Research

Hormonal

Tournament wrestling involving 6% body weight loss followed by multiple matches over two days causes progressive, significant reductions in lower body power and upper body isometric strength, alongside elevated physiological stress markers (testosterone, cortisol, lactate, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and plasma osmolality).

If you are a wrestler, be aware that losing 6% of your body weight and then competing in multiple matches over two days will significantly reduce your strength and power. Your body will also experience high levels of stress, indicated by changes in hormones and metabolic markers. To maintain performance, consider strategies that minimize extreme weight loss and prioritize recovery between matches.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Lower body power and upper body isometric strength were significantly reduced as the tournament progressed (P < 0.05). Significant elevations in testosterone, cortisol, and lactate were observed after each match (P < 0.05). However, there was a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in resting testosterone values in the later matches. Norepinephrine increased significantly (P < 0.05) after each match, whereas epinephrine increased significantly (P < 0.05) after each match except the last match of each day. Plasma osmolality was consistently higher than normal values at all times including baseline, with significant increases observed after each match (P < 0.05).
William J. Kraemer et al. · Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise · 2001

Why this rating

Randomized controlled trial design with a specific, well-defined population (Division I collegiate wrestlers) and rigorous testing battery, though limited to a single sample of 12 subjects.

Source

Physiological and performance responses to tournament wrestling

William J. Kraemer et al. · Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise · 2001

DOI 10.1097/00005768-200108000-00019

crossover · n=12Cited 283×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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