The Effects of Rapid Body Mass Loss on Body Composition and Athletic Performance in Combat Sports Athletes

Sixteen healthy, active male combat sports athletes participate as a volunteer for this study. Athletes were lost minimum 3% of their body weight within 24 hours. During this period, body weight (BW), urine specific gravity (USG), body composition (total body water (TBW), muscle mass (MM), body fat mass (BF %), visual reaction time (VRT) and auditory reaction time (ART), dynamic balance (DB), as well as handgrip strength (HS) and back extension strength (BES) were estimated. Measurements were taken in three different time (pre-test (baseline), post-test and during competition phase). No statistical significant difference in DB, reaction time, HS and BF% were evidenced. On the other hand statistically significant decrease was seen in BES, TBW and MM. Moreover significant increase was found in USG. The results of this study revealed that 3% body weight loss within 24 hours had negative effects on physical performance especially back extension strength. It was also observed that there were important changes in body composition.