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Evans C, Stull C, Sanders G, Ricci A, French D, Antonio J, Peacock CA. Weight cutting in female UFC fighters. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2023; 20:2247384. [PMID: 37621001 PMCID: PMC10453969 DOI: 10.1080/15502783.2023.2247384] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is common practice for fight sport athletes to use a variety of weight manipulation strategies to compete in desired weight classes. Although numerous studies have highlighted rapid weight loss (RWL) strategies and the magnitude of weight loss, few have focused specifically on weight loss in female fighters. The purpose of this study was to provide descriptive information on professional UFC female fighters engaging in RWL in all women's UFC weight divisions: strawweight (52.2 kg): flyweight (56.7 kg); bantamweight (61.2 kg); featherweight (65.8 kg). METHODS All fighter's weights were obtained at five separate time points: 72 hrs. pre-weigh-in, 48 hrs. pre-weigh-in, 24hrs. pre-weigh-in, official weigh-in, and 24 hrs. post-weigh-in (competition weight). Mixed effects models and random effects analysis were used to assess changes in weight and differences between weight divisions. All statistics were analyzed, and significance was set at p ≤0.05. Significant changes in weight between all time points were reported. RESULTS No statistical differences between weight divisions were observed. Female fighters lost 4.5-6.6% of their weight prior to the official weigh-in. CONCLUSION Females engaged in RWL practices lose weight in a similar fashion irrespective of weight class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Evans
- Nova Southeastern University, Department of Health and Human Performance, Fight Science Lab, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | | | - Gabriel Sanders
- Northern Kentucky University, Department of Kinesiology and Health, Highland Heights, KY, USA
| | - Anthony Ricci
- Nova Southeastern University, Department of Health and Human Performance, Fight Science Lab, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Duncan French
- UFC Performance Institute, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- Australia Catholic University, School of Health Sciences, Melbourne, Australia
- Edith Cowan University, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jose Antonio
- Nova Southeastern University, Department of Health and Human Performance, Fight Science Lab, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Corey A. Peacock
- Nova Southeastern University, Department of Health and Human Performance, Fight Science Lab, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
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Gee TI, Campbell P, Bargh MJ, Martin D. Rapid Weight Loss Practices Within Olympic Weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res 2023; 37:2046-2051. [PMID: 37729517 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Gee, TI, Campbell, P, Bargh, MJ, and Martin, D. Rapid weight loss practices within Olympic weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res 37(10): 2046-2051, 2023-Rapid weight loss (RWL) practices are common among athletes to "make weight" for a chosen bodyweight class. This study's purpose was to investigate RWL prevalence, magnitude, and methods within Olympic weightlifters from Great Britain. Subjects (n = 39, male = 22, female = 17) were recruited from International Weightlifting Federation lifting populations (mandatory two-hour competition weigh-in). Subjects were categorized into competitive groups based on Sinclair coefficient total (high, mid, low) and also gender (male, female). The validated Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire was used to establish RWL magnitude and practices. Of respondents, 33 of 39 (84.6%) had purposely acutely reduced body mass to compete, a higher proportion present within females (94.1%) than males (77.3%). The cohort's mean habitual precompetition acute body mass loss was 3.8 ± 1.7% and the "rapid weight loss score" (RWLS) was 23.6 ± 9.5. Across competitive groups there were no significant differences in habitual or highest precompetition body mass loss, postcompetition body mass gain or RWLS (p > 0.05). However, females attributed a significantly greater "highest" relative precompetition body mass loss compared with males (7.4 vs 4.9%, p = 0.045). For RWL methods used, frequencies of "always" and "sometimes" were reported highest for "restricting fluid ingestion" (81.8%), "gradual dieting" (81.8%), and "water loading" (54.5%). The prevalence of RWL is high among competitive Olympic weightlifters, and especially within the sampled female athletes. Magnitude of RWL was similar across different standards of athlete; however, female lifters demonstrated a higher maximum precompetition RWL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas I Gee
- School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom; and
| | - Paul Campbell
