Rapid weight loss alters muscular performance and perceived exertion as well as postural control in elite wrestlers.

AIM: The aim was to assess the effects of rapid decline of body mass on postural control, muscular performance and rating perceived exertion in elite free style wrestlers. METHODS: Ten high-level wrestlers (age: 19.3 ± 2.5 years, height: 175.7 ± 4.9 cm, body mass before dieting: 77.16 ± 11.94 kg) are included in the present study. Diet was monitored for all the athletes. Athropometric measurements and a variety of functional tests such as isometric hand grip strength (IHG) and isometric back strength (IBS) with dynamometers, dynamic postural control (DPC) with star excursion balance test, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) to a standard exercise of knee pushups, were performed before and after diet completion. RESULTS: The diet was based on food restriction and dehydration. Body mass, lean body mass and body water significantly decreased (P<0.001; P<0.004, P<0.001 respectively). There was no significant decrease in fat mass (P<0.061). Furthermore, IHG and IBS significantly decreased (P<0.001). DPC significantly altered with the left supporting leg in two positions of the right leg (posteromedial, P<0.038; posterior, P<0.012). At last, RPE significantly increased (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Previous studies showed that the rapid decline of body mass affects health and muscular and energetic performance while the present study highlights that it also alters perceived exertion and dynamic postural control.

Association of anthropometric qualities with vertical jump performance in elite male volleyball players.

AIM: The objective of this study was to examine the association between physical and anthropometric profiles and vertical jump performance in elite volleyball players. METHODS: Thirty-three elite male volleyball players (21±1 y, 76.9±5.2 kg, 186.5±5 cm) were studied. Several anthropometric measurements (body mass, stature, body mass index, lower limb length and sitting height) together with jumping height anaerobic power of counter movement jump with arm swing (CMJarm) were obtained from all subjects. Forward stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine if any of the anthropometric parameters were predictive of CMJarm. RESULTS: Anaerobic power was significantly higher (P≤0.05) in the tallest players relative to their shorter counterparts. A significant relationship was observed between CMJarm and lower limb length (r2=0.69; P<0.001) and between the lower limb length and anaerobic power obtained with CMJarm (r2=0.57; P<0.01). While significantly correlated (P≤0.05) with CMJarm performance, stature, lower limb length/stature and sitting height/stature ratios were not significant (P>0.05) predictors of CMJarm performance. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that lower limb length is correlated with CMJarm in elite male volleyball players. The players with longer lower limbs have the better vertical jump performances and their anaerobic power is higher. These results could be of importance for trained athletes in sports relying on jumping performance, such as basketball, handball or volleyball. Thus, the measurement of anthropometric characteristics, such as stature and lower limb length may assist coaches in the early phases of talent identification in volleyball.