Minimum Wrestling Weight Research Articles

Collegiate women's wrestling body fat percentage and minimum wrestling weight values: time for revisiting minimal body fat percent?

The estimation of body fat percentage (BF%) in wrestling is used to determine the minimum wrestling weight (MWW) and lowest allowable weight class (MWC) in which wrestlers are eligible to compete. A 12% minimum threshold is currently used for women wrestlers, yet a potential increase for safety has been discussed. Because of the novelty of collegiate women's wrestling, there is a paucity of literature available on the body composition norms of this population. The purpose of this study was to provide a descriptive summary of BF% and MWW values of female wrestlers and how MWW values would change with the use of different BF% thresholds. Data from the 2022-2023 collegiate season were retrospectively analyzed resulting in a sample of 1,683 collegiate women wrestlers from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA, n = 868) and the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA, n = 815). All wrestlers completed skinfold assessments for weight certification at the start of the competition season. The skinfold values were used to estimate BF% using the Slaughter skinfold prediction equation. Frequency statistics and descriptive analysis were performed to compute normative MWW and BF% profiles. BF% thresholds of 12% (12MWW) and the BF% value defined as the lowest 5th percentile, which would be considered unusually lean, were used to determine the resulting MWW and MWC for each method. The lowest recorded weight and weight class division throughout the season was also recorded for each wrestler. There was a positively skewed (0.94) and platykurtic (1.86) distribution of MWW values. The median ± interquartile range BF% for all wrestlers was 27.4 ± 10.22%, with 17% BF representing the 5th percentile. Only 354 out of 1,579 (22.4%) wrestlers competed in their lowest allowable weight class, based on the 12MWW. Of these 354 wrestlers, the mean BF% was 21.3 ± 5.2% at weight certification with only n = 17 being at or below 12% body fat and an average weight loss of 11.1 ± 8.8 lbs. from the time of weight certification. Throughout the season, wrestlers competed at weights that were, on average (mean ± SD), 19.4 ± 16.9 lbs. higher than their 12MWW (95% CI: 18.6, 20.2 lbs. p < 0.001; effect size [ES] = 1.1), 13.4 ± 19.0 lbs. higher than the 17MWW (p < 0.001; ES = 0.70), and 8.7 ± 8.3 lbs. lower than their weight at the certification (95% CI: 8.3, 9.1 lbs. p < 0.001; ES = 1.1). Nearly all BF% values were well above the 12% threshold used to determine MWW. Increasing the minimum BF% threshold from 12% to 17% would affect a small percentage of wrestlers, likely reduce the need for excessive weight cutting, and minimize the deleterious health effects of an athlete at such a low BF%.

A Comparison of Methods Used to Determine Percent Body Fat, Minimum Wrestling Weight, and Lowest Allowable Weight Class.

Cutrufello, PT, Landram, MJ, Venezia, AC, and Dixon, CB. A comparison of methods used to determine percent body fat, minimum wrestling weight, and lowest allowable weight class. J Strength Cond Res 35(3): 633-637, 2021-The National Collegiate Athletic Association's weight management program allows for the use of skinfold measurements (SF), air displacement plethysmography (ADP), and hydrostatic weighing in the assessment of percent body fat (%BF) and determination of a wrestler's minimum wrestling weight (MWW). Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and ultrasound (US) may offer alternative assessment methods. The purpose of this study was to examine %BF, MWW, and the lowest allowable weight class as determined by SF, ADP, DXA, and US. Thirty-three college-aged men (20.8 ± 1.1 years) participated. Urine specific gravity (Usg) was assessed to ensure proper hydration (1.006 ± 0.006). Percent body fat and MWW were then determined using the 4 assessment methods. Each method was significantly different from one another (p < 0.05) with the exception of ADP compared with SF (17.6 ± 7.1% vs. 17.4 ± 6.3%, p = 1.000) and DXA compared with US (20.5 ± 6.2% vs. 19.2 ± 7.5%, p = 0.124). DXA (68.6 ± 7.1 kg) and US (69.3 ± 6.0 kg) determined the lowest MWW, whereas those determined by SF (70.8 ± 6.8 kg) and ADP (70.9 ± 6.6 kg) were significantly greater (p< 0.05). The SEEs for MWW when compared with SF were 3.2, 3.4, and 2.4 kg for ADP, DXA, and US, respectively. Compared with SF, DXA and US would allow wrestlers to certify at a lower weight class 64 and 33% of the time, respectively. When comparing the approved methods (SF and ADP), approximately 50% of subjects would certify at a different weight class depending on the method used. The use of different methods in assessing %BF offer a wide variability in the determination of MWW.

