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Reale R, Wang J, Hu Stull C, French D, Amasinger D, Wang R. Acute and Chronic Weight-Making Practice in Professional Mixed Martial Arts Athletes: An Analysis of 33 Athletes Across 80 Fights. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2024; 34:275-285. [PMID: 38871343 DOI: 10.1123/ijsnem.2023-0229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Mixed martial arts' popularity has increased in recent years, alongside descriptive research and evidence-based performance recommendations. Guidelines for (both chronic and acute) weight making exist; however, how these translate in real-life scenarios and detailed investigations on practices in larger groups deserve attention. The present study examined the body mass (BM) and composition of 33 professional mixed martial arts athletes preparing for 80 fights. Athletes were supported by on-site dietitians, who encouraged evidence-based practices. Fasted BM was measured throughout the last ∼10 days before all bouts (acute weight management phase). A subset of athletes had body composition assessed before and after the chronic weight loss phase for 40 fights. Most athletes engaged in chronic BM loss, and all engaged in acute weight loss. Many lost fat-free mass (FFM) during the chronic phase, with rates of BM loss <0.5% best preserving FFM. Regardless of losses, the present athletes possessed greater FFM than other combat sport athletes and engaged in greater acute weight loss. Dehydration in the 24-48 hr before the weigh-in was not reflective of weight regain after the weigh-in, rather BM 7-10 days before the weigh-in was most reflective. These findings suggest that many mixed martial arts athletes could increase FFM at the time of competition by maintaining leaner physiques outside of competition and/or allowing increased time to reduce BM chronically. Acutely, athletes can utilize evidence-based protocols, eliminating carbohydrates, fiber, sodium, and finally fluid in a staged approach, before the weigh-in, reducing the amount of sweating required, thus theoretically better protecting health and preserving performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reid Reale
- UFC Performance Institute, Shanghai, SHG, China
| | - Junzhu Wang
- UFC Performance Institute, Shanghai, SHG, China
| | | | | | | | - Ran Wang
- Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, SHG, China
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Doherty CS, Fortington LV, Barley OR. Prevalence of disordered eating and its relationship with rapid weight loss amongst male and female combat sport competitors: A prospective study. J Sci Med Sport 2024:S1440-2440(24)00221-4. [PMID: 38944583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2024.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare prevalence and change scores of disordered eating (DE) in combat sport athletes by sex and explore the potential relationship between rapid weight loss (RWL) and DE scores. DESIGN Prospective study based on 24 events (September 2022-2023). METHODS A body mass (BM) questionnaire was completed at ~1 day post-competition providing pre-competition BM data for -7 days, -24 h, and weigh-in. The Athletic Disordered Eating (ADE) online questionnaire was completed at ~7 and ~28 days post-competition, providing overall DE and four subscale scores (food and energy control, bingeing, body control, and body discontent). RESULTS There were 122, 132, and 89 respondents for the BM (77 % male), and ADE questionnaires at 7 (79 % male), and 28 days (74 % male). A large proportion of males' (83 %) and females' (89 %) DE scores were moderate to very high; minimal (17 % vs. 11 %), moderate (36 % vs. 32 %), high (37 % vs. 36 %), and very high (11 % vs. 21 %). Comparing DE change scores in males and females indicated deterioration (5 % vs. 0 %), improvement (3 % vs. 25 %, p = 0.013), and no difference (92 % vs. 75 %). Body discontent change score showed a significant sex difference (p = 0.014), with females improving (42 % vs. 17 %, p = 0.035) and males deteriorating (35 % vs. 4 %, p = 0.008). Correlation analyses were significant for RWL -7 days and males' food control score (R = 0.22, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS Moderate to very high DE indications were identified in 4 of every 5 combat sport competitors. A sex-specific change in body discontent is evident, and most competitors struggle with their food-body relationship post-competition, irrespective of RWL magnitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin S Doherty
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Australia.
