Rehydration failure despite rapid weight regain in elite para judo athletes with visual impairment: a descriptive repeated-measures study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify changes in body mass and hydration status, alongside rapid weight loss (RWL) methods, in elite Para judo athletes with visual impairment.

METHODS

Using a cohort repeated-measures design, twelve elite Para judo athletes with visual impairment (6 males, 6 females; age: 33.1 ± 4.3 years) were monitored. Measurements occurred at three distinct time points: one week before the competition (T1), at the official weigh-in (T2), and on competition day (T3). Body weight was measured using a calibrated digital scale, and hydration status was evaluated through midstream urine samples analyzed for urine specific gravity (USG). Hypohydration was defined as a USG ≥ 1.020.

RESULTS

Athletes experienced a significant reduction in body weight, losing 3.89 ± 0.79 kg (5.2%) from T1 to the official weigh-in at T2. Following the weigh-in, athletes regained significant weight with a mean value of 3.44 ± 0.71 kg (4.8%) until the morning of the competition (T3). Hydration markers worsened alongside weight reduction; USG levels increased significantly from 1.023 ± 0.002 at T1 to 1.031 ± 0.002 at T2, indicating severe dehydration. Although USG values decreased significantly to 1.026 ± 0.001 by T3, they remained significantly higher than baseline levels. Notably, all of the athletes (100%) presented hypohydration one week before the competition, at the official weigh-in, and before the start of the competition.

CONCLUSION

Elite Para judo athletes with visual impairment utilize aggressive RWL strategies, resulting in significant weight fluctuations and severe dehydration at the time of weigh-in. Despite experiencing substantial body weight regain during the recovery period prior to the match, the athletes fail to adequately rehydrate, starting the competition in a continuous state of hypohydration.