Body composition of elite Olympic combat sport athletes

Physique traits of a range of elite athletes have been identified; however, few detailed investigations of Olympic combat sports (judo, wrestling, taekwondo and boxing) exist. This is surprising given the importance of body composition in weight category sports. We sought to develop a descriptive database of Olympic combat sport athletes, compare variables relative to weight division and examine differences within and between sports. Additionally, we investigated the appropriateness of athletes’ self-selected weight classes compared to an internationally recognised classification system (the NCAA minimum wrestling weight scheme used to identify minimum ‘safe’ weight). Olympic combat sport athletes (56♂, 38♀) had body mass (BM), stretch stature and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry derived body composition assessed within 7–21 days of competition. Most athletes were heavier than their weight division. Sport had an effect (p < .05) on several physique traits, including; lean mass, lean mass distribution, stretch stature and BMI. BM was strongly positively correlated (r > 0.6) with; fat free mass, fat mass and body fat percentage, however, was not predictive of total mass/weight division. The Olympic combat sports differ in competitive format and physiological requirements, which is partly reflected in athletes’ physique traits. We provide reference ranges for lean and fat mass across a range of BM. Lighter athletes likely must utilise acute weight loss in order to make weight, whereas heavier athletes can potentially reduce fat mass.

The Effect of Acute Fluid Consumption Following Exercise-Induced Fluid Loss on Hydration Status, Percent Body Fat, and Minimum Wrestling Weight in Wrestlers

Acute fluid consumption (approximately 1 L) has been shown to reduce urine specific gravity (Usg) among subjects after an overnight fast, yet it is unknown if Usg may be reduced among subjects who have experienced exercise-induced fluid loss. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of acute fluid consumption on Usg, body mass, percent body fat (%BF), and minimum wrestling weight (MWW) following an exercise-induced fluid loss protocol. National Collegiate Athletic Association coaches' perceptions of the weight certification program (WCP) were also evaluated. Twelve men wrestlers (19.8 ± 1.14 years) were tested prepractice (PRE), postpractice (POST), and 1 hour after consuming 1 L of water (PFC). Percent body fat was measured by skinfolds (SF), air displacement plethysmography (ADP), and multifrequency and leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance analysis to calculate MWW. Urine specific gravity measurements significantly increased above PRE (1.013 ± 0.006) at the POST (1.019 ± 0.007; p = 0.017) and PFC (1.022 ± 0.008; p = 0.025) assessments; however, POST and PFC were not significantly different (p = 0.978) from one another. The %BF values were similar (p > 0.05) at each assessment point when using SF and ADP. When compared with PRE, MWW significantly reduced at the POST assessment when using SF (67.2 ± 8.4 vs. 65.7 ± 8.2 kg; p < 0.001) and ADP (66.6 ± 9.1 vs. 64.8 ± 9.0 kg; p = 0.001), reflecting the reduction in body mass observed after exercise. Forty-seven National Collegiate Athletic Association coaches completed the questionnaire and 2 central themes emerged: (a) concerns with the 1.5% weight loss plan and (b) wrestlers using strategies in an attempt to circumvent the WCP. Exercise-induced fluid loss followed by acute fluid consumption equal to 1 L was ineffective in reducing Usg.

The Effect of Acute Fluid Consumption and Hydration Status on Percent Body Fat and Minimum Wrestling Weight

