Acute weight loss, recovery, and competition nutrition Flashcards
Weight division sports
combat sports - judo, boxing, wrestling, taekwondo, karate - even playing field by reducing size and/or reach differentials between opponents
Time interval between weigh in and competition
differs - at least a recovery period of 3 and up to 24 hours
acute weight loss
hours and day before weigh in to qualify for a division lower than their day to day, then attempt to reverse the physiological disturbances during recovery
Weigh making would be good if …… but ……
if tactics are sensibly implemented, adequate recovery opportunities and it it wasnt illegal - but it impairs performance and health, is viewed as against the spirit of sport and severe health consequences including death
where do athletes get info
not educated nutrition professionals - their coaches, trainers and other athletes
What do athletes want from AWL
real/perceived physical advantages, self confidence, focus, discipline, and professionalism among others - big part of combat sport
how much do fighters lose the week before weigh in?
> 5%
evidence between post weight in weight regain and competition success
indirect but suboptimal in terms of health and performance - no ideal AWL target but need to raise recognition
starting point prior to AWL
represent BM associated with a fully hydrated, well-nourished state - plenty of opportunity for meaningful manipulation of gut content and body water
further caveats for AWL
available recovery period allowing refueling and rehydration, understanding that AWL means a short term departure from sound nutrition plan
3 ways of AWL
gut content manipulation
body water manipulation
sweating methods
gut content manipulation - 4
food and fibre restriction
- 35% reduction in energy intake during week prior
- fasting day prior
- laxative/bowel prep
how long does it need to restore fluid balance
less than 4 hours
body water manipulation - 6
60-65% is water water loading fluid restriction glycogen depletion (low carb and glycogen depleting training) spitting diuretics
sweating methods - 2
active sweating (exercise induced) - vapour impermeable suits passive sweating (thermoregulatory like sauna, hot bath, heated rooms)
techniques on acceptable BM loss with min effect on performance decrements
emptying GI and reducing body water - adaption of low fibre/residue carb sources for 24-96 hours
how to temporarily reduce bound water
decrease sodium intake and muscle glycogen stores - then passive and active sweating but this can cause performance impairment
adequate restoration
more than 12 hours - shorter ones with combat sports or the requirement for multiple weigh ins require a more conservative approach
greater BM during competition
benefit to varying degrees - (grappling) judo and wrestling and MMA involve manipulation of opponents BM but (striking) boxing and taekwondo you need tactical movements of your own BM - BM diff not as important as you need speed, speed endurance and flexibility - height/reach advantage is beneficial
grapplers
maximize strength and power at a given BM, AWL to qualify for a lower weight then maximise BM regain prior to competition.
throws and take downs
recovery from AWL
benefits from weight making will only be realized if they can minimize impacts from AWL by reversing associated physiological disturbances - rehydration, glycogen restoration and management of GI distress
taekwondo consideration - 2
evening before comp
increased BM not beneficial
wrestling consideration - 4
evening/day before comp weigh in
no additional weigh in
increased BM and strength beneficial
maintain BM 5-8% above weight division a week before comp
Judo considerations - 4
evening before comp weigh in
random weight checks morning of - no more than 5% gain above weight division
increased BM, strength, and power
maintain 5-6% BM above weight division 1 week before comp
boxing consideration - 2
general weigh in first day of comp for all athletes
effects of increased BM and anthropometric qualities on performance unclear
2% BM loss
detectable effects on motor skills, cognitive performance and sports specific movement patterns
Rehydration after weigh in
initial bolus of 600-900ml - 600 immediately if dehydration is >3% of BM - additional boluses at regular intervals intervals to maintain increased gastric volume