- Department of Advanced and HE Sport, Lincoln College, Lincoln, United Kigdom
| | - Melissa J Bargh
- School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom; and
| | - Daniel Martin
- School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom; and
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Faro H, de Lima-Junior D, Machado DGDS. Rapid weight gain predicts fight success in mixed martial arts - evidence from 1,400 weigh-ins. Eur J Sport Sci 2023; 23:8-17. [PMID: 34854804 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2021.2013951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to analyze whether rapid weight gain (RWG) between the official weigh-in and the time of the fight was associated with fight success in MMA. A total of 700 professional MMA fights involving 1,400 weigh-ins from 21 MMA promotions regulated by the California State Athletic Commission were analyzed. Multilevel logistic regression accounting for individual (i.e. athlete) and cluster levels (i.e. fights) was used to analyze the association of all measures with a theoretical relationship with the dependent variable and without interdependency with one another (i.e. %RWG, sex, body mass division, competition level) with the fight outcome (i.e. win or loss). The odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. The highest mean %RWG was found for the flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, and lightweight divisions. The %RWG significantly predicted the fight outcome (ß = 0.044; OR = 1.045; 95%CI = 1.014-1.078; p = 0.005) so that for each 1% of additional RWG, the chance of winning increased by 4.5%. With the largest sample to date and in a "real-world" scenario, the present results suggest that the magnitude of RWG is linked to the chance of winning in MMA combats. It is suggested that regulatory commissions, confederations, and event organisers should consider regulating RWG, considering that, despite its detrimental impact on the athletes' health and performance, the potential advantage might stimulate athletes to invest in rapid weight loss, followed by gain after the official weigh-in to increase their chance of winning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heloiana Faro
- Associate Graduate Program in Physical Education of Federal University of Paraíba, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Dalton de Lima-Junior
- Associate Graduate Program in Physical Education of Federal University of Paraíba, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
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Connor J, Germaine M, Gibson C, Clarke P, Egan B. Effect of rapid weight loss incorporating hot salt water immersion on changes in body mass, blood markers, and indices of performance in male mixed martial arts athletes. Eur J Appl Physiol 2022; 122:2243-2257. [PMID: 35833967 PMCID: PMC9463328 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-05000-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the effects of rapid weight loss (RWL), incorporating comparison of hot water immersion (HWI) in fresh or salt water, on changes in body mass, blood markers, and indices of performance in mixed martial arts athletes. Methods In a crossover design comparing fresh water (FWB) to salt water (SWB; 5.0%wt/vol Epsom salt) bathing, 13 males performed 20 min of HWI (~ 40.3 °C) followed by 40 min wrapped in a heated blanket, twice in sequence (2 h total). Before bathing, ~ 26 to ~ 28 h of fluid and dietary restriction was undertaken, and ~ 24 to ~ 26 h of a high carbohydrate diet and rehydration was undertaken as recovery. Results During the entire RWL process, participants lost ~ 5.3% body mass. Body mass lost during the 2 h hot bath protocol was 2.17 ± 0.81 kg (~ 2.7% body mass) and 2.24 ± 0.64 kg (~ 2.8% body mass) for FWB and SWB, respectively (P = 0.647 between trials). Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, sodium, chloride, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were increased (all P < 0.05), and plasma volume was decreased (~ 14%; P < 0.01), but did not differ between FWB and SWB, and were similar to baseline values after recovery. No indices of performance (e.g., countermovement jump, isometric strength, and functional threshold power) were impacted when RWL was followed by the recovery process. Conclusion Under the conditions of this hot bath protocol, fluid loss was not augmented by the addition of ~ 5.0%wt/vol of Epsom salt during HWI, and RWL of ~ 5.3% body mass followed by > 24 h of recovery did not impact indices of performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Connor
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Mark Germaine
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Conor Gibson
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Philip Clarke
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Brendan Egan
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
- Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, FL, USA.
