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Balance results for the control, progressive weight loss (PWL), and rapid weight loss (RWL) groups. MAPV = mean anteroposterior velocity; MMLV = mean mediolateral velocity. * denotes significant differences (P<0.05) between pre-test and post-test.
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Purpose:
The objective of this study was to examine the effects of rapid and progressive weight loss (RWL and PWL) on balance, reaction time, and strength in a group of elite judo athletes.
Methods:
38 female and male judo athletes (age = 20.6 ± 2.6 years) completed balance, reaction time, and strength assessments one week prior to an official w...
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... Except for the studies of Sambo, MMA, and Muay Thai athletes, all studies reported that the athletes' habitual WL was less than 5%, which is in line with the above research recommendations. Although previous studies addressing the effects of RWL on physiological parameters have produced conflicting data, demonstrating negative [69][70][71], positive [72], and negligible [72,73] effects, some systematic reviews and meta-analyses have shown no or negative effects of RWL on athletic performance [56][57][58]74]. ...
The aim of this systematic review is to comprehensively assess the weight loss (WL) practices in different combat sports (CS). The review protocol was preregistered with PROSPERO [CRD42023487196]. Three databases were searched (Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and PubMed) until 8 December 2023. Eligible studies had to meet five criteria: they must have been (a) written in English, (b) published in a peer-reviewed journal, (c) used a survey design to investigate the WL practices of CS athletes, and (d) reported the WL methods used by athletes using a five-point scale. Twenty-six studies (3994 participants from 14 CS) were included. This review found that (1) WL is highly prevalent in CS athletes; (2) many CS athletes started losing weight for competition as teenagers two to three times a year; (3) CS athletes usually lose <5% body weight in 7–14 days before competition; (4) increasing exercise and gradually dieting are the most commonly used WL methods; and (5) the influence of scientific practitioners on athletes is negligible. The habitual practices of CS athletes may be relatively harmless, but in some special cases, CS athletes also perform extreme WL practices. Scientific practitioners have little influence on their WL practices, which may form a vicious cycle of non-qualified influence.
... Regarding executive functioning, on the one hand, alterations in executive functions have been reported, specifically inhibitory control when athletes lose weight quickly [27][28][29] where there is a contradiction in the reported results, some authors have studied reaction time for tasks that demand attention or visual abilities, and they found a negative effect [30,27], while others did not find any effect [31]. ...
Background & Study Aim: Rapid weight loss (RWL) is a process usually practiced by combat athletes. The objective of this review was to know the effects of RWL on cardiac response, executive functions, and mood state, as well as the study methodologies used.
Material & Methods: The search was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar, in English and Spanish from 2015 to 2022 using the keywords: “rapid weight loss”, “acute weight loss”, “RWL”, “heart rate variability”, “HRV”, “sympathetic response”, “sympathetic cardiac modulation”, “executive functions”, “cognition”, “cognitive”, “mood states”, and “combat sports”. Articles where athletes practiced RWL were included, and the amount of weight lost and at least one variable of interest were reported, considering criteria 1, 10 and 11 of the Spanish’s version of the PEDro scale and the PRISMA guidelines.
Results: Seven articles reported an increased heart rate; in terms of executive performance, no significant effects on inhibitory control and reaction time were reported in two articles. Finally, seven articles reported, an increase in tension, depression, anger and fatigue, and a decrease in vigour.
Conclusions: No papers evaluating simultaneously all three variables of interest were found. The effects of RWL appear to be unclear in the analysed articles used, considering the diversity in the methodologies used, it is recommended to carry out studies involving biopsychosocial factors, such as the level of sports and competitive experience of the participants; as well as having standard indicators and methodologies to know the real effect of RWL.
... The sudden reduction in body weight for judo practitioners has no beneficial effects on reaction speed and balance, these values being better for those where weight loss is slow or it is kept constant [38]. For university students practicing team sports, with functional ankle instability, the implementation of a 4-week program based on balance exercises performed at home has improved the functional capacity of the ankle [39]. ...
