Effects of Rapid Weight Loss on Anaerobic Performance, Blood Lactate, and Creatine Kinase Levels in Wrestlers

Effects of Rapid Weight Loss on Anaerobic Performance, Blood Lactate, and Creatine Kinase Levels in Wrestlers | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Effects of Rapid Weight Loss on Anaerobic Performance, Blood Lactate, and Creatine Kinase Levels in Wrestlers Erkan Polat, Mehmet Özal This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8788628/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background Wrestling is a weight-classified sport in which athletes commonly engage in rapid weight loss (RWL) to qualify for specific categories. However, research on the short-term physiological and performance effects of RWL remains limited. This study aimed to examine the effects of RWL on anaerobic performance in elite male wrestlers. Methods Ten elite wrestlers (mean age = 22.90 ± 5.15 years) competing in the senior category voluntarily participated. Over five days, participants reduced their body weight by an average of 4.3%. Body fat percentage (BFP), urine specific gravity (USG), resting heart rate (RHR), blood lactate, and creatine kinase (CK) levels were measured before and after weight loss. Anaerobic performance was assessed using the Wingate anaerobic power test, and data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results RWL resulted in a significant decrease in BFP (P 0.05). No significant differences were found in maximal anaerobic capacity (MAC), maximal anaerobic power (MAP), fatigue index (FI), or blood lactate between pre- and post-tests (P > 0.05). However, main effect analysis revealed significant differences in MAP (P < 0.04), lactate concentration (P < 0.001), and FI (P < 0.03). Conclusions RWL did not significantly affect anaerobic performance in elite wrestlers. Nonetheless, elevated CK values and reduced lactate levels following the intervention suggest physiological stress and metabolic adaptations associated with rapid weight reduction. Rapid Weight Loss Wrestling Performance Wingate Anaerobic Power Test Blood Lactate Creatine Kinase Introduction Wrestling is a sport that includes many motoric features such as strength, endurance, agility and flexibility. Wrestling, which is among the Olympic sports, is organized in two different styles: freestyle (male/female) and Greco-Roman (male). While wrestlers compete in a total of 10 weight classes in international tournaments and championships, this number drops to 6 in the Olympics. This situation necessitates athletes to change weight classes in order to compete in Olympic weight classes, and many wrestlers have to adjust their weight for a lower or higher weight class. While wrestlers competing in lower weight classes in particular frequently experience weight loss, many athletes lose weight above normal limits in order to compete in the Olympics. Since wrestling is a weight class sport, it is quite common for athletes participating in competitions to adjust their weight. High-level athletes have to adjust their weight classes at least two or three times a year in order to compete in continental and world championships after national team selections. In weightlifting sports such as wrestling, boxing, karate and weightlifting, athletes apply weight loss methods in different ways. While some athletes start early by spreading their weight loss over a long period of time, others prefer to lose excess weight quickly in the week before the competition or in the few days before the weigh-in. According to research, athletes generally prefer to lose weight very close to the competition and with rapid (acute) weight loss (RWL) methods [1, 2]. In such weight sports, weight loss involves severely reducing food and fluid intake, as well as exercising while wearing raincoats and heavy clothing, and losing water by sweating in saunas [3]. Lack of water can lead to functional problems in the body and reduce performance [4]. Approximately 65% ​​of an adult's body weight consists of water. When fluid deficiencies in the body are not adequately compensated, it can cause dehydration [5]. In 1997, three wrestlers who tried to lose weight quickly during intercollegiate league competitions in the United States lost their lives. The causes of death of these wrestlers were determined to be restricting their food and fluid intake hours before the weigh-in, and dehydration through sweating by wearing cotton and nylon clothing in hot environments. According to allegations, these athletes lost between 11.3 kg and 16.8 kg from their normal weight, which corresponds to an average of 15% of their weight. It was recorded that three wrestlers lost their lives in this tragic incident, which occurred as a result of excessive fluid loss and hyperthermia [6, 7]. In the United States, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) monitors wrestlers' weight loss practices and uses urine specific gravity as a measure of hydration to determine athletes' fluid loss [7]. Urine specific gravity is a measure that determines the ratio of the density of urine to the density of water. Normal urine specific gravity values ​​range from 1.002 to 1.030 [8]. The NCAA has accepted a urine specific gravity of 1.020 to determine wrestlers' body hydration status. In competitions, wrestlers with a urine specific gravity above 1.020 are considered dehydrated and eliminated from competition [7]. Weight loss is a method preferred by athletes in weight-class sports to gain an advantage. However, this loss should not negatively affect their performance; otherwise, the expected advantage may not be achieved. NCAA warns athletes about this issue and recommends that weight adjustments should be started at least two or three weeks before the competition calendar and that weight loss should be gradual as a healthy weight adjustment method. In this context, conscious athletes usually calculate their body fat percentage and muscle mass, determine the amount of weight they can lose, and adjust their weight by spreading this over the weeks, losing around 1-1.5 kilograms per week [7]. It is common practice for wrestlers to lose weight in a short period of time before weigh-in in order to gain a physical advantage over their opponents [3]. Studies show that approximately 50% of athletes involved in combat sports adopt rapid weight loss (RWL) methods in the days before competition [9, 10]. It is assumed that the heaviest athletes in a given weight category have a physical advantage over lighter opponents. For this reason, it is common to apply pathogenic (disease-like) weight loss techniques with the aim of reaching a certain weight [11, 12]. Especially in weight-class sports, athletes often use long-term fasting diets, diuretics, laxatives and diet pills in order to reach the desired weight in a short time; they also wear materials such as raincoats and nylon to sweat more quickly during exercise or dehydrate themselves with methods such as saunas [13, 14]. In addition, it is known that the diuretics used are among the banned substances and have a negative effect on performance [15, 16]. The World Wrestling Union (UWW) made some regulations in 2018 to prevent weight loss practices. Previously, athletes would weigh themselves at around 18:00 the evening before the competitions and the competitions would start at 09:00 the next morning. In this case, athletes were given approximately 15–16 hours of rest and recovery after the weigh-in. During this time, athletes felt the effects of weight loss less, so weight loss practices were more common. With the changes made, UWW has adopted a practice where athletes will have to compete immediately after losing weight. Now, weighing and competitions are held on the same day; weighing is done around 08:30 − 09:00 in the morning and competitions start at 10:00. In addition, athletes who stay for the second day are weighed again in the morning and competitions start approximately 1.5 hours later. Wrestlers who cannot adjust their weight are disqualified [17]. With this change in practice, it is thought that athletes will have to compete immediately after weighing, this situation will prevent them from showing effective performance and therefore they will abandon their preference for excessive weight loss and tend to lose less weight. In this way, it is aimed to prevent athlete deaths that occurred after excessive weight loss in the past [7, 17]. As the rate of weight loss in athletes' bodies increases in a short period of time, the physical, physiological and psychological negative effects of this situation also increase [18]. Particularly RWL conditions lead to various negative effects such as fluid loss in the body, changes in the central nervous system, increase in body temperature, cardiovascular stress due to glycogen deficiency and changes in metabolic functions [19, 20]. Reducing fluid intake and restricting nutrition one or two days before competitions can cause athletes to lose more than 5% of their weight rapidly. This situation can lead to dehydration, a decrease in systolic volume during submaximal exercise, an increase in heart rate and a decrease in venous oxygen difference, which can lead to a decrease in blood plasma volume [21, 22]. RWL causes physical problems such as muscle fatigue, muscle weakness, muscle pain and myalgia [23]. These conditions, which harm health, also negatively affect athletes' performance [24]. In cases where there are a few hours between weighing and competition, athletes are generally unable to meet their macro (protein, fat and carbohydrate) and micro (water, vitamins, minerals, etc.) nutritional needs, which negatively affects their performance [13, 25]. During continental and world championships, wrestlers typically compete in 3–5 matches before reaching the finals. In quarter-finals and semi-finals, they often face frequent match intervals [17]. After high-intensity competitions, excessive fatigue usually occurs due to lactic acid accumulation in the body. The energy systems commonly used in wrestling are the Phosphagen System (ATP-CP) and Lactic Acid systems. While 90% of the energy used in wrestling is provided by these systems, 10% is obtained from the aerobic energy system [26]. Therefore, wrestling being a dynamic and high intensity sport requires high anaerobic capacity [27]. It is stated that in a high intensity wrestling match, the amount of lactic acid in the blood can reach up to 16–20 mmol/L. High levels of lactic acid are directly related to the anaerobic capacity of wrestlers [28]. Some sources report that an athlete must fall below 4 mmol lactic acid, which is the anaerobic threshold reference range, in order to be considered resting [26]. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of RWL on the anaerobic performance of elite wrestlers. Previous studies suggest that losing less than 5% of body weight may not significantly impact performance. Therefore, in our study, participants were instructed to lose between 3% to 5% of their body weight over five days. Their anaerobic performance was assessed through Wingate tests, along with body composition, hydration status, and blood lactate and creatine kinase levels. Methods Participants Fourteen elite male wrestlers (age range: 18–35 y) volunteered to participate in this study. All participants were actively competing at the national level and were registered as licensed athletes in different sports clubs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of rapid weight loss (RWL) practices on anaerobic performance. In this context, participants were asked to reduce their body weight by a maximum of 5% over a five-day period using their preferred weight loss strategies. Body weight measurements were monitored daily using a calibrated Tanita BC 418 BA bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Three participants who withdrew from the study stating that they could not achieve the requested weight loss rates and one participant who left the study before completing the second phase of the post-weight loss tests were excluded from the analysis. The final analyses were performed on a total of ten wrestlers. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Yenimahalle Education and Research Hospital Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Approval Code: 2021/08). The study was supported by Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University (Project ID: 2268, Project Code: TDK-2021-2268). Experimental design A repeated-measures design was used to compare Pre-Weight Loss (Pre-WL) and Post-Weight Loss (Post-WL) performance. All testing was conducted at the Performance Measurement Laboratory of Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University under controlled environmental conditions (23–25°C, 45–55% relative humidity). Each participant completed two identical testing sessions: one before and one after the five-day weight reduction period. The test battery included anthropometric assessments, biochemical analyses, physiological monitoring, and anaerobic performance testing (Table 1 ). Table 1 Test implementation plan Pre-WL Pretest Post-WL Posttest (5 days later) 09:30 − 10:00 (AM) weighing 09:30 − 10:00 (AM) weighing • Urine density • Urine density • Body Composition • Body Composition • Blood collection • Blood collection • Breakfast • Breakfast • Resting lactate • Resting lactate 11:00 (AM) 11:00 (AM) • Lactate uptake • Lactate uptake • Wingate test • Wingate test • Lactate uptake • Lactate uptake • 20 min later resting lactate • 20 min later resting lactate 11:20 (AM) 11:20 (AM) • Wingate test • Wingate test • Lactate uptake • Lactate uptake • 20 min later resting lactate • 20 min later resting lactate 11:40 (AM) 11:40 (AM) • Wingate test • Wingate test • Lactate uptake • Lactate uptake • 20 min later resting lactate • 20 min later resting lactate • Blood collection • Blood collection Anthropometric and physiological measurements Body weight and fat percentage were assessed using a Tanita BC 418 BA analyzer, while height was measured with a Holtain Limited Crymych stadiometer. Hydration status was evaluated through urine specific gravity and pH using an Insight Expert U500 device. Heart rate (HR) was recorded before and after each test using a Polar V800 heart rate monitor. Biochemical analysis Venous blood samples (2 mL) were drawn from the antecubital vein into K3EDTA tubes before and after each testing session. Blood lactate concentration was measured using a Lactate Scout Sensor, and creatine kinase (CK) levels were determined via enzymatic colorimetric assay. Wingate anaerobic power test Anaerobic performance was assessed using the Wingate Anaerobic Power Test, conducted on a Monark 854 E cycle ergometer with resistance set at 7.5% of body weight. Each participant performed three consecutive 30-second maximal sprints, separated by 20-minute passive recovery periods, replicating the minimum rest durations found in competitive wrestling. Peak power output (W/kg), mean anaerobic power, and fatigue index were recorded. A standardized warm-up protocol, including 5 minutes of treadmill running (6–7.5 km/h) followed by dynamic stretching and submaximal cycling, was applied before testing. Statistical analysis All data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess normality, while skewness and kurtosis values were examined. Descriptive statistics were presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Paired samples t-tests were used for normally distributed data, while the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was applied to non-normally distributed variables. To analyze changes in Wingate performance and biochemical markers over time, a two-way repeated measures ANOVA (time × condition) was performed. Sphericity was tested using Mauchly’s test, and Greenhouse-Geisser corrections were applied where necessary. Partial eta squared (η²) was reported to assess effect sizes, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results This study aims to evaluate the effects of rapid weight loss on physical performance and biochemical parameters. The mean age of the participants was 22.90 ± 5.15 years (range 18–34 years) and the mean height was 175.78 ± 6.16 cm (range 163.80–185.00 cm). The results of the statistical analyses performed to test the hypotheses of the study are presented below. Table 2 Changes in body composition, urine parameters and creatine kinase levels before and after rapid weight loss. Variable Pre-WL Mean ± SD Post-WL Mean ± SD Test Statistics p Value Body Weight (kg) 82.75 ± 15.96 79.20 ± 15.09 t = 4.12 < .01 Body Fat Percentage (%) 12.74 ± 5.55 10.68 ± 6.29 t = 3.89 < .01 Urine Concentration (sg) 1.015 ± 0.005 1.020 ± 0.004 z = -2.98 < .01 Urine pH 6.5 ± 0.5 5.5 ± 0.6 z = -3.20 .05 Lean Body Mass (kg) 72.30 ± 12.50 71.80 ± 12.00 t = 1.22 > .05 Pre-WT: Pre-weight loss (WL) measurements; Post-WT: Post-weight loss (WL) measurements. Data are presented as Mean ± Standard Deviation (Mean ± SD). The significance level was determined as p < 0.05. Table 2 summarizes the changes in body composition, urine parameters, and creatine kinase levels before and after RWL. A significant decrease was observed in body weight and body fat percentage after WL (t = 4.12, p < 0.01 and t = 3.89, p < 0.01). Similarly, significant differences were found in urine density (z = -2.98, p < 0.01) and urine pH (z = -3.20, p 0.05) and fatless body mass (t = 1.22, p > 0.05). Table 3 Two-way ANOVA results before and after RWL. Variable Test Pre-WL (M ± SD) Post-WL (M ± SD) Effect F Value p Value η² Blood Lactate (mmol/L) T1 2.16 ± 0.72 1.67 ± 0.46 Time 49.85 < .001 .85 T2 6.79 ± 1.70 6.66 ± 1.81 Time × Group 2.48 .04 .22 T3 10.49 ± 2.98 7.94 ± 1.66 Group 13.39 < .001 .60 Heart Rate (bpm) T1 80.00 ± 13.07 78.60 ± 12.44 Time 476.86 < .001 .98 T2 102.30 ± 17.07 98.80 ± 10.61 Time × Group 0.47 .80 .05 T3 106.20 ± 18.10 104.90 ± 7.25 Group 0.61 .81 .06 MAP (W) T1 1055.82 ± 204.31 1090.76 ± 192.68 Time 1.49 .25 .12 T2 1068.68 ± 187.90 1127.70 ± 180.24 Time × Group 1.10 .36 .10 T3 1099.24 ± 176.85 1114.58 ± 172.71 Group 5.86 .04 .39 Relative MAP (W/kg) T1 12.89 ± 0.92 13.69 ± 0.79 Time 2.55 .11 .18 T2 13.09 ± 1.50 14.26 ± 1.25 Time × Group 0.94 .41 .08 T3 13.47 ± 1.20 14.18 ± 1.53 Group 26.05 < .001 .74 MAC (W) T1 706.28 ± 128.47 695.75 ± 120.01 Time 0.75 .48 .06 T2 714.86 ± 124.31 708.97 ± 114.34 Time × Group 1.65 .22 .14 T3 705.66 ± 109.65 712.42 ± 106.58 Group 0.13 .73 .02 Relative MAC (W/kg) T1 8.62 ± 0.55 8.78 ± 0.42 Time 1.56 .24 .12 T2 8.72 ± 0.59 8.94 ± 0.62 Time × Group 0.28 .76 .03 T3 8.76 ± 0.51 9.02 ± 0.73 Group 6.44 .03 .41 Fatigue Index (%) T1 61.23 ± 4.40 64.54 ± 4.45 Time 1.12 .35 .09 T2 60.41 ± 7.11 65.07 ± 5.16 Time × Group 0.28 .76 .03 T3 62.82 ± 6.45 64.93 ± 4.80 Group 4.79 .05 .30 MAP: Maximum Anaerobic Power; MAC: Maximum Anaerobic Capacity; Pre-WL: Before Weight Loss; Post-WL: After Weight Loss; SD: Standard Deviation. The significance level was determined as p < 0.05. The two-way ANOVA results before and after RWL are summarized in Table 3 . According to the analysis results, lactate levels showed a significant difference in the time axis [F (5,45) = 49.85, p < 0.001, η² = 0.85)]. The group effect was also found to be significant in terms of lactate levels [F (1,45) = 13.39, p < 0.001, η² = 0.60)], but a significant difference was found in the time × group interaction (F (5,45) = 2.48, p = 0.04, η² = 0.22). Heart rate (HR) showed a significant difference in the time axis [F (5,45) = 476.86, p < 0.001, η² = 0.98)], but group and time × group interactions were not significant. This suggests that RWL affects changes in heart rate over time. Group effects were found to be significant for maximum anaerobic power (MAP) and relative maximum anaerobic power (relative MAP) [F (1,18) = 5.86, p = 0.04, η² = 0.39 and F(1,18) = 26.05, p < 0.001, η² = 0.74)]. However, no significant differences were detected in time and time × group interactions. Although there was no significant difference in the time × group interaction in the maximum anaerobic capacity (MAC) and relative maximum anaerobic capacity (relative MAC) variables, a significant difference was observed in the relative MAC values ​​in terms of group effect [F (1,18) = 6.44, p = 0.03)]. Finally, the group effect was found to be significant for the fatigue index [(F (1,18) = 4.79, p = 0.05)], but no significant differences were found for time and time × group interactions. This suggests that rapid weight loss had a limited effect on the fatigue index. Discussion Wrestling is a weight class sport among combat sports and therefore it is observed that athletes commonly prefer rapid weight loss (RWL) practices. RWL is characterized by a temporary loss of at least 5% of body weight in less than a week. In addition to using this method to gain an advantage over lighter and weaker opponents, some also perceive it as a means of gaining a psychological advantage over their opponents [25]. Although it is known that RWL has many negative effects on the health of athletes, this practice continues to be an important part of many combat sports such as wrestling, judo, jiu-jitsu, karate, taekwondo and boxing [29, 30]. This study was conducted to determine the performance status of elite wrestlers (n = 14) between the ages of 18–35, who are still competing, both before and after weight loss and whether they can provide sufficient rest between matches in consecutive matches before and after RWL. In this study, anaerobic strength, fatigue index and inter-competition rest levels were examined in order to determine the performance status of wrestlers with their normal weights after RWL. Wingate anaerobic power cycling test was applied to determine the sports performance status of the participants before and after WL. In addition, urine samples were taken in the Pre- and Post-WL periods to determine body fluid loss. In both test stages, after morning weighing and at the end of the tests, venous blood was taken from the participants and CK levels were examined to determine muscle damage (destruction). According to the test protocol, the participants' load intensities, heart rates and lactate levels were measured at the beginning and after three consecutive Wingate (performance) tests. The first phase of the study included 14 elite wrestlers. In the second stage, only 11 participants were able to lose weight within 5 days with RWL (4.3%), at the desired rate (3% − 5%) of their normal body weight in the first tests. Three athletes who participated in the first tests but could not lose weight at the specified rate were not included in the second phase tests. In addition, during the second phase tests, 1 participant felt unwell during the second Wingate application and left the tests halfway and was removed from the study. As a result, our study was completed with 10 participants in accordance with the determined protocol. According to Table 2 , where the results of Pre- and Post-WL Body Weight, Fat Percentages and Urine are shown, a significant difference (p 0.05) was found in the urine pH and urine density values. When the averages of body weight and body fat ratio variables were examined, it was determined that the significant difference showed a decrease in favor of the last (second) tests. In summary, it was seen that the body weight and body fat ratios of the subjects decreased significantly, but there was no significant change in urine pH and urine density. These findings reveal the effects of RWL application on athletes and changes in body composition. In his thesis study on combat athletes, Yarar (2015) found a decrease in BMI and fat mass after 5% WL [31]. Demirkan et al. (2011) observed an increase in urine density in wrestlers who lost 3.9% body weight in 3 days, but stated that this increase was not statistically significant [32]. Akyüz (2009) found no significant difference in pH and urine density after WL in his study [33]. Türkyılmaz (2019) stated that while no significant difference was found in VYY rates after WL, there was a statistically significant difference in urine density values ​​after WL and a significant increase was observed in the experimental application [34]. Rashidlamir et al. (2009) reported that wrestlers who lost 4% of their body weight in 2 days did not experience a change in body fat, but they did experience an increase in urine density [35]. In the study conducted by Périard et al. (2012), the effects of moderate dehydration (2.5% of body weight) on muscle strength and endurance were examined in subjects whose urine specific gravity was measured after short-term WL. As a result; it shows that moderate dehydration does not affect muscle strength and does not increase fatigue [36]. Evetovich et al. (2002) reported a significant increase in urine density after 2.9% RWL within 48 hours [37]. Teresa et al. (2004) found a significant increase in urine density during short-term WL [38]. While similar results are observed between the literature and our study findings, especially in terms of VYY, differences in urine densities and pH values ​​are striking. The reason for these differences has been determined to be that athletes lose up to 5% of their weight by applying RWL within 3 days and that changes occur in the body's urine density and pH levels during this process. In our study, it was determined that the participants lost 4.3% of their body weight in 5 days and this loss was mostly from fat. This situation shows that the participants used calorie restriction as their WL method; instead of the sweating and body fluid loss experienced in the last days, it is understood that their body fat percentage decreased due to the effect of the nutritional restrictions made a few days ago. Therefore, it is important for the healthy WL method for athletes to be carried out by extending the process so that it does not exceed 5% of their body weight and to adjust the calories with a suitable diet. In this way, it can be ensured that the sports performance of the athletes is less affected. According to Table 3 , which includes Pre-WL and Post-WL lactate results, a significant difference was observed between pre-measurements and post-measurements in WL lactate comparisons. However, pre-measurements and post-measurements did not show a significant difference between themselves. Similarly, although there was a significant difference between pre-measurements and post-measurements in WL lactate, no significant difference was detected within themselves. When the Pre-WL and Post-WL groups were compared, it was determined that there were significant differences between the test 1 post-tests, test 2 post-tests and test 3 pre-tests. The reason for this