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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:sports10060080. [PMID: 35736820 PMCID: PMC9227211 DOI: 10.3390/sports10060080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [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;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-41-99907-2389
| | - 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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Castor-Praga C, Lopez-Walle JM, Sanchez-Lopez J. Multilevel Evaluation of Rapid Weight Loss in Wrestling and Taekwondo. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2021; 6:637671. [PMID: 33898554 PMCID: PMC8062768 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2021.637671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The practice of strategies for rapid weight loss (RWL) involve diverse factors, such as individual expectations, social interactions, structural elements, etc., conforming to a "culture" of RWL, which must be evaluated and understood in a broad sense. Based on the need of a comprehensive evaluation of the use of RWL in practitioners of combat sports, an ad hoc questionnaire designed for this study, which includes the types and detailed descriptions of RWL strategies, that athletes currently use, the prevalence and frequency of use, the physiological and psychological consequences, the perception of the effect of RWL on their own performance and finally, the individuals who influence the adoption of this practice. One hundred and sixty combat athletes from wrestling and taekwondo disciplines, from Mexico, filled out this questionnaire. Data collected for their statistical analyses. Results revealed a RWL strategies prevalence of 96% across the participants. Our results revealed that 57% of those athletes using RWL lose more than 5% of their body mass. Across the athletes, the most commonly used RWL strategies and with higher intensity were increased exercise and training with plastic or thick clothes. The greater the relative weight loss, the greater the presence of physiological symptoms in athletes, such as rapid breathing and blood pressure. Athletes also mentioned mood states such as tiredness, sadness, confusion, fatigue and vigor, these last two positive and negative mood states are associated with the relative weight loss, respectively. Finally, the people who most influenced the adoption of RWL strategies were the coaches, parents and nutritionists. In conclusion, the questionnaire prepared for this study allowed us to obtain valuable information about the several factors, and their interactions, involved in the practice of RWL in combat athletes. This type of practice could increase health risks and decrease their performance. Therefore, here we state the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of RWL strategies that allows the development of psycho-educational and social-based interventions and programs for the promotion of proper weight maintenance, and prevention against RWL strategies, involving the individuals who influence the adoption of these practices and supporting it with the help of communication technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Castor-Praga
- Facultad de Organización Deportiva, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico
| | - Jeanette M. Lopez-Walle
- Facultad de Organización Deportiva, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico
| | - Javier Sanchez-Lopez
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Cognitivas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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Figlioli F, Bianco A, Thomas E, Stajer V, Korovljev D, Trivic T, Maksimovic N, Drid P. Rapid Weight Loss Habits before a Competition in Sambo Athletes. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13041063. [PMID: 33805862 PMCID: PMC8064378 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Like other combat sports, sambo has competition rules that divide athletes into categories based on gender, age and weight. Athletes in combat sports often resort to rapid weight loss (RWL) methods to be more competitive in lower weight categories and gain an advantage against lighter, smaller and weaker competitors. The aim of this study was to examine the methodology implemented by two different sambo age categories, junior and senior athletes, in order to attain RWL. METHODS The sample consisted of 103 male sambo elite athletes (seniors/juniors: age 28.5 ± 4.3/18.9 ± 0.8; height (m): 1.7 ± 0.1/1.8 ± 0.1; weight (kg): 76.3 ± 17.8/74.4 ± 16.3; BMI (kg/m2): 25.0 ± 3.8/23.7 ± 3.9) who completed a survey on RWL. RESULTS Athletes reported losing a mean of 5 kg starting approximately 12 days before a competition. The most common methodology reported by senior and junior sambo athletes was gradually increasing dieting, followed by sauna and plastic suit training. Less common methods adopted were laxatives, diuretics, the use of diet pills and vomiting. There were significant group differences for sauna and diet pill ingestion. Coaches and parents are influential people in the lives of athletes concerning the weight loss strategy to be adopted. CONCLUSIONS This study's results unequivocally confirm the prevalent practice of RWL in both senior and junior sambo athletes. Although athletes prevalently chose "less harmful" methods, there is a need to inform parents and coaches of the risks and benefits of RWL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Figlioli
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, 90144 Palermo, Italy; (F.F.); (A.B.); (E.T.)
| | - Antonino Bianco
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, 90144 Palermo, Italy; (F.F.); (A.B.); (E.T.)
| | - Ewan Thomas
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, 90144 Palermo, Italy; (F.F.); (A.B.); (E.T.)
| | - Valdemar Stajer
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (V.S.); (D.K.); (T.T.); (N.M.)
| | - Darinka Korovljev
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (V.S.); (D.K.); (T.T.); (N.M.)
| | - Tatjana Trivic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (V.S.); (D.K.); (T.T.); (N.M.)
| | - Nebojsa Maksimovic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (V.S.); (D.K.); (T.T.); (N.M.)
| | - Patrik Drid
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (V.S.); (D.K.); (T.T.); (N.M.)