The weight certification program for wrestling requires a urine-specific gravity (USG) <1.020. However, the effect of acute rehydration on percent body fat (%BF) and minimum wrestling weight (MWW) is largely unknown. We examined the effect of acute fluid consumption on %BF and MWW. Twenty-five male subjects (18-22 years) were tested in a dehydrated state (USG > 1.020; DEH), 1 hour after rehydration (USG < 1.020; REH), and on a separate day in a hydrated state (USG < 1.020; HYD) which served as the criterion. Percent body fat was determined using skinfolds (SF), air displacement plethysmography (ADP), leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance analysis (LBIA), and multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MBIA). Regardless of hydration state, %BF values were not significantly different when using SF (DEH = 13.35 ± 4.03%; REH = 13.41 ± 3.99%; HYD = 13.47 ± 4.31%; p = 0.693) or ADP (DEH = 15.68 ± 4.69%; REH = 16.19 ± 4.57%; HYD = 15.88 ± 4.72%; p = 0.145). The MWW after fluid consumption (REH) was similar to the criterion (HYD) when using SF (REH = 72.04 ± 8.25 kg; HYD = 72.23 ± 8.15 kg; p = 1.000) and ADP (REH = 70.38 ± 8.93 kg; HYD = 70.81 ± 8.50 kg; p = 0.177) methods. Conversely, hydration state had a significant impact on LBIA (p = 0.011) and MBIA (p < 0.001) %BF values resulting in reduced MWWs. When using the SF and ADP methods to assess %BF, modest amounts of water (∼1 L) restored euhydration (<1.020) without negatively affecting %BF or MWW. Therefore, acute fluid consumption (∼1 L) may offer a safe alternative in which the weight certification program can be expedited.

A Review of the Minimum Wrestling Weight Procedures Used in American Scholastic Wrestling

ABSTRACTThe National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) established a rule for wrestling (1-3-1) that each individual state high school association shall develop and utilize a specified weight-control program which will discourage excessive weight reduction. Programs must establish a minimum weight class through hydration testing, body fat assessment and a monitored descent plan. Purpose: A survey of the 49 state associations conducting high school wrestling programs was made to determine the methods used for the 2010–11 season to assess hydration status and body composition, as well as the administrative procedures employed to meet this weight management mandate. Methods: Information was obtained from state association websites, which was followed by phone interviews with state administrators. Results: Multiple methods are approved for use in the majority of programs. Urine specific gravity to assess hydration is tested by a refractometer (33 states), reagent strip (28 states), urinometer/hydrometer (6 st...

Anthropometric characteristics and body composition of Italian national wrestlers

The aim of this study was to examine the anthropometric characteristics and body composition of wrestlers from the Italian national team. The study was carried out on a sample of 23 wrestlers (9 females and 14 males) aged 18–33 years. Various anthropometric measurements were performed (weight, height, sitting height, some girths and skinfold thicknesses) and anthropometric indices calculated (body mass index, cormic index, upper arm muscle area, upper arm fat area, and arm fat index). Body composition was assessed and minimum wrestling weight was determined based on a minimum body fat percentage of 5% for males and 12% for females. We undertook comparisons by sex, wrestling style (for males), and weight category. The comparison between men's and women's wrestling corroborated known differences between the sexes; the comparison between wrestling styles stressed the relevance of the cormic index. The most interesting finding of this study was that no female wrestler competed in a lower weight class than her minimum wrestling weight, even if all of them were heavier than values allowed for their weight class. Five of 14 male wrestlers competed in a weight class lower than their minimum wrestling weight, and all of them, except two, were heavier than the uppermost limit of their weight class.

Evaluation of Ultrasound for Determining Fat-Free Mass and the Minimum Wrestling Weight of Collegiate Wrestlers

Evaluation of Ultrasound for Determining Fat-Free Mass and the Minimum Wrestling Weight of Collegiate Wrestlers

Weight Management in Amateur Wrestling

Context:Unhealthy weight loss practices continue to plague amateur wrestling. The National Collegiate Athletic Association weight loss guidelines are beneficial but have not solved the problem.Evidence Acquisition:All relevant databases through 2008 were searched using PubMed. The references of relevant articles were then searched for additional publications.Study Type:Clinical review.Results:New rules approved by the National Collegiate Athletic Association have been implemented in an attempt to prevent drastic weight loss practices in wrestlers. Although some are effective, such as establishing a minimum wrestling weight and decreasing the period between weigh-ins and actual wrestling, unsafe weight loss practices still occur.Conclusion:The attempts made by the National Collegiate Athletic Association to prevent drastic weight loss in wrestling have been effective to some degree. The mind-set of athletes, coaches, and clinicians needs to change if further improvements are to be made.

