Journal article
Individualised dietary strategies for Olympic combat sports: Acute weight loss, recovery and competition nutrition
European Journal of Sport Science, Vol.17(6), pp.727-740
2017
PMID: 28316263
Abstract
Olympic combat sports separate athletes into weight divisions, in an attempt to reduce size, strength, range and/or leverage disparities between competitors. Official weigh-ins are conducted anywhere from 3 and up to 24 h prior to competition ensuring athletes meet weight requirements (i.e. have 'made weight'). Fighters commonly aim to compete in weight divisions lower than their day-to-day weight, achieved via chronic and acute manipulations of body mass (BM). Although these manipulations may impair health and absolute performance, their strategic use can improve competitive success. Key considerations are the acute manipulations around weigh-in, which differ in importance, magnitude and methods depending on the requirements of the individual combat sport and the weigh-in regulations. In particular, the time available for recovery following weigh-in/before competition will determine what degree of acute BM loss can be implemented and reversed. Increased exercise and restricted food and fluid intake are undertaken to decrease body water and gut contents reducing BM. When taken to the extreme, severe weight-making practices can be hazardous, and efforts have been made to reduce their prevalence. Indeed some have called for the abolition of these practices altogether. In lieu of adequate strategies to achieve this, and the pragmatic recognition of the likely continuation of these practices as long as regulations allow, this review summarises guidelines for athletes and coaches for manipulating BM and optimising post weigh-in recovery, to achieve better health and performance outcomes across the different Olympic combat sports.
Details
- Title
- Individualised dietary strategies for Olympic combat sports: Acute weight loss, recovery and competition nutrition
- Authors
- Reid James Reale (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringGary J Slater (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringLouise M Burke (Author) - Australian Catholic University
- Publication details
- European Journal of Sport Science, Vol.17(6), pp.727-740
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Ltd.
- DOI
- 10.1080/17461391.2017.1297489
- ISSN
- 1746-1391
- PMID
- 28316263
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451032702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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