetitions at maximal force with the legs bent, the ssireum’s typical posture. Maximal force (Fmax), time to maximal force (TFmax), time difference between maximal forces (TDmax), and horizontal and vertical angles at maximal force (HAmax and VAmax, respectively) were analyzed from the load cell sensors. Ground reaction force (GRF) was collected, including peak force along the three axes, the resultant force, and the center of pressure (COP). One-way ANOVA tests were conducted to compare among weight classes (α=.05). RESULTS Fmax measured by load cell showed significant difference between classes (p<.05), indicating that the second weight group (Geumgang class) generated more pulling force than the heavier classes. In GRF results, lightweight classes demonstrated larger COP difference between the left and right plates. Specifically, the Geumgang class showed more movement in the anterior-posterior (AP) direction on the left plate. The peak GRF in the right plate of the AP (p<.001) and ML (p<.05) directions showed significant differences between lighter and heavier weight classes. CONCLUSIONS The Geumgang class generated greater pulling force, and the lighter classes demonstrated more leg contribution. Force generation did not solely depend on body mass; instead, lighter athletes often relied on the lower limbs to compensate for their limitations, a strategy commonly observed in competitions.
