Physiology of wrestlers` dehydration

Abstract

Rapid weight loss via dehydration has profound adverse effects on the wrestler's physiology and muscular endurance even with %1 of body weight loss. Additionally, there is a decline after 4% of weight loss in strength or anaerobic power performance. However, these adverse effects do not seem to impair muscle strength during high-power exertions lasting less than 30 seconds. In fact, for athletes participating in brief-duration, high- power sports, rapid weight loss may give them an advantage by increasing power on a pound for pound basis. But, as strenuous exercise is extended, environmental temperatures rise, and degree of dehydration increases performance will ultimately suffer. The negative effects of dehydration on cardiovascular fitness parameters seem to repair faster compared to strength and power values. Several studies indicated while weight cycling has acute effects on performance, augmentation in body weight and muscular performance of the wrestlers occurs subsequent to the wrestling season. Several studies also indicated some negative psychological effects of dehydration on wrestlers’ performance: increased fatigue, anger, and anxiety, decrements in mood and motivation, and increased confusion. Still, more studies are needed in these areas. Weight loss due to the dehydration can potentially affect wrestlers’ health negatively. However, it was found that there are no considerable health effects of dehydration on wrestling. However, more studies are needed to strengthen these results since there are not many studies about the long-term effects of dehydration on hormonal, psychological and health status of wrestlers.