Short-and long-term weight loss strategies on mood state and performance in young judo fighters

Dissertação de Mestrado em Ciências do Desporto, Especialização em Avaliação e Prescrição na Actividade FísicaWeight loss in combat sports is a common practice to compete in a lower weight class. Athletes lose 5-10% of body mass through extreme strategies detrimental for health and performance. Our aim was to compare the effects of a rapid (RP) and gradual (GR) weight loss strategy on mood state and physical performance in young judo athletes. Sixteen athletes (6 males and 10 females, age 15-20 years) qualified for the Italian National Championship participated to the study. After three weeks of control, participants were divided into two groups, one adopting a gradual weight loss strategy for three weeks (GR) and the other a rapid weight loss (RP) of one week to lose 2-5% of body mass. Anthropometric measurements, hydration, mood states and performance were assessed six weeks (T0), three weeks (T1) and the day before the competition (T3). During control no significant differences were observed in body weight, %FM, and hydration while after intervention they decreased tension (P<0.04), depression (P<0.05) and grip strength (P