| | | | - Oliver R Barley
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Australia
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Lebron MA, Stout JR, Fukuda DH. Physiological Perturbations in Combat Sports: Weight Cycling and Metabolic Function-A Narrative Review. Metabolites 2024; 14:83. [PMID: 38392975 PMCID: PMC10890020 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14020083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Combat sports athletes seeking a competitive edge often engage in weight management practices to become larger than their opponents, which ultimately includes periods of gradual weight loss, rapid weight loss, and weight regain. This pattern of weight loss and regain is known as weight cycling and often includes periods of low energy availability, making combat sports athletes susceptible to metabolic dysfunction. This narrative review represents an effort to explore the metabolic perturbations associated with weight cycling and outline the short-, medium-, and long-term effects on metabolic flexibility, function, and health. The short-term effects of rapid weight loss, such as a reduced metabolic rate and alterations to insulin and leptin levels, may prelude the more pronounced metabolic disturbances that occur during weight regain, such as insulin resistance. Although definitive support is not currently available, this cycle of weight loss and regain and associated metabolic changes may contribute to metabolic syndrome or other metabolic dysfunctions over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Modesto A Lebron
- Physiology of Work and Exercise Response Laboratory, Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Stout
- Physiology of Work and Exercise Response Laboratory, Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
| | - David H Fukuda
- Physiology of Work and Exercise Response Laboratory, Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
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Influence of the Competitive Level and Weight Class on Technical Performance and Physiological and Psychophysiological Responses during Simulated Mixed Martial Arts Fights: A Preliminary Study. J Hum Kinet 2023; 86:205-215. [PMID: 37181273 PMCID: PMC10170536 DOI: 10.5114/jhk/159453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the influence of the competitive level and weight class on technical performance and physiological and psychophysiological responses during simulated MMA fights. Twenty MMA male athletes were divided into four groups: heavyweight elite (HWE;n=6), lightweight elite (LWE;n=3), heavyweight professional (HWP;n=4), and lightweight professional (LWP;n=7). All athletes performed four simulated fights of three 5-min rounds with a 1-min rest interval. Each fight was recorded using a video camera to analyze offensive and defensive actions. Moreover, the following measures were made: heart rate (before and after each round), blood lactate concentration (before and after the fight), readiness state (before each round), and the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) (after each round). The main findings were: i)LWE athletes applied more offensive touches than LWP athletes; ii) HWP athletes presented higher heart rate values than LWP athletes after the first round; however, LWP athletes presented greater heart rate changes than HWP athletes from the first to the second round; iii) no differences existed between groups in blood lactate concentration and readiness state; and iv) HWP and LWP athletes presented higher RPE values than LWE athletes in the first and third rounds; however, LWE athletes presented greater RPE changes than HWE, HWP, and LWP athletes from the first to the second and third rounds. This study shows that LWE athletes apply more offensive touches than LWP athletes during simulated MMA fights. Moreover, lightweight athletes tend to increase their physiological demands as the combat evolves, which is also reflected in their RPE.
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Rapid Weight Gain and Weight Differential Predict Competitive Success in 2100 Professional Combat-Sport Athletes. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2023; 18:85-94. [PMID: 36473482 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Combat-sport athletes commonly undergo rapid weight loss prior to prebout weigh-in and subsequently rapid weight gain (RWG) prior to competition. This investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of RWG and weight differential (WD) between opponents on competitive success. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed using data from professional mixed martial arts (MMA) and boxing events held between 2015 and 2019. The primary outcome was RWG (relative and absolute) between weigh-in and competition stratified by bout winners and losers. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the relationships among bout outcome, RWG, and WD between competitors on the day of their bout. RESULTS Among 708 MMA athletes included, winners regained more relative body mass (8.7% [3.7%] vs 7.9% [3.8%], P < .01) than losers. In 1392 included male boxers, winners regained significantly more relative body mass (8.0% [3.0%] vs 6.9% [3.2%], P < .01) than losers. Each percentage body mass increase resulted in a 7% increased likelihood of victory in MMA and a 13% increase in boxing. The relationship between RWG and competitive success remained significant in regional and male international MMA athletes, as well as boxers. WD predicted victory in international mixed martial artists and boxers. WD predicted victory by knockout or technical knockout in international MMA athletes and regional boxers. CONCLUSION This analysis of combat-sport athletes indicates that RWG and WD influence competitive success. These findings raise fair-play and safety concerns in these popular sports and may help guide risk-mitigating regulation strategies.
