engleski

Association of hypohydration and rate of body mass reduction among elite youth amateur boxer

The first aim of our study was to examine association of hydration status (USG assessment) and rate of body mass reduction (ROR), secondly we also examined prevalence of hypohydration and ROR among elite youth boxer. The participants were 24 boxers (all males ; national team members ; 16, 83±1, 01 years of age) from three European countries, competing at the official tournament. The variables were collected by assessing urine specific gravity (USG) using digital refractometer and an anamnestic questionnaire asking subjects on sports factors ; current weight class category, competitive experience and reduced body mass prior to a competition. ROR was calculated by dividing body mass with body mass reduced prior to competition. According to results shown in our study, USG was associated with subsequent body mass reduction (Rs = 0, 65, p<0, 01). Notably, we found that the change in body mass explained very little of the variance in USG, only r2 = 42%. Moreover, high prevalence of hypohydration was found, almost 60% of participants were reported USG values >1, 021 g/ml, while the most abundant pattern of weight reduction was 2-5% of ROR reported by 50% of youth boxers. The official weigh-in at competition day did not prevent hypohydration in our study. Boxing authorities could reconsider official rules and regulation and advocate for implementing an official hydration assessment program aiming to discourage athletes from engaging in harmful weight loss procedures

dehydration; weight cycling; combat sports

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