Background: Static and dynamic balance are factors of major importance in the manifestation of human motor skills at a higher level. Purpose: The determination of vari-ations in the performance of balance tests for young women students at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports (48 cases in the 1st year of bachelor's degree), divided and analyzed 3 BMI levels (underweight / 7 cases, normal weight / 34 cases and overweight / 7 cases) and comparing these results with other similar research. Material and method: The testing of the group was scheduled at the Research Center for Human Performance, be-longing to the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports in Galați, in the month of April of the 2018-2019 academic year. For the assessment of balance, 7 tests were used, of which 4 associated with dynamic postural stability (Walk and turn field sobriety test/errors, Func-tional reach test/cm, Fukuda test/degrees of rotation, Bass test/ points) and 3 measuring static stability (Flamingo test/falls, One leg standing with eyes closed/sec, Stork test/sec). Nonparametric tests (Mann-Whitney U) were applied to compare differences between batches. Results: The average values of underweight and normal-weight women are better than those of overweight women for the entire set of assessment tests. The underweight group has the best results for the Standing balance test, Functional reach test, Flamingo test, Walk and turn field sobriety test, Fukuda test, and the normal weight women for Stork test, respectively Bass test. We found a lack of significant thresholds when comparing the results between the 3 groups (P> 0.05) for Stork test, Standing balance test and Functional reach test, so the working hypothesis formulated is only partially confirmed. The only significant difference between underweight and normal weight (P <0.05) is found in the Flamingo test, with better values for underweight. Significant difference thresholds for Flamingo test and Fukuda test are recorded between the underweight and overweight groups (Z values have associated thresholds P<0.05). The most significant differences are found between the normal weight and overweight groups (P <0.05), respectively for the Bass test, Fukuda test and Walk and turn field sobriety test. Conclusion: Constant physical activity (as a feature of the analyzed group) reduces the chances of significant differences in all balance tests between BMI levels. Keywords: female students; university specialization; static and dynamic postural control; physical activity
... However, although dehydration is very common among judo athletes from different competitive levels and categories [4,[17][18][19], we have not come across any study investigating the effect of acute dehydration that is likely presented in judo competitions (significant to serious dehydration) [4,20] on judo-specific performance. Furthermore, much of the research investigated different weight loss methods in the laboratories, but they did not provide a clear implication related to the influence of acute dehydration on judo-specific performance [21][22][23][24]. ...
Background:
The present study investigated highly trained male judo athletes and how a 5% body mass dehydration affects their judo-specific performance and physiological responses.
Methods:
Nine highly trained international-level male judo athletes who are weight-cyclers voluntarily participated in the study. The study had a controlled crossover design in nature. Athletes completed three sessions, including a familiarisation session and two experimental sessions (dehydration (DEHY) and control (CON)) with judo-specific tests, including maximal handgrip strength test (HGS), judogi grip strength tests (JGST), and the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT).
Results:
Intergroup analysis revealed a significant increase in urine specific gravity (USG) and decreased body mass following DEHY condition compared to CON. Furthermore, significant decreases were determined in HGS, JGSTs, and a number of throws in the first and third series of SJFTs, as well as higher heart rate (HR) responses in the second and third series of SJFT and worse SJFT index in DEHY condition (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
We concluded that 5% dehydration of body mass led to impairment in dynamic and isometric strength in upper limbs and in judo-specific performance, as well as elevated HR during the SJFT.
... There was no discernible difference in squat jump or countermovement jump performance, or in judo movement repetitions lasting longer than 5 s [73]. Morales et al [74] demonstrated negative effects on perceptual motor-skill performance in judo athletes engaging in RWL strategies prior to competition. Given the detrimental effects of RWL as documented in the current literature, it is critical to establish and monitor an athlete's minimum competitive weight in order to prioritize the athlete's health and safety, to emphasize fairness, and to ultimately benefit the sport [75]. ...
Abstract Background A number of specific tests are used to standardize competition performance. Specific Judo fitness test (SJFT) can be applied by considering the start of the competition qualifiers in the morning and the continuation of the final competitions in the evening. The improvement of test performances can be achieved with warm-up for elevating heart rate (HR) and muscle temperature such as raise, activate, mobilise, potentiate (RAMP) protocols. Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of different warm-up protocols on SJFT at different times of the day in female judokas. Methods Ten volunteer women participated in this study, who regularly participated in judo training for more than 5 years and actively competed in international competitions. Judokas completed SJFT, either after no warm-up, or RAMP protocols like specific warm-up (SWU), and dynamic warm-up for two times a day in the morning: 09:00–10:00 and in the evening: 16:00–17:00, with at least 2 days between test sessions. The following variables were recorded: throws performed during series A, B, and C; the total number of throws; HR immediately and 1 min after the test, and test index after different warm-ups. Results When analyzed evening compared to the morning without discriminating three warm-up protocols, evening results statistically significant number of total throws performed during series A, B, and C, the total number of throws; HR immediately and 1 min after the test, and test index than morning results (p
... Opposite findings were also found in reaction time where a study showed that it was not impaired (Clarys et al., 2010) and another one found that it was altered (Morales et al., 2018). ...
... Only one study has examined the effect of weight loss in balance, which demonstrated that balance is altered when losing >3% BW within the week prior to competition (Morales et al., 2018). Finally, a study evaluated the effect of 10% BW reduction in two weeks on the decision-making performance of judokas and showed no impairment in the experimental group, while the control group improved the decision-making index based on scoring and no-scoring actions (Fortes, Lira, et al., 2017). ...
