EFFECTS OF VARIOUS WEIGHT LOSS STRATEGIES ON THE PHYSICAL FITNESS PROFILE AND COMPETITIVE PERFORMANCE OF SAMBO ATHLETES

Aim. The purpose of this investigation is to ascertain the influence of various rapid and non- rapid weight loss strategies on physical fitness parameters and competitive results among male athletes specializing in sambo wrestling. Materials and methods. This study involved 26 young males engaged in sambo or combat sambo. Participants were divided into 2 groups: Group A (n = 13) refrained from employing rapid loss strategies (RWL), whereas Group B (n = 13) utilized RWL. Bi-weekly assessments were conducted to measure body weight, handgrip strength, and special physical fitness (the SJFT index). The Potential Analysis System (PotAS) was employed to evaluate the competitive performance of combat athletes. Results. It was observed that athletes in Group B, who adopted RWL, exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) poorer handgrip strength compared to those in Group A. Additionally, the SJFT index worsened throughout the weight loss period for all participants. The PotAS scores did not reveal a significant advantage in competitive performance between the study groups. Conclusion. No significant correlations were identified between rapid and non-rapid weight loss strategies and the evaluated indicators of the participants, except for handgrip strength, which was adversely affected in athletes practicing RWL. Further scientific research is needed to identify the most effective and evidence-based methods for weight reduction and to assess their on the and health of combat athletes.