Validation of Bioimpedance as a Measure of Body Fat in High School Wrestlers

PURPOSE: State high school athletic associations have investigated methods to ensure the health and safety of high school wrestlers. The NCAA requires the prediction of minimum weight (MW) by assessing body composition and hydration status. These results determine a wrestler's lowest allowable wrestling weight class. To “make weight,” athletes often “cut” weight by withholding fluids. Body composition can be determined by several methods, including leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance. This is an affordable newer technology that has not been validated on high school wrestlers. Our purpose is to determine the validity of bioelectrical impedance (BIA) as an instrument of body composition compared to standard three-site skinfold (SF) testing and the Bod Pod® (BP) measurements and assess the effect of dehydration on these measurements in high school wrestlers. METHODS: Percent body fat was determined by 3 methods for 98 high school wrestlers taking part in the pre-season wrestling weight certification program implemented by the Virginia High School League. Hydration was assessed and a urine specific gravity (USG) < 1.020 was assigned as hydrated. Prior to analysis, subjects were placed into light, middle, and heavy weight categories based on their assigned wrestling weight class. Repeated measures ANOVA with between-subjects factors was used to assess the equality of means between the three measurement devices. RESULTS: Percent body fat determinations were: For light weight wrestlers: 9.37 (BP), 9.15 (SF) and 6.91 (BIA); middle weight wrestlers: 9.98 (BP), 10.71 (SF), 11.68 (BIA); and heavy weight wrestlers: 18.51 (BP), 16.84 (SF), 21.33(BIA). Hydration level had no significant effect on body fat measurements. BIA underestimated body fat composition in lighter weight wrestlers and overestimated percent body fat in heavy weight wrestlers. CONCLUSIONS: BIA is not a valid alternative method for assessing body composition in high school wrestling weight certification programs. Hydration status did not affect minimum wrestling weight determination in high school wrestlers.

Effect of Measured Versus Predicted Thoracic Gas Volumes on Percent Body Fat in Wrestlers

0504 Disordered eating habits and unhealthy weight loss practices are two major problems in the sport of wrestling. Based on recommendations by the National Wrestling Coaches Association, the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association implemented a Weight Certification Program for all high school wrestlers. According to the program, airdisplacement plethysmography was used if percent body fat (%BF) using bio-electrical impedance analysis was appealed. PURPOSE: To determine whether the equation used predict thoracic gas volume (Vtgpred) was accurate when testing a relatively young group of wrestlers. METHODS: Thoracic gas volume was measured and predicted in 63 high school wrestlers. In addition, differences between %BF, body density (Db), and minimum wrestling weight (MWW) measurements attained using Vtgmeas and Vtgpred were also examined. RESULTS: Vtgpred (3.369 ± .043 L) and Vtg meas (3.355 ± .074 L) were not significantly different (p = 0.80). However, a Bland-Altman plot of Vtgpred and Vtg meas showed three distinct patterns for the low, medium, and high thoracic gas volumes. A t-test performed on the three groups showed that subjects with a Vtgmeas < 3.0 L (N = 16) had a significantly higher Vtgpred than Vtgmeas (p Ü 0.0001). A significant difference was also found in subjects with a Vtgmeas > 3.75 L (N = 17), but the trend was to under-predict Vtgmeas. The subjects with volumes between 3.0 – 3.75 L (N = 30) had no significant difference between Vtgpred and Vtg meas. The significant differences between the two volumes in groups outside of the 3.0 to 3.75 L range produced significant differences in Db, %BF, and MWW (p Ü 0.05). Thus, this study documents that Vtgpred under- or over-estimated Vtg meas in 52% (n = 33) of the wrestlers and accurately predicted Vtg in 48% (n = 30) of the wrestlers. CONCLUSION: The use of prediction equations to set guidelines for %BF and MWW in wrestlers should be done with the knowledge of its limitations.