... Controversial results concerning the effect of weight loss on isometric strength were found. Some studies(Coufalová et al., 2014; Filaire et al., 2001;Morales et al., 2018) reported that isometric strength of upper and lower extremities and trunk traction strength were not affected by weight loss, while others(Clarys et al., 2010; Coufalová et al., 2014; Degoutte et al., 2006; Filaire et al., 2001) reported that isometric arm and trunk strength was reduced, with the athletes in all studies losing ≥3% BW. According to another study, judo athletes with ≥2.7% reduction of total body water may lose ≥2% of forearm maximal strength(Silva et al., 2011). ...
Neck stabilisation during a breakfall, in response to a judo throw, may play a crucial role in preventing direct contact between the participant’s head and the judo mat. Therefore, neck strength may predict the risk of judo-related head injuries. However, the precise association between neck strength and neck stabilisation during breakfalls remains to be clarified. Furthermore, the effect of the impulsive force during breakfall on head and neck stabilisation has not been discussed in previous research studies. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the correlation between neck strength, the force acting on the body during osoto-gari, and head and neck stabilisation parameters. Thirty novice male judoka volunteered to participate in this study. Three-dimensional motion analysis of osoto-gari breakfalls was performed to obtain biomechanical variables such as the resultant linear and angular head acceleration during breakfall, the force acting on the whole-body centre of mass (COM), as well as the isometric neck strength. A multiple regression analysis was performed to elucidate the contribution of neck strength and impact force on head and neck stabilisation (P < 0.05). Our results demonstrated no significant correlation among the peak neck flexion strength, the peak force acting on the COM, the peak linear and the peak angular acceleration of the head during breakfall. The present finding suggests that neck strength may not be a useful parameter in screening for high risk head injuries in novice judoka. Therefore, a mere enhancement of the neck strength and/or a reduction in the magnitude of the impulsive force imposed during osoto-gari may not be fully effective in preventing judo related head injuries.
... Back muscle strength (BMS) was determined from the maximal isometric strength of the trunk muscles in a standing position with 30 • lumbar flexion via a digital back muscle strength meter (T.K.K. 5402, Takei Co., Niigata, Japan) [39]. Each participant performed two trials involving explosive power, and the best score was recorded. ...
This study aimed to analyse the impact of an 8-week core strength training (CST) programme in youth karate practitioners on core endurance, agility, flexibility, sprinting, jumping, and kick performance. This study followed a randomized parallel design. Twenty-nine participants (age: 12.86 ± 0.81 years old; height: 152.55 ± 10.37 cm; weight: 42.93 ± 8.85 kg) were allocated to a CST programme (n = 16) performed thrice weekly or to a control group (n = 13) only performing the sport-specific (karate) training. Participants were assessed three times (baseline, mid and post-intervention) for the following tests: (i) flexor endurance test (FET); (ii) back extensor test (BET); (iii) lateral musculature test (LMT); (iv) flexibility; (v) chance of direction (COD); (vi) countermovement jump (CMJ); (vii) back muscle strength (BMS); (viii) horizontal jump (LJ); (ix) sprint test; and (x) karate kick test (KKT). Between-group analysis revealed significant advantages for the CST group on the FET (p < 0.001), BET (p < 0.001), LMT (p < 0.001), 20 m sprint (p = 0.021) and KKT for right (p < 0.006) and left (p < 0.020) legs. No significant differences were found between groups in the remaining physical fitness variables (p > 0.05). The within-group changes revealed significant improvements in the CST group at flexibility (p = 0.002), COD (p < 0.001), CMJ (p < 0.001), BMS (p < 0.002), 20 m sprint (p = 0.033), and KKT (p < 0.001). In addition, within-group changes in the control group were also significant in flexibility (p = 0.024) and right kick (p < 0.042). We conclude that the CST programme improves core endurance and karate kick performance; however, it is not effective enough for other physical performance parameters in KR practitioners.
... According to the scholarly literature, the most frequently practised methods to start RWL were fluid restriction [5,6,20,25,[37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44], energy restriction [25,37,40,45], wearing rubber/plastic suits [5,37,39,41], increased exercise [37,40,42], heated room training [37,39], use of sauna [37,41], spitting [5], using laxatives [41] and gradual dieting [37]. However, according to our study, aggressive RWL methods among the Lithuanian combat athletes were less common. ...
