Effect of Rapid Weight Loss on Hydration Status and Performance in Elite Judo Athletes

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of 5% rapid weight loss on hydration status and judo performance in highly trained judo athletes. Methods: Eighteen male judo athletes participated in the study and were divided into two groups: control and rapid weight loss (RWL). RWL athletes were given 48 h to cut 5% of their body mass while the control group followed their routines. Athletes performed three measurements, including hydration, body mass and three consecutive special judo fitness tests (SJFTs). At the 1st and 6th minutes following each SJFT and 1st, 6th and 15th minutes following the last SJFT, blood lactate and heart rate (HR) was monitored. Results: The effect of RWL on variables was tested with split-plot ANOVA. RWL significantly affected urine specific gravity with a higher value following weight loss compared to baseline and recovery (F2-32 = 13.2, p < 0.001). In addition, athletes’ SJFT total throw numbers differed among measurements (F2-32 = 7.70, p < 0.001). Athletes presented worse SJFT index after weight loss (F2-32 = 8.05, p = 0.01; F1-16 = 6.43, p = 0.02, respectively). HR changed significantly among measurements days and times (F28-448 = 143.10, p < 0.001). Conclusion: RWL induced dehydration and impaired heart rate recovery in highly trained judo athletes, and they could not rehydrate between competition simulated weigh-in and 15 h of recovery.

Acute Dehydration Impairs Performance and Physiological Responses in Highly Trained Judo Athletes

“…Previous studies have shown that some of the most frequently used methods for RWL are the fluid restriction or dehydration strategies, such as using sauna and plastic clothing [ 5 ]; or more aggressive methods, such as diuretics and laxatives [ 6 ]. It is known that dehydration may lead to a decrease in athletic skill and motor function to a great extent [ 7 , 8 , 9 ], increased heart rate due to the effort [ 10 ], renal impairment in severe cases [ 11 ], and adverse effects on neuromuscular and cognitive systems [ 12 , 13 ].…”

Weight Loss Method: Beginner Boxer's Perception

“…Then the effect felt on the body after using the weight loss method, the most anfroanswersrs were 64 boxers who felt symptoms such as dehydration and lack of enthusiasm. Dehydration is a common occurrence in boxers and other martial arts when losing weight (Ceylan et al, 2022).…”

Weight Loss and Competition Weight Comparing Male and Female Mixed Martial Artists Competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) Flyweight Division

“…Cases of extreme RWL, are especially concerning for the safety of athletes, given the lack of regulation and supervision of weight cutting practices. A link between RWL and increased heart rate (HR) was observed in multiple studies attempting to determine the physiological effects of RWL [38][39][40]. Increased HR following RWL might indicate an increase in cardiovascular demand for combat sports athletes during competition, which could result in decreased aerobic capacity.…”

“…Athletes at >/= 2% dehydration are known to have physical performance decreases [52][53][54]. Dehydration has been shown to decrease intermittent sprint performance [54], endurance performance [52], repeat muscular performances [39], and aerobic performance, with additive decreases in performance in the heat [40,[54][55][56][57][58][59]. Decreased aerobic performance in the setting of dehydration is the result of increased cardiovascular strain from plasma volume reductions and increased temperatures [55].…”