MedTrace Logo

Weight Cut Stress: the Hidden Struggle Beyond Fight Day

NCT06860204 · Status: COMPLETED · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 25

Last updated 2025-03-07

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study investigated the effects of rapid weight-cutting on stress in elite kickboxers by analyzing Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and subjective stress levels using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data were collected across seven time points: Weigh-in Morning, Pre-Weigh-in, Post-Weigh-in, Post-Weigh-in Meal, Match Day Morning, Pre-Match, and Post-Match. Participants were divided into a weight-cutting group (n = 12), who reduced at least 5% of their body weight within 48 hours before competition, and a control group (n = 13), who maintained regular training and nutrition. HRV was measured using Apple Watch photoplethysmography under real-world conditions during the Senior European Kickboxing Championship in Greece. Results showed consistently lower RMSSD, indicating sustained physiological stress in the weight-cutting group. Subjective stress levels were also higher in this group, peaking before the weigh-in and exceeding pre-match levels. A notable decrease in subjective stress was observed immediately after the weigh-in, attributed to psychological relief rather than physical recovery. However, low RMSSD persisted on match day, indicating incomplete physiological recovery despite stabilized subjective stress. The control group demonstrated stable HRV and VAS. These findings highlight the prolonged autonomic strain of rapid weight-cutting, emphasizing the need for careful management to safeguard athlete health and performance.

Conditions

  • HRV
  • Psychological Adaptation

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Erzurum Technical University

    lead OTHER

Eligibility

Min Age
16 Years
Max Age
35 Years
Sex
MALE
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2024-11-02
Primary Completion
2024-11-10
Completion
2024-11-10

Countries

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT06860204 on ClinicalTrials.gov