RELATION BETWEEN HYPOHYDRATION AND REDUCTION RATE OF BODY MASS AMONG ELITE YOUTH AMATEUR BOXERS
Damir Zubac, Vladimir Ivančev, Hrvoje KarninčićIn this study, we have investigated the relation between hydration status and reduction rate of body mass (ROR). A sample consisted of 24 elite boxers (all males; 16.83 ± 1.01 years of age) from three European countries competing at an official tournament. The variables were collected by urine specific gravity (USG) assessment and an anamnestic questionnaire asking subjects on sports factors. ROR was calculated by dividing body mass by body mass reduced prior to competition. Our study show significant relation between USG and ROR (Rs = 0.65, p < 0.01). Notably, 60% of the participants exceeded USG cut-off assumption (> 1.020 g/ml-1) for athletes, while the most abundant pattern of body mass reduction was 2 – 5% of ROR reported by 50% of boxers. Boxing authorities could reconsider the official rules and advocate for the integration of an official hydration assessment program aiming to discourage athletes from engaging in harmful weight loss procedures.
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