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Weight Loss and Competition Weight in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Athletes. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2022; 7:jfmk7040115. [PMID: 36547661 PMCID: PMC9782639 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk7040115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated that professional mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes employ a variety of weight manipulation strategies to compete at given weight classes. Although there is much literature demonstrating weight manipulation methods, minimal research exists analyzing how much weight MMA athletes lose prior to the official weigh-in. Moreover, there is minimal research examining how much weight professional MMA athletes gain between the official weigh-in and competition. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to analyze weight loss/regain in professional MMA athletes. Data collected from 616 professional MMA athletes (31.1 ± 4.0 yrs.; 177.1 ± 4.7 cm) competing for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) between 2020 and 2022 were used for the study. The athlete's weight was obtained 72 h, 48 h, and 24 h prior to the official weigh-in, at the official weigh-in, and prior to competition. Random effects analysis was utilized to compare weight at a variety of time points between different weight classes. All statistics were analyzed, and significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. There is a significant (p ≤ 0.05) difference between weight classes and time points in professional MMA. MMA athletes decrease body weight significantly prior to the official weigh-in. MMA athletes increase body weight significantly between official weigh-in and competition. Based on these data, it appears that MMA athletes average a weight loss of nearly 7% within 72 h prior to the official weigh-in. The data also suggest that athletes gain nearly 10% of total weight between the official weigh-in and competition.
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Bueno JCA, Faro H, Lenetsky S, Gonçalves AF, Dias SBCD, Ribeiro ALB, da Silva BVC, Filho CAC, de Vasconcelos BM, Serrão JC, Andrade A, Souza-Junior TP, Claudino JG. Exploratory Systematic Review of Mixed Martial Arts: An Overview of Performance of Importance Factors with over 20,000 Athletes. Sports (Basel) 2022; 10:80. [PMID: 35736820 PMCID: PMC9227211 DOI: 10.3390/sports10060080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aimed to analyze the findings in the literature related to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) through an exploratory systematic review and to present the state of the art from a multifactorial perspective. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement, with a search performed in the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. Participants were competitive athletes (amateurs or professionals) of regional, national, or international levels. Of the 2763 registries identified, 112 studies met the eligibility criteria. The pooled sample size and age were 20,784 participants, with a mean age of 27.7 ± 6 years for male and 28.9 ± 3 years for female, with the vast majority of athletes being male (94.9%). MMA athletes were 17.2% amateurs, 73.8% professionals, and 9% were not reported. The scientific literature related to MMA reported injuries (n = 28), weight loss (n = 21), technical and tactical analysis (n = 23), physical fitness (n = 8), physiological responses and training characteristics (n = 13), psychobiological parameters (n = 12), and interventions applied to MMA athletes (n = 7). Therefore, this exploratory systematic review presents practitioners and researchers with seven broad summaries of each facet of performance of importance in this population of athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- João C. A. Bueno
- Research Group on Metabolism, Nutrition and Strength Training, Department of Physical Education, Jardim Botânico Campus, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80210-132, PR, Brazil;
- Sciences Center of Health and Sport, Laboratory of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Physical Education Department, State University of Santa, Catarina 88080-350, FLN, Brazil;
| | - Heloiana Faro
- Associate Graduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58059-900, PB, Brazil;
| | - Seth Lenetsky
- Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand, School of Sport and Recreation, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand;
- Canadian Sport Institute Pacific, Victoria, BC V9E 2C5, Canada;
| | - Aleksandro F. Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Psychophysiology and Performance in Sports & Combats, School of Physical Education and Sport, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, RDJ, Brazil;
| | - Stefane B. C. D. Dias
- Exercise and Sport Science Laboratory, Keiser University Orlando, Sports Medicine & Fitness Tech/Exercise Science, 5600 Lake Underhill Road Orlando, Florida, FL 32807, USA;
| | - André L. B. Ribeiro
- Department of Physiology and Product Development Limber Software, Balsam 15140-000, SP, Brazil;
| | - Bruno V. C. da Silva
- Department of Physical Education, University of Itaúna, Highway MG 431-Km 45, Itaúna 35680-142, MG, Brazil;
| | - Carlos A. Cardoso Filho
- Laboratory of Biomechanics, School of Physical Education and Sport, Campus São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-030, SAO, Brazil; (C.A.C.F.); (J.C.S.); or (J.G.C.)
