Performance Alteration Induced by Weight Cutting in Mixed Martial Arts—A Biomechanical Pilot Investigation

Abstract

Currently, there are pros and cons of research results related to weight cutting in combat sports, resulting in inconclusive results regarding the effects of weight-cut on athletes’ performance, and biomechanical investigations are hardly seen. Therefore, this pilot study tried to fill the gap by initiating an exploration in real-life competitions. It is our hope to add biomechanical insights (advantages/disadvantages) that would discern the impact of weight cutting on competitive performance and help to structure hypotheses in future research. The method consisted of 3D motion capture, EMG measurement and biomechanical modeling. Through the synchronized data, striking power, striking accuracy and reaction time were quantitatively determined. Pre- and post-test design was used to test common strikes before weight cutting and 24 h after weigh-in. Seven male athletes from local clubs were tested during regional competitions. Results were characterized by using descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) and T-tests were performed to contrast differences between the pre- and post-tests. This pilot study has revealed that there is actually weight-regain instead of weight-loss. The weight-regain would speed up the perceptional and total reaction, slow down the limbs’ movement, worsen the striking accuracy and, possibly, decrease the strike power. The preliminary results are inconclusive regarding the competitive advantages/disadvantages induced by weight cutting. Further biomechanical studies are needed to deal with the controversial subject more objectively and scientifically.

Comparative analysis of psychophysiological features of taekwondo athletes of different age groups

“…The analysis of correlation dependencies is widely used in sports science [4,8]. A comparison of the number and strength of connections allows us to evaluate the dynamics of the functional system, which is formed in the process of sports training.…”

“…It has been confirmed that the reaction time, strength and accuracy of the strike are among the most important factors in the state of martial arts athletes [2,3,4]. It is proposed to use them for monitoring the functional state of athletes.…”

“…It is proposed to use them for monitoring the functional state of athletes. Controlling these factors is especially important in terms of preparing for competitions and losing weight [4].…”

Effects of Different Rapid Weight Loss Strategies and Percentages on Performance-Related Parameters in Combat Sports: An Updated Systematic Review

“…Same-day weight loss by sweating and fluid deprivation was performed in three studies [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. The rest of the included studies provide at least a few days for weight loss, also through calorie, energy and/or fluid restriction, specifically a period of 5 days [ 25 , 26 , 27 ], 1 complete week/10 days [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ], or 3/4 weeks [ 35 , 36 ]. In addition, there was a final study comparing progressive RWL performed weeks in advance (3 weeks of calorie restriction) with those performed faster or at shorter notice (59 h prior to weighting) [ 37 ].…”

“…In addition to the RWL typologies and their programming over time, tests applied to aerobic and anaerobic capacity such as the Wingate [ 23 , 25 , 35 , 37 ] or an arm ergometer [ 27 ] stood out as performance analysis methods. Similarly, studies applied specific tests for each combat speciality [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 31 , 33 , 34 , 36 ] and measures aimed at determining the athlete’s strength/performance [ 22 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 36 , 37 ] or psychological state [ 29 , 30 , 32 , 36 ]. In addition to the tests applied to performance, data collection aimed at controlling body composition and weight [ 22 , 25 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 34 , 35 , 36 ], and the analysis of blood components [ 22 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 37 ] and urine [ 22 , 23 , 30 ,…”