significant difference was that the WL application group had higher means. These findings provide important data to understand the effects of WL practices on lactate levels. Monitoring lactate levels to evaluate athletes' performance can help optimize training and WL processes. Since lactate levels are a critical indicator for evaluating athletes' energy production processes and training intensity, analysis of this data can allow athletes to perform more effectively. In their study, Kraemer et al. (2001) found a significant increase in lactate levels after wrestlers lost 6% of their weight and performed three matches in a simulated competition environment in one day, compared to before WL [39]. In a similar study, Barbas et al. (2011) compared the lactate data of wrestlers before and after WL and observed a significant increase in lactate levels after the 3rd and 4th matches after WL [40]. In their study on judokas, Bayram et al. (2022) applied the Judo Fitness test after a 15-hour recovery period after a 5% WL and found no significant difference between the control group and the experimental group [41]. Artiolli et al. (2010) found no significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the Wingate test results 4 hours after a 5% WL on judokas, but found that the glycogen levels of the experimental group were lower than the control group [13]. Rankin et al. (1996) found no significant difference in lactic acid levels of wrestlers after 72 hours of RWL [42]. While an increase in lactate levels is generally observed in the literature after WL, a decrease in Post-WL lactate levels was detected in our study. This situation is evaluated as the fact that the weighing was done 1.5 hours before the tests and the Wingate tests were applied with only a 20-minute break, which caused an increase in fatigue levels and therefore the lactate levels decreased compared to the Pre-WL. In addition, the averages of the resting lactate results obtained before the 2nd and 3rd tests of pre-WL and post-WL were found to be above the anaerobic threshold reference range of 4 mmol lactate level [26]. This result shows that the minimum 20 minutes given between matches causes wrestlers to enter the next match tired. In this context, it can be recommended that wrestlers prefer active resting methods or use methods such as massage or cold application in order to remove lactic acid levels in a shorter time after the match. Thus, it can be said that athletes who have to compete at frequent intervals can gain an advantage over their competitors with lower lactate levels and therefore lower fatigue levels. According to Table 3 , when the HR changes according to the Pre-WL and Post-WL Wingate test series were examined, a significant difference was found between the pre-tests and post-tests. However, no significant difference was found between the pre-tests and post-tests. Similarly, no statistically significant difference was found in the comparisons made between the Pre-WL and Post-WL groups. In a similar study conducted by Türkyılmaz (2019), no significant difference was found between wrestlers who lost weight and control groups [34]. In the study conducted by Ceylan et al. (2022) on judokas, no significant difference was found between those who lost weight and control groups in terms of HR [41]. Reljic et al. (2016) found no significant difference in HR results before and after WL in competitive athletes [43]. In our study, no significant difference was found between resting HR and HR after the Wingate test between the Pre- and Post-WL groups. The significant difference was determined only between resting HR and HR taken after Wingate. This result remains within the normal range. When the literature data was examined, it was seen that the HR results taken after the Pre- and Post-WL applications were similar. As a result, it was determined that WL did not have a significant effect on HR. At the Table 3 , according to the comparison results of CK values ​​measured before and after the Pre-WL and Post-WL Wingate test series, no significant change was observed between the pre- and post-CK values ​​determined in the WL group due to Wingate loading. Similarly, no significant difference was found between the pre- and post-CK values ​​in the Post-WL group. No significant difference was found in the comparison of the Pre-WL and Post-WL groups. The reference range is accepted as 39/308 U/L. In the study, the Pre-WL group had an average of ± 429.30 U/L in the first measurement and ± 469.40 U/L in the last measurement, while the Post-WL group had ± 583.00 U/L in the first measurement and ± 575.60 U/L in the last measurement and in this study wrestlers lost an average of 3.55 kg. In a study conducted by Işık (2015), CK levels were examined according to the WL rates of wrestlers and the average of the group that lost 0–2 kg was determined as 195.79 ± 103.89 U/L, the group that lost 2–4 kg was determined as 426.17 ± 154.50 U/L, and the group that lost more than 4 kg was determined as 454.88 ± 234.60 U/L [44]. In the study conducted by Martone (2018), the CK values ​​of wrestlers who lost weight were similar [45]. Demirhan et al. (2016) found no significant difference in CK levels before and after exercise [46]. In another study conducted by Işık (2012), a significant difference was found between CK levels before and after competition [47]. Roclicer et al. (2020) found no significant difference before WL in their study on judokas, but found a significant difference in CK levels after WL [48]. Our study is largely similar to the literature findings. However, it is seen that our Pre-WL findings differ from the literature. If we evaluate the reasons for these differences, it can be said that the participants were in a general preparation period outside of the competition period on the dates the tests were performed. In addition, many factors such as the training levels of the athlete groups in the studies in the literature, seasonal differences, age differences, taking measurements before and after weighing, and time differences between weighing and tests can affect the results. Again, according to Table 3 , in the Wingate test absolute MAP watt comparison, no statistically significant difference was observed between the first and third measurements in the analyses made between the Pre- and Post-WL measurement groups, while a significant difference was detected between the second measurements. These results show that there is a significant difference in the comparison of the second measurements on the application axis. In addition, it was determined that the average values ​​of the Post-WL results were higher than those of Pre-WL. In a similar study conducted by Türkyılmaz (2019), a difference was found between absolute peak power and 'time' and 'time x application' effects, but no significant difference was found between the application groups. When the MAP (W/kg) values ​​of the participants after WL were examined, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the experimental application and the control application, and this difference was in favor of the experimental application [34]. Martinen et al. (2011) did not find a statistically significant difference in MAP (W/kg) and MAP (W) values ​​after WL of 4% of body weight [49]. Mourier et al. (1997) found that WL had no effect on anaerobic power [50]. Artioli et al. (2010) found no difference in the Wingate anaerobic power test results of 5% WL in their study on judokas [51]. In our study, it is seen that the three-stage Wingate test results are different from the literature. The reason for this difference can be associated with the 7.5% decrease in the Wingate test weight ratios determined according to body weight together with the WL before and after the WL. In addition, it can be evaluated that the participants lost weight as body fat percentage and their performance may have increased by getting used to the tests in the second stage. The fact that the athletes' work period was a general preparation period and the application was a preparatory study also reveals that a decrease in performance should not be expected due to the athletes losing a reasonable amount of weight by 4.3%. In addition, considering that the athletes' body fat rates may have increased to a value above normal depending on their nutrition levels in the work periods outside the competition period, it can be said that the weight losses in the application stages are related to the loss of the existing excess fat rate. According to the MAP comparison results of the three-stage Wingate test applied before and after WL in Table 3 , no significant difference was found. However, according to Table 3 , there was a significant difference in favor of the Post- WL test after the third tests in the relative MAP W/kg application axis of the three-stage Wingate test applied before and after WL. In a similar study conducted by Türkyılmaz (2019), relative MAP (W/kg) and MAP (W) values ​​​​after WL were examined and it was determined that there was no statistically significant difference between the experimental and control applications [34]. Similarly, Marttinen et al. (2011) also did not detect a significant difference in relative MAP (W/kg) and MAP (W) values ​​​​after WL [48]. Almasi et al. (2013) stated that there was a significant decrease in relative MAP (W/kg) and MAP (W) values [52]​​​​. There are different results between the findings of our study and the literature. The reason for these differences can be shown as the Wingate application protocol being performed with a 20-minute interval without complete rest. In addition, it can be said that the fact that the two stages of the tests were given a very short recovery time after weighing and started 1.5 hours later, and that the participants participated in the tests without having enough rest, also caused this situation. Many studies in the literature show that giving more time for tests after WL supports the emergence of different results. In addition, the reasons for the significant difference after WL compared to before WL can be shown as the wrestlers losing 4.3% of their weight and pedaling against 7.5% resistance applied in the Wingate test protocol. A decrease in this resistance in the post- WL applications brought about an increase in performance. In the analyses made in terms of fatigue index (%) in Table 3 , there was no statistically significant difference between the 1st and 2nd measurements. However, it was determined that the fatigue index (%) value was higher after WL in the 3rd measurements. Türkyılmaz (2019) observed similar differences in fatigue index before WL and at the end of the 3rd Wingate test in our study with the findings of the study [34]. Cengiz (2015) stated that there was an increase in fatigue index values [53]​​. In a study conducted by Artioli (2010) on judokas, it was found that acute WL did not have a negative effect on fatigue index [51]. Houston et al. (1981) confirmed a 21.5% decrease in muscle glycogen as a result of a wrestling match [54]. Rankin (1996) applied 75% and 47% carbohydrate diets to wrestlers who lost weight; It was reported that there was no significant change in muscle glycogen stores of wrestlers after a 75% diet, but a decrease in muscle glycogen stores was detected in wrestlers who were put on a 47% diet [42]. In a similar study, Tarnapolsky et al. (1996) evaluated that a 5% weight loss of 72 hours caused a 54% decrease in muscle glycogen stores [55]. In a different study, Burge et al. (1993) conducted a study on rowers who lost light weight and reported that muscle glycogen stores decreased after a 5% WL of their body weight in a 24-hour period and that a decrease in maximum rowing performance was observed accordingly [56]. These findings provide important data in terms of understanding the effects of WL on fatigue index and muscle glycogen. Our study findings show that an increased number of tests will lead to an increase in athletes’ fatigue index values ​​due to a decrease in glycogen stores. Data in the literature show that athletes’ glycogen stores are not sufficiently filled after high WL. Glycogen stores that are not fully filled will negatively affect athletes’ competition performance. The level of recovery is of great importance, especially in competitions where energy needs are met by anaerobic metabolism. Rest periods are also a critical factor depending on the type of competition. Our findings show that fatigue index values ​​increase in parallel in the tests performed by the participants one after the other. This suggests that wrestlers need more rest periods between competitions. In our study, it was determined that the weight losses of wrestlers up to 5% of their body weight were mostly due to their fat ratios. In addition, no significant difference was found in terms of pH and specific gravity. No significant differences were observed in the results of CK and anaerobic power tests as a result of WL. