Efeitos da perda rápida de peso em aspectos psicológicos em atletas de esportes de combate

Abstract

Rapid Weight Loss (RWL) is the average 3-5% reduction in body mass in a short period. It is used by combat sports athletes to gain advantages and fight in lower categories. The weight variation influences emotional and cognitive aspects, therefore, the present study aims to verify if there are differences between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) athletes who can and cannot lose weight, and if a RWL influences psychological parameters. The convenience sample consisted of 17 healthy male BJJ athletes, aged 25.7 ± 5.7 years, with competitive experience and pre-competitive PRP, blue belt at minimum. The research was divided into two experiments: emotional and cognitive assessment of athletes and formation of the Experimental Group (EG) x Control Group (CG); and experiment 2, with athletes who managed to lose weight, in three moments: baseline, 3% loss and 5% weight loss. Were used the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Stroop Colors and Words Test, Trail Making Test and Go/No-Go. No significant differences were found between the weight loss periods, but differences were observed between the groups Lose (GE) x Do not lose (GC) in the inhibitory control function. It is concluded that the rapid loss of up to 5% body weight does not alter emotional parameters, such as levels of anxiety and depression, and cognitive parameters of athletes, but the cognitive function of inhibitory control can be decisive in the success of the RWL strategy.