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Physiological and performance responses to tournament wrestling
W J Kraemer1, A C Fry, M R Rubin
1Laboratory for Sports Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. kraemer@uconnvm.uconn.edu
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|July 28, 2001
Summary
Weight loss in amateur wrestlers significantly impairs performance and physiological markers during a two-day tournament. These effects worsen progressively, impacting a wrestler's ability to compete effectively.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Wrestling Performance
Background:
- Amateur wrestlers often use rapid weight loss techniques before competition.
- The physiological and performance impacts of these methods during a tournament are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological and performance responses of collegiate wrestlers to a simulated freestyle wrestling tournament after employing typical weight loss methods.
Main Methods:
- Twelve Division I collegiate wrestlers underwent a simulated 2-day tournament after losing 6% of body weight.
- A comprehensive test battery assessed body composition, reaction time, power, strength, and blood markers at baseline and throughout the tournament.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in lower body power and upper body isometric strength were observed as the tournament progressed.
- Hormonal (testosterone, cortisol, norepinephrine, epinephrine) and metabolic (lactate, plasma osmolality) markers showed significant changes post-match, with declining resting testosterone.
Conclusions:
- Tournament wrestling exacerbates the physiological and performance declines associated with weight loss.
- The progressive nature of these decrements over two days of competition may compromise a wrestler's overall performance capacity.