Mohsen Kazemi1, Alima Rahman, Marco De Ciantis. 1. Associate Professor, Faculty of Clinical Education, Research and Graduate Studies, Sports Sciences Residency program coordinator, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Tel: 416-482-2340, 416-385-0110; e-mail: mkazemi@cmcc.ca.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Weight reduction cycles are used by weight classed athletes in Taekwondo to make a weight category. Tension, dizziness, headaches, and confusion have been associated with rapid weight loss (RWL). There is a lack of research in weight cycling and its benefits among Taekwondo athletes. PURPOSE: To investigate the rate of weight cycling in Junior Taekwondo athletes and its effect on performance. METHODS: Athletes were weighed prior to competition, then again before their first match. Body mass difference in relation to winning was compared. RESULTS: A significant increase from weigh-in to pre-match measurements was consistently found in both genders with no significant difference between them. Winners had a mean body mass gain (1.02 kg) which was non-significantly less than the non-winners (1.09 kg). CONCLUSIONS: RWL practices do not define which athlete will perform better. Negative effects of weight cycling coupled with RWL has unclear performance benefits which indicates a need for further research.
BACKGROUND: Weight reduction cycles are used by weight classed athletes in Taekwondo to make a weight category. Tension, dizziness, headaches, and confusion have been associated with rapid weight loss (RWL). There is a lack of research in weight cycling and its benefits among Taekwondo athletes. PURPOSE: To investigate the rate of weight cycling in Junior Taekwondo athletes and its effect on performance. METHODS: Athletes were weighed prior to competition, then again before their first match. Body mass difference in relation to winning was compared. RESULTS: A significant increase from weigh-in to pre-match measurements was consistently found in both genders with no significant difference between them. Winners had a mean body mass gain (1.02 kg) which was non-significantly less than the non-winners (1.09 kg). CONCLUSIONS: RWL practices do not define which athlete will perform better. Negative effects of weight cycling coupled with RWL has unclear performance benefits which indicates a need for further research.
Entities:
Keywords:
Taekwondo; competitive behaviour; martial arts; weight loss
Authors: Guilherme G Artioli; Rodrigo T Iglesias; Emerson Franchini; Bruno Gualano; Daniel B Kashiwagura; Marina Y Solis; Fabiana B Benatti; Marina Fuchs; Antonio H Lancha Junior Journal: J Sports Sci Date: 2010-01 Impact factor: 3.337