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the factors affecting athletes' performance. Conclusion According to the results of this study, it was determined that the participants' body weights decreased by 4.3% and this loss occurred within 5 days. No significant difference was observed in urine density, pH and urine density values ​​with RWL. This situation shows that WL is caused by the decrease in body fat ratios. When lactate measurements were compared between Pre- and Post-WL data, no significant difference was found between resting lactates; however, high lactate values ​​in measurements after the Wingate test differed in favor of Pre-WL. No significant difference was observed between Pre- and Post-WL in cardiovascular training (HR) results determined during the applications. In addition, no significant difference was detected in blood CK values ​​taken after weighing and applications. According to the Wingate anaerobic power test results, a significant difference was found in the MAP and MAC values ​​in favor of Post-WL. While there was no difference between the first and second measurements in the fatigue index values ​​determined between the tests, an increase in the Post-WL fatigue index value was observed in the third Wingate test. As a result, it was observed that RWL did not affect the anaerobic performance of the wrestlers. However, it was determined that the fatigue index value in the third tests after WL was high. The lactate data of the wrestlers after WL was lower than the Pre-WL data, indicating that the anaerobic energy production capacity after WL decreased due to RWL. In addition, CK results reveal that wrestlers suffered muscle damage during the practices. According to the findings, it cannot be said that wrestlers can go to the next competition with sufficient rest with a 20-minute rest interval. In the literature, athletes are advised to lose a maximum of 5% of their body weight in the event of WL, and this is supported by our findings. We recommend that UWW reconsider the rest periods between competitions in the current wrestling rules in line with our study findings and recommendations. In this context, it would be beneficial to give athletes more rest periods. After the athletes' weight loss rates are determined, it can be recommended to apply RWL methods as long as they do not exceed 5%. In addition, it is recommended that WL rates do not exceed 5% of their body weight. Recommendations For new studies planned to be conducted on different universes and sample groups, it is recommended that different rest periods be preferred between competitions. In this way, wrestlers' rest levels and periods can be revealed more clearly. In this way, more information can be obtained about the performances of athletes. It can be suggested to new researchers that the study design be conducted separately on male and female athletes with the rest intervals specified in the international federation rules in similar weight sports. Similar studies to be conducted in this way will provide more comprehensive information to the field, especially about the rest periods required by combat athletes. Abbreviations RWL Rapid Weight Loss BFP Body Fat Percentage USG Urine Specific Gravity RHR Resting Heart Rate CK Creatine Kinase MAC Maximal Anaerobic Capacity MAP Maximal Anaerobic Power FI Fatigue Index NCAA National Collegiate Athletic Association UWW World Wrestling Union Pre-WL Pre-Weight Loss Post-WL Post-Weight Loss HR Heart Rate Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participants Ethical approval was obtained from the Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Yenimahalle Education and Research Hospital Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Approval Code: 2021/08). The research was conducted in accordance with institutional guidelines, national legislation, the CONSORT guidelines, and the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to participation. Consent for publication Not applicable. Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests. Conflict of interest The authors report no conflict of interest. Funding The study was supported by Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University (Project ID: 2268, Project Code: TDK-2021-2268). Author Contribution Conceptualization: Erkan Polat, Mehmet Özal; Methodology: Erkan Polat, Mehmet Özal; Data curation/collection: Erkan Polat, Mehmet Özal; Supervision: Erkan Polat, Mehmet Özal; Writing original draft: Erkan Polat, Mehmet Özal; Writing edition: Erkan Polat, Mehmet Özal. Acknowledgement The authors thank all participants for their involvement and contributions to the research. Data Availability The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. References Kordi R, Ziaee V, Rostami M, Wallace WA. Patterns of weight loss and supplement consumption of male wrestlers in Tehran. Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy, Rehabilitation, Therapy & Technology. 2011;3:1-7. Sundgot-Borgen J, Garthe I. 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Wrestling, which is among the Olympic sports, is organized in two different styles: freestyle (male/female) and Greco-Roman (male). While wrestlers compete in a total of 10 weight classes in international tournaments and championships, this number drops to 6 in the Olympics. This situation necessitates athletes to change weight classes in order to compete in Olympic weight classes, and many wrestlers have to adjust their weight for a lower or higher weight class. While wrestlers competing in lower weight classes in particular frequently experience weight loss, many athletes lose weight above normal limits in order to compete in the Olympics. Since wrestling is a weight class sport, it is quite common for athletes participating in competitions to adjust their weight. High-level athletes have to adjust their weight classes at least two or three times a year in order to compete in continental and world championships after national team selections.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn weightlifting sports such as wrestling, boxing, karate and weightlifting, athletes apply weight loss methods in different ways. While some athletes start early by spreading their weight loss over a long period of time, others prefer to lose excess weight quickly in the week before the competition or in the few days before the weigh-in. According to research, athletes generally prefer to lose weight very close to the competition and with rapid (acute) weight loss (RWL) methods [1, 2].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn such weight sports, weight loss involves severely reducing food and fluid intake, as well as exercising while wearing raincoats and heavy clothing, and losing water by sweating in saunas [3]. Lack of water can lead to functional problems in the body and reduce performance [4]. Approximately 65% ​​of an adult's body weight consists of water. When fluid deficiencies in the body are not adequately compensated, it can cause dehydration [5].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn 1997, three wrestlers who tried to lose weight quickly during intercollegiate league competitions in the United States lost their lives. The causes of death of these wrestlers were determined to be restricting their food and fluid intake hours before the weigh-in, and dehydration through sweating by wearing cotton and nylon clothing in hot environments. According to allegations, these athletes lost between 11.3 kg and 16.8 kg from their normal weight, which corresponds to an average of 15% of their weight. It was recorded that three wrestlers lost their lives in this tragic incident, which occurred as a result of excessive fluid loss and hyperthermia [6, 7].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the United States, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) monitors wrestlers' weight loss practices and uses urine specific gravity as a measure of hydration to determine athletes' fluid loss [7]. Urine specific gravity is a measure that determines the ratio of the density of urine to the density of water. Normal urine specific gravity values ​​range from 1.002 to 1.030 [8]. The NCAA has accepted a urine specific gravity of 1.020 to determine wrestlers' body hydration status. In competitions, wrestlers with a urine specific gravity above 1.020 are considered dehydrated and eliminated from competition [7].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWeight loss is a method preferred by athletes in weight-class sports to gain an advantage. However, this loss should not negatively affect their performance; otherwise, the expected advantage may not be achieved. NCAA warns athletes about this issue and recommends that weight adjustments should be started at least two or three weeks before the competition calendar and that weight loss should be gradual as a healthy weight adjustment method. In this context, conscious athletes usually calculate their body fat percentage and muscle mass, determine the amount of weight they can lose, and adjust their weight by spreading this over the weeks, losing around 1-1.5 kilograms per week [7].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt is common practice for wrestlers to lose weight in a short period of time before weigh-in in order to gain a physical advantage over their opponents [3]. Studies show that approximately 50% of athletes involved in combat sports adopt rapid weight loss (RWL) methods in the days before competition [9, 10]. It is assumed that the heaviest athletes in a given weight category have a physical advantage over lighter opponents. For this reason, it is common to apply pathogenic (disease-like) weight loss techniques with the aim of reaching a certain weight [11, 12].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEspecially in weight-class sports, athletes often use long-term fasting diets, diuretics, laxatives and diet pills in order to reach the desired weight in a short time; they also wear materials such as raincoats and nylon to sweat more quickly during exercise or dehydrate themselves with methods such as saunas [13, 14]. In addition, it is known that the diuretics used are among the banned substances and have a negative effect on performance [15, 16].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe World Wrestling Union (UWW) made some regulations in 2018 to prevent weight loss practices. Previously, athletes would weigh themselves at around 18:00 the evening before the competitions and the competitions would start at 09:00 the next morning. In this case, athletes were given approximately 15\u0026ndash;16 hours of rest and recovery after the weigh-in. During this time, athletes felt the effects of weight loss less, so weight loss practices were more common. With the changes made, UWW has adopted a practice where athletes will have to compete immediately after losing weight. Now, weighing and competitions are held on the same day; weighing is done around 08:30\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;09:00 in the morning and competitions start at 10:00. In addition, athletes who stay for the second day are weighed again in the morning and competitions start approximately 1.5 hours later. Wrestlers who cannot adjust their weight are disqualified [17]. With this change in practice, it is thought that athletes will have to compete immediately after weighing, this situation will prevent them from showing effective performance and therefore they will abandon their preference for excessive weight loss and tend to lose less weight. In this way, it is aimed to prevent athlete deaths that occurred after excessive weight loss in the past [7, 17].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs the rate of weight loss in athletes' bodies increases in a short period of time, the physical, physiological and psychological negative effects of this situation also increase [18]. Particularly RWL conditions lead to various negative effects such as fluid loss in the body, changes in the central nervous system, increase in body temperature, cardiovascular stress due to glycogen deficiency and changes in metabolic functions [19, 20]. Reducing fluid intake and restricting nutrition one or two days before competitions can cause athletes to lose more than 5% of their weight rapidly. This situation can lead to dehydration, a decrease in systolic volume during submaximal exercise, an increase in heart rate and a decrease in venous oxygen difference, which can lead to a decrease in blood plasma volume [21, 22]. RWL causes physical problems such as muscle fatigue, muscle weakness, muscle pain and myalgia [23]. These conditions, which harm health, also negatively affect athletes' performance [24]. In cases where there are a few hours between weighing and competition, athletes are generally unable to meet their macro (protein, fat and carbohydrate) and micro (water, vitamins, minerals, etc.) nutritional needs, which negatively affects their performance [13, 25].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDuring continental and world championships, wrestlers typically compete in 3\u0026ndash;5 matches before reaching the finals. In quarter-finals and semi-finals, they often face frequent match intervals [17]. After high-intensity competitions, excessive fatigue usually occurs due to lactic acid accumulation in the body.