engleski

Rapid Weight Loss Practices in Elite Kickboxers

The aim of this observational cross-sectional survey was to determine the prevalence of rapid weight loss (RWL) in elite kickboxers. Kickboxers (61 males ; age = 24.2 ± 4.6 yr ; weight = 73.9 ± 12.8 kg ; height = 179.2 ± 7.9 cm) from 8 European countries completed a rapid weight loss questionnaire (RWLQ) regarding prevalence, magnitude, and methods of rapid weight loss. All athletes (100%) were practicing RWL before the competition with a RWLQ score of 52.4±12.9. Kickboxers most usually lose between 2 and 5% of their body mass, while ~30% lose between 6 and 8%. However, it is alarming that almost 30% reported cutting 10% of BW or more sometime during their kickboxing career. Almost half of the athletes always practice gradual dieting (45.9%) and increased exercising (44.3%) to reduce body mass. Kickboxers usually reduce weight 3-4 times during a year, usually 7-15 days before a competition. More than a third (34.4%) started with RWL practice under the age of 17. There was no significant difference between weight divisions in weight management behaviors (p=0.5, F=0.6 ; eta2=0.0), and no relation between the main characteristics of elite kickboxing athletes and the total RWL score. In conclusion, RWL practices in kickboxing athletes are somewhat specific and different when compared to other combat sports, which can be explained by greater number of weight classes and specific weight-in protocol.

combat sports ; kickboxing ; questionnaire ; weight management

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