Rapid Weight Loss of Iranian Freestyle and Greco-Roman Elite Cadet Wrestlers

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the prevalence and effects of rapid weight loss among elite cadet wrestlers. The wrestler study groups were comprised of 130 adolescents (71 Greco-Roman and 59 freestyle wrestlers) with a mean age of 16.49 ± 0.9 and 16.1 ± 1.1 years; weight 63.1 ± 19.6 and 62.56 ± 15.24 kg. These athletes participated in the International Children's Day tournament. Methods of rapid weight loss and weight loss effects of these wrestlers were assessed using a standard Oppliger questionnaire. Descriptive statistical methods (mean standard deviation), the Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test (to check for normal distribution of data) and T tests (to check for differences between the freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers) were applied and the level of significance was set as p<0.05. The results showed that the most frequently used methods for weight loss in both groups, were increased physical activity and dieting. Dizziness, irritability and poor concentration were the most commonly reported problems in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers following rapid weight loss. The largest weight change for freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers in the tournament was respectively, 1.81 and 1.38 kg. No significant difference (P< 0.05) was observed between the two groups in this age bracket.

Key Words::

• wrestling
• methods of weight loss
• elite cadet.