TITLE:
Rapid Weight Loss in Congolese Judo: Energy Profile, Performance and Haematological Effects
AUTHORS:
Moulongo Jean Georges André, Moussouami Simplice Innocent, Moussoki Jean Martin, Massala Kitanga Fêtra Nella, Moulongo Ngwallat Jésus Amour Précieux, Bueso Nzambi Ghislain Allure, Ata Asiokarah Nel Francis, Diagne Ossey Marius, Packa Tchissambou Bernard, Massamba Alphonse
KEYWORDS:
Rapid Weight Loss, Judo, Heart Rate, Performance, Basal Blood Parameters
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Physical Education,
Vol.11 No.1,
December
30,
2020
ABSTRACT: While the deleterious effects of rapid
weight loss (RWL) on the health in combat sports athletes are well known, the
issue of exertion energy expenditure and motor performance remains
controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of RWL on
energy cost and judo performance, and associated haematological
characteristics. Among 21 top Congolese judoists who took part in an intensive
judo program lasting 5 1/2 days (or 11 sessions), 16 of them rapidly lost 4% to
5.5% of body mass; corollarly with a reclassification in one of the 3 weight
categories: -60 kg (n = 7), -80 kg (n = 5) and -100 kg (n = 4). During sessions
1 and 11, the energy cost during the different training sequences was evaluated
from the heart rate (HR). During the program, a judo performance test evaluated
2 performance indicators: the number of uchi-komi achieved and the height of
uke’s center of gravity during a throw. Basal blood parameters were determined
before RWL and at S1, S11 (after the judo combat series). The results show a
significant increase in heart rate from session S1 to session S11, in the
different training sequences. HR after fights was around 98% of HRmax. In
addition, a significant decrease in number of uchi-komi was observed on each of
the bearings 4 to 6 and throughout the performance test, and in height of uke’s
center of gravity during fall movements. While most of the basal blood
parameters remained unaltered during the program, red blood cell was reduced
significantly and a significant plasma volume changes increase was found. The
modification of each of the variables measured thus reflects the negative
effect of the rapid weight loss associated to the increase in energy cost in
judo.