- Correspondence:
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Cannataro R, Cione E, Gallelli L, Marzullo N, Bonilla DA. Acute Effects of Supervised Making Weight on Health Markers, Hormones and Body Composition in Muay Thai Fighters. Sports (Basel) 2020; 8:sports8100137. [PMID: 33081214 PMCID: PMC7602705 DOI: 10.3390/sports8100137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Making weight is a practice often used in combat sports. This consists of a rapid weight loss (RWL) and a subsequent rapid weight gain (RWG) in the days preceding competition. However, this practice is often carried out based on anecdotal information provided by ex-athletes or non-professionals, which has led to several adverse events. This study aimed to assess the acute effects of a supervised nutritional period of RWL/RWG on health markers, hormone concentrations, and body composition. We performed a single-arm repeated-measures (baseline, after RWL and after RWG) clinical trial with twenty-one (8F:16M) Italian Muay Thai fighters. Body mass was significantly lower after the RWL (-4.1%) while there was a significantly higher glucose availability after RWL and RWG. Blood urea nitrogen, lipid profile, and creatinine were within the normal range after RWL/RWG. Testosterone decrease significantly after RWL and RWG in the men group. Male fighters had a significant reduction in thyroid-stimulating hormone concentration after the RWL and RWG intervention, but no change was found in women at pre-competition. Bioelectrical parameters were almost fully restored after RWG. An evidence-based and individualized nutrition methodology reduces the adverse events after an RWL and RWG practice, although the impact on the hormonal profile is inevitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Cannataro
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Erika Cione
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
| | - Luca Gallelli
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance Operative Unit, Department of Health Science, University of Magna Graecia, Mater Domini Hospital Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | | | - Diego A. Bonilla
- Research Division, DBSS International SAS, Bogotá 110861, Colombia;
- kDNA Genomics®, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
- Research Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Bogotá 110311, Colombia
- Research Group in Physical Activity, Sports and Health Sciences (GICAFS), Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia
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Janiszewska K, Przybyłowicz KE. Pre-Competition Weight Loss Models in Taekwondo: Identification, Characteristics and Risk of Dehydration. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12092793. [PMID: 32932611 PMCID: PMC7551247 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Athletes use different combinations of weight loss methods during competition preparation. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize pre-competition weight loss models, which describe these combinations. The second aim was to determine if any existing model pose a higher risk of severe dehydration and whether any of the models could be continued as a lower-risk option. The third aim was to explore whether athletes who used different weight management strategies could be differentiated based on age, sex, training experience or anthropometric parameters. Study participants were randomly selected from Olympic taekwondo competitors and 192 athletes were enrolled. Active (47% weight-reducing athletes), passive (31%) and extreme (22%) models have been described. In the extreme model, athletes combined the highest number of different weight loss methods (3.9 ± 0.9 methods vs. 2.4 ± 0.9 in active and 1.5 ± 0.6 in passive), reduced significantly more body mass than others (6.7 ± 3.5% body mass vs. 4.3 ± 1.9% and 4.5 ± 2.4%; p < 0.01) and all of them used methods with the highest risk of severe dehydration. The active and passive models could be continued as a lower-risk option, if athletes do not combine dehydrating methods and do not prolong the low energy availability phase. The extreme model carried the highest risk of severe dehydration. Every fifth weight-reducing taekwondo athlete may have been exposed to the adverse effects of acute weight loss. Taekwondo athletes, regardless of age, sex, training experience and anthropometric parameters, lose weight before the competition and those characteristics do not differentiate them between models.
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Comparison of hot water immersion at self-adjusted maximum tolerable temperature, with or without the addition of salt, for rapid weight loss in mixed martial arts athletes. Biol Sport 2020; 38:89-96. [PMID: 33795918 PMCID: PMC7996375 DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2020.96947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hot water immersion is used by athletes in weight category sports to produce rapid weight loss (RWL) by means of passive fluid loss, and often is performed with the addition of Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate). This study investigated the magnitude of body mass losses during hot water immersion with or without the addition of salt, with the temperature commencing at 37.8°C and being self-adjusted by participants to their maximum tolerable temperature. In a crossover design, eight male MMA athletes (29.4 ± 5.3 y; 1.83 ± 0.05 m; 85.0 ± 4.9 kg) performed a 20 min whole-body immersion followed by a 40 min wrap in a warm room, twice in sequence per visit. During one visit, only fresh water was used (FWB), and in the other visit, magnesium sulphate (1.6% wt/vol) was added to the bath (SWB). Prior to each visit, 24 h of carbohydrate, fibre and fluid restriction was undertaken. Water temperatures at the end of the first and second baths were ~39.0°C and ~39.5°C, respectively. Body mass losses induced by the hot bath protocols were 1.71 ± 0.70 kg and 1.66 ± 0.78 kg for FWB and SWB, respectively (P = 0.867 between trials, d = 0.07), and equivalent to ~2.0% body mass. Body mass lost during the entire RWL protocol was 4.5 ± 0.7%. Under the conditions employed, the magnitude of body mass lost in SWB was similar to FWB. Augmenting passive fluid loss during hot water immersion with the addition of salt may require a higher salt concentration than that presently utilised.
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