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe energy systems commonly used in wrestling are the Phosphagen System (ATP-CP) and Lactic Acid systems. While 90% of the energy used in wrestling is provided by these systems, 10% is obtained from the aerobic energy system [26]. Therefore, wrestling being a dynamic and high intensity sport requires high anaerobic capacity [27]. It is stated that in a high intensity wrestling match, the amount of lactic acid in the blood can reach up to 16\u0026ndash;20 mmol/L. High levels of lactic acid are directly related to the anaerobic capacity of wrestlers [28]. Some sources report that an athlete must fall below 4 mmol lactic acid, which is the anaerobic threshold reference range, in order to be considered resting [26].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe aim of this study is to examine the effects of RWL on the anaerobic performance of elite wrestlers. Previous studies suggest that losing less than 5% of body weight may not significantly impact performance. Therefore, in our study, participants were instructed to lose between 3% to 5% of their body weight over five days. Their anaerobic performance was assessed through Wingate tests, along with body composition, hydration status, and blood lactate and creatine kinase levels.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eParticipants\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFourteen elite male wrestlers (age range: 18\u0026ndash;35 y) volunteered to participate in this study. All participants were actively competing at the national level and were registered as licensed athletes in different sports clubs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of rapid weight loss (RWL) practices on anaerobic performance. In this context, participants were asked to reduce their body weight by a maximum of 5% over a five-day period using their preferred weight loss strategies. Body weight measurements were monitored daily using a calibrated Tanita BC 418 BA bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Three participants who withdrew from the study stating that they could not achieve the requested weight loss rates and one participant who left the study before completing the second phase of the post-weight loss tests were excluded from the analysis. The final analyses were performed on a total of ten wrestlers.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEthical approval\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003e was obtained from the Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Yenimahalle Education and Research Hospital Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Approval Code: 2021/08). The study was supported by Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University (Project ID: 2268, Project Code: TDK-2021-2268).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExperimental design\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA repeated-measures design was used to compare Pre-Weight Loss (Pre-WL) and Post-Weight Loss (Post-WL) performance. All testing was conducted at the Performance Measurement Laboratory of Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University under controlled environmental conditions (23\u0026ndash;25\u0026deg;C, 45\u0026ndash;55% relative humidity). Each participant completed two identical testing sessions: one before and one after the five-day weight reduction period. The test battery included anthropometric assessments, biochemical analyses, physiological monitoring, and anaerobic performance testing (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTest implementation plan\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"2\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePre-WL Pretest\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePost-WL Posttest (5 days later)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e09:30\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;10:00 (AM) weighing\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e09:30\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;10:00 (AM) weighing\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Urine density\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Urine density\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Body Composition\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Body Composition\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Blood collection\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Blood collection\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Breakfast\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Breakfast\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Resting lactate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Resting lactate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11:00 (AM)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11:00 (AM)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Lactate uptake\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Lactate uptake\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Wingate test\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Wingate test\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Lactate uptake\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Lactate uptake\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; 20 min later resting lactate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; 20 min later resting lactate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11:20 (AM)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11:20 (AM)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Wingate test\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Wingate test\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Lactate uptake\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Lactate uptake\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; 20 min later resting lactate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; 20 min later resting lactate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11:40 (AM)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11:40 (AM)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Wingate test\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Wingate test\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Lactate uptake\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Lactate uptake\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; 20 min later resting lactate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; 20 min later resting lactate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Blood collection\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026bull; Blood collection\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAnthropometric and physiological measurements\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBody weight and fat percentage were assessed using a Tanita BC 418 BA analyzer, while height was measured with a Holtain Limited Crymych stadiometer. Hydration status was evaluated through urine specific gravity and pH using an Insight Expert U500 device. Heart rate (HR) was recorded before and after each test using a Polar V800 heart rate monitor.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBiochemical analysis\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVenous blood samples (2 mL) were drawn from the antecubital vein into K3EDTA tubes before and after each testing session. Blood lactate concentration was measured using a Lactate Scout Sensor, and creatine kinase (CK) levels were determined via enzymatic colorimetric assay.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWingate anaerobic power test\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnaerobic performance was assessed using the Wingate Anaerobic Power Test, conducted on a Monark 854 E cycle ergometer with resistance set at 7.5% of body weight. Each participant performed three consecutive 30-second maximal sprints, separated by 20-minute passive recovery periods, replicating the minimum rest durations found in competitive wrestling. Peak power output (W/kg), mean anaerobic power, and fatigue index were recorded. A standardized warm-up protocol, including 5 minutes of treadmill running (6\u0026ndash;7.5 km/h) followed by dynamic stretching and submaximal cycling, was applied before testing.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStatistical analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess normality, while skewness and kurtosis values were examined. Descriptive statistics were presented as mean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;standard deviation (SD). Paired samples t-tests were used for normally distributed data, while the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was applied to non-normally distributed variables. To analyze changes in Wingate performance and biochemical markers over time, a two-way repeated measures ANOVA (time \u0026times; condition) was performed. Sphericity was tested using Mauchly\u0026rsquo;s test, and Greenhouse-Geisser corrections were applied where necessary. Partial eta squared (η\u0026sup2;) was reported to assess effect sizes, and statistical significance was set at p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study aims to evaluate the effects of rapid weight loss on physical performance and biochemical parameters. The mean age of the participants was 22.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.15 years (range 18\u0026ndash;34 years) and the mean height was 175.78\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.16 cm (range 163.80\u0026ndash;185.00 cm). The results of the statistical analyses performed to test the hypotheses of the study are presented below.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eChanges in body composition, urine parameters and creatine kinase levels before and after rapid weight loss.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePre-WL Mean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePost-WL Mean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTest Statistics\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ep Value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBody Weight (kg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e82.75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;15.96\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;15.09\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003et\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBody Fat Percentage (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.74\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.68\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003et\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.89\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrine Concentration (sg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.015\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.005\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.020\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ez = -2.98\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrine pH\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ez = -3.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCreatine Kinase (U/L)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e429.30\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;305.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e583.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;810.63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ez = -1.82\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLean Body Mass (kg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72.30\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;12.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e71.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;12.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003et\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003ePre-WT: Pre-weight loss (WL) measurements; Post-WT: Post-weight loss (WL) measurements. Data are presented as Mean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;Standard Deviation (Mean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD). The significance level was determined as p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e summarizes the changes in body composition, urine parameters, and creatine kinase levels before and after RWL. A significant decrease was observed in body weight and body fat percentage after WL (t\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.12, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01 and t\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.89, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01). Similarly, significant differences were found in urine density (z = -2.98, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01) and urine pH (z = -3.20, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01). However, no significant difference was found in creatine kinase levels (z = -1.82, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) and fatless body mass (t\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.22, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTwo-way ANOVA results before and after RWL.