About this trial

This study examines the effects of rapid dehydration-induced weight loss on combat athletes' sleep quality, cognitive skills, and isokinetic strength performance. The research documents both benefits and risks of weight-cutting practices for athletes, coaches, and medical staff in weight-class sports. Findings will guide safer weight management approaches and inform potential revisions to international weigh-in protocols, while contributing valuable insights to sports science.

Eligibility criteria

This trial accepts healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Voluntary participation

Being combat athletes with prior rapid weight loss experience

No existing health conditions

No orthopedic injuries

Disqualifiers

Using of sleep-related medications

Complications During the Intervention: Participants who experience any complications during experimental intervention.

Trial design

Design model

Crossover

Treatments tested in this trial

Rapid weight loss through dehydration
Other intervention
Dehydration will be induced by exposing athletes to sauna heat with an average temperature of 70-80°C. The participants will undergo consecutive 15 minute sessions in sauna with 5 minute breaks until 3% weight loss is achieved. No liquids or food will be consumed between sessions.

Treatment groups

12 Participants

are divided into 3 treatment groups

Group A: Dehydration + Dehydrated Night TrialExperimental treatment 1 intervention

Group B: Dehydration + Rehydrated Night TrialExperimental treatment 1 intervention

Group C: Control TrialNo intervention 0 interventions

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Sleep monitoring and Evaluation

Participants' sleep assessments will be conducted with a sleep monitor, which uses impulse radio ultra-wide band (IR-UWB) radar and Doppler technology, and has been shown to provide measurements as accurate and reliable as the polysomnography device, which is considered the gold standard in sleep assessment. Total sleep and wake times and durations of the sleep phases will be obtained in minutes from the recordings of the device.

Time frame

First trial monitoring, following one week Second trial monitoring and following one week Third trial monitoring (Due to randomized counterbalanced crossover design, monitoring will be performed three times, two as experimental and one as control).

2

Isokinetic Leg Strength Measurement

Isokinetic leg strength measurements will be made with the Cybex Norm device. Peak torque data obtained during the measurements will be recorded and used in data processing.

Time frame

First trial testing, following one week Second trial testing and following one week Third trial testing (Due to randomized counterbalanced crossover design, testing will be performed three times, two as experimental and one as control).

3

EMG Measurements

Electrical potentials of muscle cells are recorded with electromyography (EMG) and the activities of skeletal muscles are evaluated based on changes in these potentials. EMG measurement provides information about the muscles and motor nerves involved by analyzing motor unit action potentials.

Time frame

First trial testing, following one week Second trial testing and following one week Third trial testing (Due to randomized counterbalanced crossover design, testing will be performed three times, two as experimental and one as control).

4

Stroop test

The Stroop test is a test that reflects frontal lobe region activity.

Time frame

First trial testing, following one week Second trial testing and following one week Third trial testing (Due to randomized counterbalanced crossover design, testing will be performed three times, two as experimental and one as control).

Effect of Dehydration on Sleep Quality, Cognitive Skills, and Electromyographic Responses in Combat Athletes

About this trial

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Disqualifiers

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

Treatment groups

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

Secondary outcomes

Other outcomes

Sponsors and contacts