Rapid Weight Loss Adversely Affects Muscle Damage Markers In Elite Judo Athletes

Abstract

Rapid weight loss (RWL) is a phenomenon that is commonly detected amongst elite judo athletes. It is used to gain the advantage over their lighter opponents. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of 7-day RWL intervention on muscle damage markers in seven elite judokas during a pre-competition period. METHODS: The participants voluntarily participated in this study. RWL was induced in accordance to personal preference previously practiced by judo athletes. Most frequently reported methods of RWL were increased exercise volume, fluid and caloric restriction and heated environment exposure. RESULTS: RWL induced a significant drop in weight within all seven participants (93.07 ± 10.69 kg at baseline vs. 88.12 ± 10.30 kg at follow-up; P < 0.001). Regarding biochemical changes, myoglobin levels significantly increased on the last day of intervention (P < 0.01) (day 7). In addition, creatine kinase levels were also elevated on the 6th day of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the obtained results, RWL methods caused alterations in myoglobin and creatine kinase levels in elite judokas. This indicates that although RWL is perceived as helpful in achieving success in competition, it can produce muscle tissue damage that can further impact fitness profile of elite judokas. This project was partly supported by the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development (175037 and 179011), the Provincial Secretariat for Higher Education and Scientific Research (142-451-2473 and 114-451-710) and the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad (2019 Annual Award).