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTest\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePre-WL (M\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePost-WL (M\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffect\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF Value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ep Value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eη\u0026sup2;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBlood Lactate (mmol/L)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.16\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.72\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49.85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.79\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.66\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.81\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime \u0026times; Group\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e.04\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.49\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.98\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.94\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.66\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGroup\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeart Rate (bpm)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;13.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e78.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;12.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e476.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.98\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e102.30\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;17.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e98.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;10.61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime \u0026times; Group\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e106.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;18.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e104.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGroup\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.81\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMAP (W)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1055.82\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;204.31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1090.76\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;192.68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1068.68\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;187.90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1127.70\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;180.24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime \u0026times; Group\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1099.24\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;176.85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1114.58\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;172.71\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGroup\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e.04\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRelative MAP (W/kg)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.89\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.92\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.69\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.79\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.09\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.26\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime \u0026times; Group\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.94\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.08\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.47\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.18\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.53\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGroup\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.001\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.74\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMAC (W)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e706.28\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;128.47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e695.75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;120.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e714.86\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;124.31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e708.97\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;114.34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime \u0026times; Group\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e705.66\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;109.65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e712.42\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;106.58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGroup\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.73\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRelative MAC (W/kg)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.78\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.72\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.59\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.94\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime \u0026times; Group\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.76\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.02\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.73\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGroup\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e.03\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFatigue Index (%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61.23\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64.54\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.09\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60.41\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65.07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime \u0026times; Group\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e62.82\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGroup\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.79\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eMAP: Maximum Anaerobic Power; MAC: Maximum Anaerobic Capacity; Pre-WL: Before Weight Loss; Post-WL: After Weight Loss; SD: Standard Deviation. The significance level was determined as p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe two-way ANOVA results before and after RWL are summarized in Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e. According to the analysis results, lactate levels showed a significant difference in the time axis [F (5,45)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;49.85, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001, η\u0026sup2; = 0.85)]. The group effect was also found to be significant in terms of lactate levels [F (1,45)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;13.39, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001, η\u0026sup2; = 0.60)], but a significant difference was found in the time \u0026times; group interaction (F (5,45)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2.48, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.04, η\u0026sup2; = 0.22).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHeart rate (HR) showed a significant difference in the time axis [F (5,45)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;476.86, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001, η\u0026sup2; = 0.98)], but group and time \u0026times; group interactions were not significant. This suggests that RWL affects changes in heart rate over time.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGroup effects were found to be significant for maximum anaerobic power (MAP) and relative maximum anaerobic power (relative MAP) [F (1,18)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5.86, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.04, η\u0026sup2; = 0.39 and F(1,18)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;26.05, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001, η\u0026sup2; = 0.74)]. However, no significant differences were detected in time and time \u0026times; group interactions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAlthough there was no significant difference in the time \u0026times; group interaction in the maximum anaerobic capacity (MAC) and relative maximum anaerobic capacity (relative MAC) variables, a significant difference was observed in the relative MAC values ​​in terms of group effect [F (1,18)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;6.44, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.03)].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinally, the group effect was found to be significant for the fatigue index [(F (1,18)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.79, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.05)], but no significant differences were found for time and time \u0026times; group interactions. This suggests that rapid weight loss had a limited effect on the fatigue index.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eWrestling is a weight class sport among combat sports and therefore it is observed that athletes commonly prefer rapid weight loss (RWL) practices. RWL is characterized by a temporary loss of at least 5% of body weight in less than a week. In addition to using this method to gain an advantage over lighter and weaker opponents, some also perceive it as a means of gaining a psychological advantage over their opponents [25]. Although it is known that RWL has many negative effects on the health of athletes, this practice continues to be an important part of many combat sports such as wrestling, judo, jiu-jitsu, karate, taekwondo and boxing [29, 30]. This study was conducted to determine the performance status of elite wrestlers (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;14) between the ages of 18\u0026ndash;35, who are still competing, both before and after weight loss and whether they can provide sufficient rest between matches in consecutive matches before and after RWL.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this study, anaerobic strength, fatigue index and inter-competition rest levels were examined in order to determine the performance status of wrestlers with their normal weights after RWL. Wingate anaerobic power cycling test was applied to determine the sports performance status of the participants before and after WL. In addition, urine samples were taken in the Pre- and Post-WL periods to determine body fluid loss.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn both test stages, after morning weighing and at the end of the tests, venous blood was taken from the participants and CK levels were examined to determine muscle damage (destruction). According to the test protocol, the participants' load intensities, heart rates and lactate levels were measured at the beginning and after three consecutive Wingate (performance) tests.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe first phase of the study included 14 elite wrestlers. In the second stage, only 11 participants were able to lose weight within 5 days with RWL (4.3%), at the desired rate (3% \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;5%) of their normal body weight in the first tests. Three athletes who participated in the first tests but could not lose weight at the specified rate were not included in the second phase tests. In addition, during the second phase tests, 1 participant felt unwell during the second Wingate application and left the tests halfway and was removed from the study. As a result, our study was completed with 10 participants in accordance with the determined protocol.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, where the results of Pre- and Post-WL Body Weight, Fat Percentages and Urine are shown, a significant difference (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) was observed in the body weight and body fat percentages of Pre- and Post-WL, while no significant difference (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) was found in the urine pH and urine density values.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen the averages of body weight and body fat ratio variables were examined, it was determined that the significant difference showed a decrease in favor of the last (second) tests. In summary, it was seen that the body weight and body fat ratios of the subjects decreased significantly, but there was no significant change in urine pH and urine density. These findings reveal the effects of RWL application on athletes and changes in body composition.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn his thesis study on combat athletes, Yarar (2015) found a decrease in BMI and fat mass after 5% WL [31]. Demirkan et al. (2011) observed an increase in urine density in wrestlers who lost 3.9% body weight in 3 days, but stated that this increase was not statistically significant [32]. Aky\u0026uuml;z (2009) found no significant difference in pH and urine density after WL in his study [33]. T\u0026uuml;rkyılmaz (2019) stated that while no significant difference was found in VYY rates after WL, there was a statistically significant difference in urine density values ​​after WL and a significant increase was observed in the experimental application [34]. Rashidlamir et al. (2009) reported that wrestlers who lost 4% of their body weight in 2 days did not experience a change in body fat, but they did experience an increase in urine density [35]. In the study conducted by P\u0026eacute;riard et al. (2012), the effects of moderate dehydration (2.5% of body weight) on muscle strength and endurance were examined in subjects whose urine specific gravity was measured after short-term WL. As a result; it shows that moderate dehydration does not affect muscle strength and does not increase fatigue [36]. Evetovich et al. (2002) reported a significant increase in urine density after 2.9% RWL within 48 hours [37]. Teresa et al. (2004) found a significant increase in urine density during short-term WL [38].