Effect Of Rapid Weight Loss On Strength In Mma Fighters

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to verify the effect of the rapid weight loss (RWL) induced by the restriction of fluids at different moments on the manual grip strength in mixed martial art (MMA) athletes. METHODS: Twenty-seven male amateur MMA athletes (age 24.0 ± 5.3 years, height 175 ± 8.2 cm, body mass 76.0 ± 14.66 kg) and twenty-three women (age 19,0 ± 6,9 years; height 164,0 ± 6,1 cm; body mass 66,0 ± 6,70 kg) participated in this study. All athletes had BM, handgrip strength, and hydration status assessed at baseline (10 days before the onset of RWL), the official match weigh-in, and again 24 h later (match time). RESULTS: A repeated measures ANOVA showed for men and women, basal body weight (male: 75,0 ± 2,0; female: 66,1 ± 6,7) was significantly higher than at the time of weighing (male: 65,2 ± 2.1; woman: 56,9 ± 4,9) and match time (male: 68,5 ± 2,1, female: 59,6 ± 6,1). Density for males was higher at baseline (1.039 ± 0.1) compared to 24 h later (1.018 ± 0.1). However, women presented a difference in density for the three moments (baseline: 1,040 ± 0,2 > 1,030 ± 1,0 > 1,017 ± 0,1). In the handgrip for men it was evidenced difference between baseline (44,2 ± 13,8) and weighing (40,3 ± 17,7); however for women not found difference. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid weight loss showed to reduce significantly manual grip strength. In addition, was observed that this technique leads the athlete to dehydration. This would possibly interfere in a negative way in the performance of the athletes. In this way, the subjective criterion of a supposed advantage in the reduction and supercompensation of the weight must be well planned so that there is no deleterious effect on the performance and health of the athlete.