Comparação da prevalência de métodos de perda de peso pré‐competição em judocas de diferentes categorias

Abstract

Judo athletes often use in previous periods of competitions, methods for rapid weight loss. This purpose of this practice is benefit the athlete, competing in a lower weight category and tries to regain weight in a short space of time between the weigh‐in and competition. However, the use of this practice without professional supervision may be harmful to the health of the athlete. ObjectiveInvestigate the methods and strategies used for weight loss in judo competitors at the national level and different categories. Methods60 athletes the national levels, male and female, of different ages (juvenile, junior, senior and master) answered a questionnaire regarding the use or not of methods for weight loss and what are the strategies loss weight often used in the pre‐competition period. Results80% (juvenile), 69.6% (junior), 88.9% (senior) and 100% (master) use methods of weight loss pre‐competition, and 70% (juvenile), 69.6% (junior), 77.8% (senior) and 77.7% (master) reported their performance impaired by the use of these strategies. ConclusionWe found that a much higher judo athletes from different age categories, makes use of methods or strategies for rapid weight loss. This fact has shown a direct deleterious effect on the physical and emotional performance of athletes during competitions.