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhile similar results are observed between the literature and our study findings, especially in terms of VYY, differences in urine densities and pH values ​​are striking. The reason for these differences has been determined to be that athletes lose up to 5% of their weight by applying RWL within 3 days and that changes occur in the body's urine density and pH levels during this process.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn our study, it was determined that the participants lost 4.3% of their body weight in 5 days and this loss was mostly from fat. This situation shows that the participants used calorie restriction as their WL method; instead of the sweating and body fluid loss experienced in the last days, it is understood that their body fat percentage decreased due to the effect of the nutritional restrictions made a few days ago. Therefore, it is important for the healthy WL method for athletes to be carried out by extending the process so that it does not exceed 5% of their body weight and to adjust the calories with a suitable diet. In this way, it can be ensured that the sports performance of the athletes is less affected.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, which includes Pre-WL and Post-WL lactate results, a significant difference was observed between pre-measurements and post-measurements in WL lactate comparisons. However, pre-measurements and post-measurements did not show a significant difference between themselves. Similarly, although there was a significant difference between pre-measurements and post-measurements in WL lactate, no significant difference was detected within themselves. When the Pre-WL and Post-WL groups were compared, it was determined that there were significant differences between the test 1 post-tests, test 2 post-tests and test 3 pre-tests. The reason for this significant difference was that the WL application group had higher means. These findings provide important data to understand the effects of WL practices on lactate levels. Monitoring lactate levels to evaluate athletes' performance can help optimize training and WL processes. Since lactate levels are a critical indicator for evaluating athletes' energy production processes and training intensity, analysis of this data can allow athletes to perform more effectively.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn their study, Kraemer et al. (2001) found a significant increase in lactate levels after wrestlers lost 6% of their weight and performed three matches in a simulated competition environment in one day, compared to before WL [39]. In a similar study, Barbas et al. (2011) compared the lactate data of wrestlers before and after WL and observed a significant increase in lactate levels after the 3rd and 4th matches after WL [40]. In their study on judokas, Bayram et al. (2022) applied the Judo Fitness test after a 15-hour recovery period after a 5% WL and found no significant difference between the control group and the experimental group [41]. Artiolli et al. (2010) found no significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the Wingate test results 4 hours after a 5% WL on judokas, but found that the glycogen levels of the experimental group were lower than the control group [13]. Rankin et al. (1996) found no significant difference in lactic acid levels of wrestlers after 72 hours of RWL [42].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhile an increase in lactate levels is generally observed in the literature after WL, a decrease in Post-WL lactate levels was detected in our study. This situation is evaluated as the fact that the weighing was done 1.5 hours before the tests and the Wingate tests were applied with only a 20-minute break, which caused an increase in fatigue levels and therefore the lactate levels decreased compared to the Pre-WL. In addition, the averages of the resting lactate results obtained before the 2nd and 3rd tests of pre-WL and post-WL were found to be above the anaerobic threshold reference range of 4 mmol lactate level [26]. This result shows that the minimum 20 minutes given between matches causes wrestlers to enter the next match tired. In this context, it can be recommended that wrestlers prefer active resting methods or use methods such as massage or cold application in order to remove lactic acid levels in a shorter time after the match. Thus, it can be said that athletes who have to compete at frequent intervals can gain an advantage over their competitors with lower lactate levels and therefore lower fatigue levels.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, when the HR changes according to the Pre-WL and Post-WL Wingate test series were examined, a significant difference was found between the pre-tests and post-tests. However, no significant difference was found between the pre-tests and post-tests. Similarly, no statistically significant difference was found in the comparisons made between the Pre-WL and Post-WL groups. In a similar study conducted by T\u0026uuml;rkyılmaz (2019), no significant difference was found between wrestlers who lost weight and control groups [34]. In the study conducted by Ceylan et al. (2022) on judokas, no significant difference was found between those who lost weight and control groups in terms of HR [41]. Reljic et al. (2016) found no significant difference in HR results before and after WL in competitive athletes [43]. In our study, no significant difference was found between resting HR and HR after the Wingate test between the Pre- and Post-WL groups. The significant difference was determined only between resting HR and HR taken after Wingate. This result remains within the normal range. When the literature data was examined, it was seen that the HR results taken after the Pre- and Post-WL applications were similar. As a result, it was determined that WL did not have a significant effect on HR.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAt the Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, according to the comparison results of CK values ​​measured before and after the Pre-WL and Post-WL Wingate test series, no significant change was observed between the pre- and post-CK values ​​determined in the WL group due to Wingate loading. Similarly, no significant difference was found between the pre- and post-CK values ​​in the Post-WL group. No significant difference was found in the comparison of the Pre-WL and Post-WL groups. The reference range is accepted as 39/308 U/L.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the study, the Pre-WL group had an average of \u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;429.30 U/L in the first measurement and \u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;469.40 U/L in the last measurement, while the Post-WL group had\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;583.00 U/L in the first measurement and \u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;575.60 U/L in the last measurement and in this study wrestlers lost an average of 3.55 kg. In a study conducted by Işık (2015), CK levels were examined according to the WL rates of wrestlers and the average of the group that lost 0\u0026ndash;2 kg was determined as 195.79\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;103.89 U/L, the group that lost 2\u0026ndash;4 kg was determined as 426.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;154.50 U/L, and the group that lost more than 4 kg was determined as 454.88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;234.60 U/L [44]. In the study conducted by Martone (2018), the CK values ​​of wrestlers who lost weight were similar [45]. Demirhan et al. (2016) found no significant difference in CK levels before and after exercise [46]. In another study conducted by Işık (2012), a significant difference was found between CK levels before and after competition [47]. Roclicer et al. (2020) found no significant difference before WL in their study on judokas, but found a significant difference in CK levels after WL [48]. Our study is largely similar to the literature findings. However, it is seen that our Pre-WL findings differ from the literature. If we evaluate the reasons for these differences, it can be said that the participants were in a general preparation period outside of the competition period on the dates the tests were performed. In addition, many factors such as the training levels of the athlete groups in the studies in the literature, seasonal differences, age differences, taking measurements before and after weighing, and time differences between weighing and tests can affect the results.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAgain, according to Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, in the Wingate test absolute MAP watt comparison, no statistically significant difference was observed between the first and third measurements in the analyses made between the Pre- and Post-WL measurement groups, while a significant difference was detected between the second measurements. These results show that there is a significant difference in the comparison of the second measurements on the application axis. In addition, it was determined that the average values ​​of the Post-WL results were higher than those of Pre-WL.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn a similar study conducted by T\u0026uuml;rkyılmaz (2019), a difference was found between absolute peak power and 'time' and 'time x application' effects, but no significant difference was found between the application groups. When the MAP (W/kg) values ​​of the participants after WL were examined, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the experimental application and the control application, and this difference was in favor of the experimental application [34]. Martinen et al. (2011) did not find a statistically significant difference in MAP (W/kg) and MAP (W) values ​​after WL of 4% of body weight [49]. Mourier et al. (1997) found that WL had no effect on anaerobic power [50]. Artioli et al. (2010) found no difference in the Wingate anaerobic power test results of 5% WL in their study on judokas [51]. In our study, it is seen that the three-stage Wingate test results are different from the literature. The reason for this difference can be associated with the 7.5% decrease in the Wingate test weight ratios determined according to body weight together with the WL before and after the WL. In addition, it can be evaluated that the participants lost weight as body fat percentage and their performance may have increased by getting used to the tests in the second stage. The fact that the athletes' work period was a general preparation period and the application was a preparatory study also reveals that a decrease in performance should not be expected due to the athletes losing a reasonable amount of weight by 4.3%. In addition, considering that the athletes' body fat rates may have increased to a value above normal depending on their nutrition levels in the work periods outside the competition period, it can be said that the weight losses in the application stages are related to the loss of the existing excess fat rate.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to the MAP comparison results of the three-stage Wingate test applied before and after WL in Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, no significant difference was found. However, according to Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, there was a significant difference in favor of the Post- WL test after the third tests in the relative MAP W/kg application axis of the three-stage Wingate test applied before and after WL. In a similar study conducted by T\u0026uuml;rkyılmaz (2019), relative MAP (W/kg) and MAP (W) values ​​​​after WL were examined and it was determined that there was no statistically significant difference between the experimental and control applications [34]. Similarly, Marttinen et al. (2011) also did not detect a significant difference in relative MAP (W/kg) and MAP (W) values ​​​​after WL [48]. Almasi et al. (2013) stated that there was a significant decrease in relative MAP (W/kg) and MAP (W) values [52]​​​​.