- Research and Development Department, LOAD CONTROL, Contagem 32000-000, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Júlio C. Serrão
- Laboratory of Biomechanics, School of Physical Education and Sport, Campus São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-030, SAO, Brazil; (C.A.C.F.); (J.C.S.); or (J.G.C.)
| | - Alexandro Andrade
- Sciences Center of Health and Sport, Laboratory of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Physical Education Department, State University of Santa, Catarina 88080-350, FLN, Brazil;
| | - Tácito P. Souza-Junior
- Research Group on Metabolism, Nutrition and Strength Training, Department of Physical Education, Jardim Botânico Campus, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80210-132, PR, Brazil;
| | - João G. Claudino
- Laboratory of Biomechanics, School of Physical Education and Sport, Campus São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-030, SAO, Brazil; (C.A.C.F.); (J.C.S.); or (J.G.C.)
- Research and Development Department, LOAD CONTROL, Contagem 32000-000, MG, Brazil
- Center for Health Sciences, Group of Research, Innovation and Technology Applied to Sport (GSporTech), Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina 64000-850, PI, Brazil
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Mauricio CDA, Merino P, Merlo R, Vargas JJN, Chávez JÁR, Pérez DV, Aedo-Muñoz EA, Slimani M, Brito CJ, Bragazzi NL, Miarka B. Rapid Weight Loss of Up to Five Percent of the Body Mass in Less Than 7 Days Does Not Affect Physical Performance in Official Olympic Combat Athletes With Weight Classes: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. Front Physiol 2022; 13:830229. [PMID: 35492609 PMCID: PMC9039236 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.830229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the relevance of the effects that weight loss can generate on the physical performance in athletes, this study performed a systematic review with meta-analysis of the published literature on rapid weight loss (RWL) and examined its impact on the physical performance in Official Olympic combat sports athletes. The “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis” (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to ensure an ethical and complete reporting of the findings. PubMed, SPORT Discus, and EBSCO were the electronic databases explored for article retrieval and selection. The following string was applied: “RWL” OR “weight loss” OR “weight reduction” AND “judo” OR “wrestling” or “taekwondo” or “boxing” AND “performance.” Based on the quality analysis, conducted according to the “Tool for the assessment of study quality and reporting in exercise training studies” (TESTEX), ten articles achieved a score >6 points. The meta-analysis showed a significant difference in pre- vs. post-weight loss (p = 0.003) and no effects in pre- vs. post-power and strength performance analysis (p > 0.05 for both results). Based on our systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature, RWL up to ≤5% of the body mass in less than 7 days does not influence performance outcomes in Official Olympic combat athletes with weight classes, considering the strength and power measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clóvis De Albuquerque Mauricio
- Department of Physical Education, Laboratory of Psychophysiology and Performance in Sports and Combats, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pablo Merino
- Department of Physical Education, Laboratory of Psychophysiology and Performance in Sports and Combats, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Núcleo de Investigación en Ciencias de la Motricidad Humana, Universidad Adventista de Chile, Chillán, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Merlo
- Department of Physical Education, Laboratory of Psychophysiology and Performance in Sports and Combats, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Jairo Narrea Vargas
- Department of Physical Education, Laboratory of Psychophysiology and Performance in Sports and Combats, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Peru
| | - Juan Ángel Rodríguez Chávez
- Department of Physical Education, Laboratory of Psychophysiology and Performance in Sports and Combats, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Diego Valenzuela Pérez
- Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Salud, Magister en Ciencias la Actividad Física y Deportes Aplicadas al Entrenamiento Rehabilitación y Reintegro Deportivo, Universidad Santo Tomás, Saniago, Chile
| | - Esteban Ariel Aedo-Muñoz
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y la Salud, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maamer Slimani
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ciro José Brito
- Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bianca Miarka
- Department of Physical Education, Laboratory of Psychophysiology and Performance in Sports and Combats, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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