IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE

Background. Practices used in body weight (BW) reduction by judo athletes may have a negative impact on their sports performance and overall rankings in competitions.
Problem and Aim. To determine the amount of reduced BW, regained BW, and final competition rankings of performance-oriented judo athletes. To understand weight loss methods and time spent on weight reduction.
Methods. Out of 106 subjects, 55 judo athletes met the initial criteria for inclusion in the study. Subsequently, they completed a questionnaire focused on practices used for intentional BW reduction before competitions. Twenty-five subjects achieved a medal position, while the remaining thirty were classified as “unsuccessful” and finished without a medal. The percentage of BW loss and
BW gain, the number of days spent on weight loss, competition result, and the preferred method of BW reduction were investigated in both groups.
Results. The non-medalists lost an average of 6.96 ± 1.53% BW, while the medalists lost only 5.07 ± 1.37% (p < .001; d = 1.30). The increase in body weight after the official weigh-in represented 3.46 ± 1.26% and 2.04 ± 0.84% (t = 2.198; p< .03; d = 0.45) respectively and had no impact on final rankings. Both groups spent 6.9 and 6.3 days on weight reduction, and the preferred method was rapid weight reduction regardless of final ranking.
Conclusions. Unsuccessful judo athletes cut a higher percentage of BW compared to the successful group. A higher increase in BW did not result in better competition rankings. Both groups engaged in an average of one week of weight reduction before the event and generally did not adhere to recommended strategies for these practices. According to the results of this study, we recommend athletes and coaches not lose more than 7% of their body weight before a tournament. Education and awareness among athletes, coaches, and parents of young judo athletes about weight loss strategies are more than necessary.