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere are different results between the findings of our study and the literature. The reason for these differences can be shown as the Wingate application protocol being performed with a 20-minute interval without complete rest. In addition, it can be said that the fact that the two stages of the tests were given a very short recovery time after weighing and started 1.5 hours later, and that the participants participated in the tests without having enough rest, also caused this situation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMany studies in the literature show that giving more time for tests after WL supports the emergence of different results. In addition, the reasons for the significant difference after WL compared to before WL can be shown as the wrestlers losing 4.3% of their weight and pedaling against 7.5% resistance applied in the Wingate test protocol. A decrease in this resistance in the post- WL applications brought about an increase in performance.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the analyses made in terms of fatigue index (%) in Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, there was no statistically significant difference between the 1st and 2nd measurements. However, it was determined that the fatigue index (%) value was higher after WL in the 3rd measurements. T\u0026uuml;rkyılmaz (2019) observed similar differences in fatigue index before WL and at the end of the 3rd Wingate test in our study with the findings of the study [34]. Cengiz (2015) stated that there was an increase in fatigue index values [53]​​. In a study conducted by Artioli (2010) on judokas, it was found that acute WL did not have a negative effect on fatigue index [51]. Houston et al. (1981) confirmed a 21.5% decrease in muscle glycogen as a result of a wrestling match [54]. Rankin (1996) applied 75% and 47% carbohydrate diets to wrestlers who lost weight; It was reported that there was no significant change in muscle glycogen stores of wrestlers after a 75% diet, but a decrease in muscle glycogen stores was detected in wrestlers who were put on a 47% diet [42]. In a similar study, Tarnapolsky et al. (1996) evaluated that a 5% weight loss of 72 hours caused a 54% decrease in muscle glycogen stores [55]. In a different study, Burge et al. (1993) conducted a study on rowers who lost light weight and reported that muscle glycogen stores decreased after a 5% WL of their body weight in a 24-hour period and that a decrease in maximum rowing performance was observed accordingly [56]. These findings provide important data in terms of understanding the effects of WL on fatigue index and muscle glycogen.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOur study findings show that an increased number of tests will lead to an increase in athletes\u0026rsquo; fatigue index values ​​due to a decrease in glycogen stores. Data in the literature show that athletes\u0026rsquo; glycogen stores are not sufficiently filled after high WL. Glycogen stores that are not fully filled will negatively affect athletes\u0026rsquo; competition performance. The level of recovery is of great importance, especially in competitions where energy needs are met by anaerobic metabolism. Rest periods are also a critical factor depending on the type of competition. Our findings show that fatigue index values ​​increase in parallel in the tests performed by the participants one after the other. This suggests that wrestlers need more rest periods between competitions. In our study, it was determined that the weight losses of wrestlers up to 5% of their body weight were mostly due to their fat ratios. In addition, no significant difference was found in terms of pH and specific gravity. No significant differences were observed in the results of CK and anaerobic power tests as a result of WL. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the factors affecting athletes' performance.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eAccording to the results of this study, it was determined that the participants' body weights decreased by 4.3% and this loss occurred within 5 days. No significant difference was observed in urine density, pH and urine density values ​​with RWL. This situation shows that WL is caused by the decrease in body fat ratios. When lactate measurements were compared between Pre- and Post-WL data, no significant difference was found between resting lactates; however, high lactate values ​​in measurements after the Wingate test differed in favor of Pre-WL. No significant difference was observed between Pre- and Post-WL in cardiovascular training (HR) results determined during the applications. In addition, no significant difference was detected in blood CK values ​​taken after weighing and applications.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to the Wingate anaerobic power test results, a significant difference was found in the MAP and MAC values ​​in favor of Post-WL. While there was no difference between the first and second measurements in the fatigue index values ​​determined between the tests, an increase in the Post-WL fatigue index value was observed in the third Wingate test.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs a result, it was observed that RWL did not affect the anaerobic performance of the wrestlers. However, it was determined that the fatigue index value in the third tests after WL was high. The lactate data of the wrestlers after WL was lower than the Pre-WL data, indicating that the anaerobic energy production capacity after WL decreased due to RWL.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn addition, CK results reveal that wrestlers suffered muscle damage during the practices. According to the findings, it cannot be said that wrestlers can go to the next competition with sufficient rest with a 20-minute rest interval.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the literature, athletes are advised to lose a maximum of 5% of their body weight in the event of WL, and this is supported by our findings.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe recommend that UWW reconsider the rest periods between competitions in the current wrestling rules in line with our study findings and recommendations. In this context, it would be beneficial to give athletes more rest periods.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAfter the athletes' weight loss rates are determined, it can be recommended to apply RWL methods as long as they do not exceed 5%. In addition, it is recommended that WL rates do not exceed 5% of their body weight.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eRecommendations\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor new studies planned to be conducted on different universes and sample groups, it is recommended that different rest periods be preferred between competitions. In this way, wrestlers' rest levels and periods can be revealed more clearly. In this way, more information can be obtained about the performances of athletes. It can be suggested to new researchers that the study design be conducted separately on male and female athletes with the rest intervals specified in the international federation rules in similar weight sports. Similar studies to be conducted in this way will provide more comprehensive information to the field, especially about the rest periods required by combat athletes.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cp\u003eRWL Rapid Weight Loss\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBFP Body Fat Percentage\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUSG Urine Specific Gravity\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRHR Resting Heart Rate\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCK Creatine Kinase\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMAC Maximal Anaerobic Capacity\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMAP Maximal Anaerobic Power\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFI Fatigue Index\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNCAA National Collegiate Athletic Association\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUWW World Wrestling Union\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePre-WL Pre-Weight Loss\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePost-WL Post-Weight Loss\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHR Heart Rate\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eEthics approval and consent to participants\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e Ethical approval was obtained from the Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Yenimahalle Education and Research Hospital Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Approval Code: 2021/08). The research was conducted in accordance with institutional guidelines, national legislation, the CONSORT guidelines, and the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to participation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConflict of interest\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe authors report no conflict of interest.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFunding\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study was supported by Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University (Project ID: 2268, Project Code: TDK-2021-2268).\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eConceptualization: Erkan Polat, Mehmet Özal; Methodology: Erkan Polat, Mehmet Özal; Data curation/collection: Erkan Polat, Mehmet Özal; Supervision: Erkan Polat, Mehmet Özal; Writing original draft: Erkan Polat, Mehmet Özal; Writing edition: Erkan Polat, Mehmet Özal.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgement\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe authors thank all participants for their involvement and contributions to the research.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKordi R, Ziaee V, Rostami M, Wallace WA. 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Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1993;25(12):1358-1364. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Rapid Weight Loss, Wrestling Performance, Wingate Anaerobic Power Test, Blood Lactate, Creatine Kinase","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8788628/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8788628/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eWrestling is a weight-classified sport in which athletes commonly engage in rapid weight loss (RWL) to qualify for specific categories. However, research on the short-term physiological and performance effects of RWL remains limited. This study aimed to examine the effects of RWL on anaerobic performance in elite male wrestlers.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTen elite wrestlers (mean age\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;22.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.15 years) competing in the senior category voluntarily participated. Over five days, participants reduced their body weight by an average of 4.3%. Body fat percentage (BFP), urine specific gravity (USG), resting heart rate (RHR), blood lactate, and creatine kinase (CK) levels were measured before and after weight loss. Anaerobic performance was assessed using the Wingate anaerobic power test, and data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eRWL resulted in a significant decrease in BFP (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05), whereas USG, urine pH, RHR, and CK levels showed no significant changes (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). No significant differences were found in maximal anaerobic capacity (MAC), maximal anaerobic power (MAP), fatigue index (FI), or blood lactate between pre- and post-tests (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). However, main effect analysis revealed significant differences in MAP (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.04), lactate concentration (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), and FI (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.03).\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusions\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eRWL did not significantly affect anaerobic performance in elite wrestlers. Nonetheless, elevated CK values and reduced lactate levels following the intervention suggest physiological stress and metabolic adaptations associated with rapid weight reduction.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Effects of Rapid Weight Loss on Anaerobic Performance, Blood Lactate, and Creatine Kinase Levels in Wrestlers","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-04-14 10:58:42","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8788628/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"f1072a84-12d0-4cc8-adcb-8f5d1f328417","owner":[],"postedDate":"April 14th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[{"type":"decision","content":"Rejected","date":"2026-05-11T06:31:02+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-05-07T11:59:10+00:00","index":55,"fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"63151981269546472131023630475126757644","date":"2026-05-04T13:39:29+00:00","index":54,"fulltext":""}],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-05-11T06:43:51+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-04-14 10:58:42","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8788628","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8788628","identity":"rs-8788628","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}