Assessments of world and national level wrestling teams at a pre world championship competition: hydration, body composition and body mass alterations

Abstract

Aim. This study examined the changes in hydration status, body composition and body mass alterations during the camping period a pre world championship, World (N.=14) and National (N.=38) senior wrestlers (N.=52) preparing for the World Championships. Methods. Urine specific gravity, conductivity and color measurements with, body composition analyses were conducted at the beginning of the camp and the end of the camp. Results. In general, no significant differences were obtained between the world and national wrestlers in body mass and fat percentage (83.3 +/- 20-84.9 +/- 18 kg; 12 +/- 6%-11.2 +/- 4%, respectively). However, a significant difference was detected in the changes of body mass between groups (world decreased [800 +/- 1 g] - national increased [600 +/- 1 g] [P<0.05]). Body fat percentage was also observed to have a similar bias with a decrease and increase, but the changes were not significantly different (P>0.05). No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed between pre- and post-test values of urine specific gravity, conductivity or color for both national team wrestlers. Conclusion. Wrestlers achieved to adjust to weight category in a close of period through competition weigh in. Dehydration training programs should be sustained during the whole camp seasons including the last days before the weighing process for matches.