Abstract:
In combat sports, athletes are divided into categories based on gender and body mass. Athletes attempt to compete against a lighter opponent by losing body mass prior to being weighed (i.e., \'weight-cutting\'). The purpose of this narrative review was to explore the current body of literature on weight-cutting and outline gaps for further research. Methods of weight-loss include energy intake restriction, total body fluid reduction and pseudo extreme/abusive medical practice (e.g., diuretics). The influence of weight-cutting on performance is unclear, with studies suggesting a negative or no effect. However, larger weight-cuts (~5% of body mass in <24 h) do impair repeat-effort performance. It is unclear if the benefit from competing against a smaller opponent outweighs the observed reduction in physical capacity. Many mechanisms have been proposed for the observed reductions in performance, ranging from reduced glycogen availability to increased perceptions of fatigue. Athletes undertaking weight-cutting may be able to utilise strategies around glycogen, total body water and electrolyte replenishment to prepare for competition. Despite substantial discussion on managing weight-cutting in combat sports, no clear solution has been offered. Given the prevalence of weight-cutting, it is important to develop a deeper understanding of such practices so appropriate advice can be given.
摘要:
在格斗运动中,运动员根据性别和体重分为几类。运动员试图通过在称重之前失去体重来与较轻的对手竞争(即,\'减重\')。这篇叙述性综述的目的是探索当前关于减重的文献,并概述进一步研究的差距。减肥的方法包括能量摄入限制,总体液减少和伪极端/滥用医疗实践(例如,利尿剂)。减重对性能的影响尚不清楚,研究表明有负面影响或没有影响。然而,较大的减重(约5%的体重在<24小时)会损害重复努力的表现。目前尚不清楚与较小的对手竞争的好处是否超过了观察到的体力下降。已经提出了许多机制来观察到性能的降低,从糖原利用率降低到疲劳感增加。进行减肥的运动员可能能够利用围绕糖原的策略,全身补充水分和电解质,为比赛做准备。尽管对在格斗运动中管理减肥进行了大量讨论,没有提供明确的解决方案。鉴于减肥的普遍性,重要的是要加深对这种做法的理解,以便提供适当的建议。