Arterial Stiffness in Male Collegiate Judo Athletes Following Rapid Weight Loss and the Influence of Hydration Status
Koshiba H, Maeshima E. Arterial Stiffness in Male Collegiate Judo Athletes Following Rapid Weight Loss and the Influence of Hydration Status: A Repeated-Measures Observational Study. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2026 Mar 4:1-6. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2025-0282.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Judo athletes often lose weight before competitions for a competitive edge, despite health risks like immune function and metabolic issues. However, the effect of weight loss on cardiovascular function, especially arterial stiffness, is still not well understood. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of acute weight loss on arterial stiffness in male collegiate judo athletes.
Methods: Twenty-one male collegiate judo athletes underwent weight loss in preparation for an official weigh-in prior to competition. Body composition, impedance parameters (20-kHz and 100-kHz impedance indices, Z ratio) as indicators of hydration status, pulse rate, blood pressure, and vascular function parameters (brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity) were assessed before weight loss (baseline) and on the day before competition (weigh-in day).
Results: During the weight-loss period, body weight and body mass index significantly decreased (P < .001, respectively). The 20 kHZ and 100 kHz impedance indices significantly decreased, while the Z ratio significantly increased (P < .001), indicating reduced hydration. Pulse rate significantly increased, whereas systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed no significant changes. Conversely, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity significantly increased during the weight-loss period. Regression analysis revealed significant associations between the rate of increase in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and the rate of decrease in the 20 kHz and 100 kHz impedance indices, as well as the increase in Z ratio (B = -0.974, P < .001; B = -1.053, P < .001; B = 6.424, P = .017, respectively).
Conclusion: Rapid weight loss in judo athletes, characterized by decreased hydration, acutely increases arterial stiffness, highlighting the need for safer weight management to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Keywords: acute effect; bioelectrical impedance analysis; combat sports; pulse wave velocity; vascular function.
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