Date of Award

5-2018

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology

First Advisor

Philip Buckenmeyer, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Ryan Fiddler, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Larissa True, Ph.D.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to observe the weight management habits of division III collegiate wrestlers during the week leading up to a competition. Methods: Subjects reported to the lab on Monday morning after an overnight fast. Subjects were measured for height and weight and were asked to provide urine and blood samples for analysis of hydration and creatine kinase activity, respectively. Throughout the week, subjects were weighed in and out of practice to monitor daily weight fluctuations. Subjects also self-recorded all food and drink consumption throughout the 5-day period. On Saturday morning, approximately 1 hour before weigh-ins for the competition, subjects reported to the lab after an overnight fast. They were measured for body weight and provided a second set of urine and blood samples. Results: Four subjects participated in the study while only two completed all aspects of the study. Subject 1 intended to lose over 7 kg in the 5-day period, however ended up dropping out of the study due to illness. Subject 3 lost roughly 2 kg throughout the week and induced severe dehydration and increases in creatine kinase activity, suggesting increased skeletal muscle damage. This subject also self-reported an average daily caloric intake of 1180 Kcals. Subject 4 lost roughly 1 kg throughout the study. This subject also induced severe dehydration but was able to reduce his creatine kinase activity, suggesting recovery of skeletal muscle. He self-reported eating an average caloric intake of 1635 Kcals. Subject 5 did not have to manage his weight. He showed low values of creatine kinase activity and did not induce severe dehydration during the 5-day period. Conclusion: Subjects who were consciously managing their weight experienced severe dehydration and appeared to be in a severe caloric deficit, even though they did not lose significant percentages of total body weight as compared to findings from other studies.

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