Rapid Weight Loss (RWL) is a rapid reduction in weight over a short period of time seeking to attain the norm required for a competition in a particular weight category. RWL has a negative health impact on athletes including the significant muscle damage induced by RWL. This study aimed to identify the association between RWL and body composition among competitive combat athletes (n = 43) in Lithuania. Our focus was laid on the disclosure of their RWL practice by using a previously standardized RWL Questionnaire. The body composition of the athletes was measured by means of the standing-posture 8-12-electrode multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and the electrical signals of 5, 50, 250, 550 and 1000 kHz. This non-experimental cross-sectional study resulted in preliminary findings on the prevalence and profile of RWL among combat athletes in Lithuania. 88% of the athletes surveyed in our study had lost weight in order to compete, with the average weight loss of 4.6 ± 2% of the habitual body mass. The athletes started to resort to weight cycling as early as 9 years old, with a mean age of 12.8 ± 2.1 years. The combination of practiced weight loss techniques such as skipping meals (adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) 6.3; 95% CI: 1.3–31.8), restricting fluids (AOR 5.5; 95% CI: 1.0–31.8), increased exercise (AOR 3.6; 95% CI: 1.0–12.5), training with rubber/plastic suits (AOR 3.2; 95% CI: 0.9–11.3) predicted the risk of RWL aggressiveness. RWL magnitude potentially played an important role in maintaining the loss of muscle mass in athletes during the preparatory training phase (β –0.01 kg, p < 0.001). Therefore, an adequate regulatory programme should be integrated into the training plans of high-performance combat sports athletes to keep not only the athletes but also their coaches responsible for a proper weight control.
... The findings of our study are also consistent with these findings. It can be said that this is due to the fact that Judo branch is mostly based on physical strength and technique, whereas other martial arts are based on quickness (19). Polat et al. (2018), in their study comparing the visual and auditory reaction times of elite taekwondo and kickboxers, reported that there was no significant difference between the visual reaction times of the athletes, however, the auditory reaction times of the taekwondo athletes were better than the kickboxers (20). ...
p>Many fitness skills are required to be successful in martial arts sports. It is known that the reaction time is distinctive for performance in all martial arts, although the specific importance of different motoric features in sports branches is variable. The aim of this study is to compare simple visual and auditory reaction times of martial arts athletes. For this purpose, 48 male athletes between the ages of 15 and 25 who have been actively doing sports for at least 1 year in boxing, judo, karate, muay thai, kickboxing and taekwondo branches were voluntarily included in the study. Height, body weight, simple visual and auditory reaction time measurements were made by obtaining the age and year of starting sports of the athletes. There was no statistically significant difference between the visual and auditory reaction times according to the participants' age, body mass index and sports age variables (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the visual reaction times according to the success level variable of the participants, but no significant difference was found between the auditory reaction times (p<0.05). In terms of the sport branch variable of the participants, a statistically significant difference was found between the visual and auditory reaction times (p<0.05). Accordingly, it can be said that the visual reaction times of the athletes improve as the level of success increases, and the visual and auditory reaction times are more important in martial arts athletes (muay thai, karate taekwondo, kickboxing and boxing) where quickness, movement frequency and movement speed are important. As a result, it is thought that martial arts athletes who want to increase their level of success should include reaction time studies in their training programs. However, it is suggested that it would be beneficial to apply such studies to larger groups and to include women.
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... Contrary to this belief, a recent systematic review on the impact of RWL on judo athletes by Lakicevic et al. [14] showed that the feelings of tension, anger, and fatigue significantly increased, while a decrease in vigor was demonstrated among judo athletes who practice RWL. As more and more emerging studies reveal harmful effects of RWL [9,[34][35][36][37][38] which can even lead to lethal consequences [39], scientists suggested that this harmful practice should be banned from combat sports [29]. Moreover, alternative means of weight loss such as gradual weight loss at the rate of about 1 kilogram per week, elevated carbohydrate intake and emphasis on weight loss from fat depots have been proposed [40]. ...
Background: Rapid weight loss (RWL) is commonly practiced in combat sports. Both magnitude and methods used to induce RWL are largely similar among combat sports, but currently, there is no data on RWL methodology used by sambo athletes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine RWL procedures sambo athletes apply to lose weight rapidly.
Methods: The sample consisted of 199 participants, of which 132 males and 67 females who participated in the World Sambo Championship 2020 held in Novi Sad, Serbia. Each participant received RWL questionnaire that was available in multiple languages, and every participant was instructed how to fill it out.
Results: Almost 87% of sambo participants declared to have intentionally cut their weight prior to the competition, whereby 5.27 kg (SD: ±7.57) was lost. Gradual dieting, sauna use and skipping meals were the most dominant methods used to reduce weight prior to competition while more extreme methods of RWL such as the use of laxatives, diuretics, diet pills and vomiting were also implemented but by much smaller fragment of the participants involved.
Conclusions: Findings from our study largely match with previously conducted RWL studies in terms of prevalence, magnitude and methods used by combat sport athletes, especially in judo and wrestling. Knowing the hazardous consequences of RWL, alternative methods of sustainable weight loss should be considered.