MULTI-COMPONENT CROSS-VALIDATION OF THE NCAA MINIMUM WEIGHT PREDICTIONS FOR COLLEGE WRESTLERS

In 1998 the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) adopted a rule that required using skinfolds (SF) or hydrostatic weighing (HW) to estimate minimum wrestling weight (MW) in college wrestlers. PURPOSE To cross-validate the NCAA methods of HW and SF to predict MW using a multi-component criterion (4C). METHODS Criterion MW was calculated from body density (BD), bone mineral content (BMC) and total body water (TBW) using the 4C equation of Lohman (1992). BMC was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), TBW by deuterium dilution and BD by HW. Subjects were Division I athletes from the University of Wisconsin (mean±D; n=33, age=19.5±1.3yr, ht=177.3±7.8cm, wt=74.2±9.3kg). RESULTS There was no significant difference between mean MW from HW (69.6 ± 8.5 kg) and SF (70.1 ± 8.3 kg) (p = 0.113) and HW (69.6 ± 8.5 kg) and 4C (69.5 ± 8.6 kg) (p = 0.46). A clinically small, yet significant difference was seen when comparing mean MW from SF to 4C (p = 0.013). The regression for the relationship between 4C and HW (y = 0.994 × HW + 0.294 kg, R2 = 0.985) and 4C and SF (y = 1.019 × SF − 1.885 kg, R2 = 0.979) did not significantly deviate from the line of identity. Pure error (PE) values of 1.04 kg and 1.35 kg were found for HW and SF, respectively. The difference between the methods was plotted as a function of the 4C criterion. The regression line for HW and 4C (y = −0.009x + 0.743, r=−0.07, p = 0.69) and SF and 4C (y = −0.038x + 3.259, r=−0.27, p = 0.13) suggest that no systematic differences in the prediction were associated with the size of the criterion. CONCLUSION These data support the NCAA methods of HW and SF to predict MW when cross-validated using a 4C criterion in this sample under the conditions of the study.

Weight loss patterns and success rates in high school wrestlers.

The purposes were to: 1) examine the weight loss patterns in a group of high school varsity wrestlers whose teams participated in a body composition measurement@nutrition education program, and 2) test the hypothesis that wrestling at a weight below recommended Minimum Wrestling Weight (MWW) results in decreased wrestling success. We measured skinfold thickness in 465 wrestlers at 16 schools and, using the Lohman method, determined their percent body fat. An educational program presented at each school explained the results, provided nutritional information regarding proper diet and methods of weight loss, and suggested a voluntary MWW corresponding to 5% body fat. After excluding the heavyweight wrestlers, there were 159 varsity wrestlers. At the end of the season, we noted their weight class and whether they placed in post-season state championship qualifying tournaments. We found that 53 wrestlers (33%) wrestled below MWW. When analyzed by school, wrestlers' non-adherence to MWW ranged from 0% to 56% of all wrestlers. In the lightest four weight classes, 62% wrestled below MWW; in the middle four classes, 29%; and in the heaviest four classes, 6%. Of the 53 wrestlers below MWW, 57% placed and of the 106 above MWW, 33% placed (P < 0.01). These results show that a substantial number of wrestlers who participate in a voluntary body fat measurement and diet education program wrestle below recommended MWW. This is particularly true at lower weight classes. Further, wrestling below MWW was associated with greater wrestling success. The current concept of MWW should not be based on wrestling performance effects.

Validation of body composition models for high school wrestlers

This study investigates the utility of two equations for predicting minimum wrestling weight and three equations for predicting body density for the population of high school wrestlers. A sample of 54 wrestlers was assessed for body density by underwater weighing, residual volume by helium dilution, and selected anthropometric measures. The differences between observed and predicted responses were analyzed for the five models. Four statistical tests were used to validate the equations, including tests for the mean of differences, proportion of positive differences, equality of standard errors from regression, and equivalence of regression coefficients between original and second sample data. The Michael and Katch equation and two Forsyth and Sinning equations (FS1 and FS21) for body density did not predict as well as expected. The Michael and Katch equation tends to overpredict body density while FS1 underpredicts. The FS2 equation, consisting of a constant adjustment to FS1, predicts well near the mean but not at the ends of the sample range. The two Tcheng and Tipton equations produce estimates which slightly but consistently overpredict minimum wrestling weight, the long form equation by 2.5 pounds and the short form by 3.8 pounds. As a result the proportion of positive differences is less than would be expected. But based on the tests for the standard errors and regression coefficients, the evidence does not uniformly reject these two equations.

Weight control for high school wrestlers.

Anthropometric measurements were obtained from 141 Nebraska State Tournament wrestlers in order to predict their ideal minimum wrestling weight via the Tipton-Tcheng predictim equation. An r of .93 was found between predicted weight and actual weight for 131 of the state tournament qualifiers (excluding heavy-weights). Data indicated that the winners more nearly approximated their predicted weight than did the losers. The mean percent difference between actual weight showed that the upper weight classes (138- 185) more closely approximated their predicted weight than the lower weight than the lower weight classes (98-132). The results indicate that a prediction equation can reliably predict a wrestlers ideal weight and could be used to eliminate unwise weight reduction practices.