Effects of Rapid Weight Loss on Anaerobic Performance, Blood Lactate, and Creatine Kinase Levels in Wrestlers

Background Wrestling is a weight-classified sport in which athletes commonly engage in rapid weight loss (RWL) to qualify for specific categories. However, research on the short-term physiological and performance effects of RWL remains limited. This study aimed to examine the effects of RWL on anaerobic performance in elite male wrestlers. Methods Ten elite wrestlers (mean age = 22.90 ± 5.15 years) competing in the senior category voluntarily participated. Over five days, participants reduced their body weight by an average of 4.3%. Body fat percentage (BFP), urine specific gravity (USG), resting heart rate (RHR), blood lactate, and creatine kinase (CK) levels were measured before and after weight loss. Anaerobic performance was assessed using the Wingate anaerobic power test, and data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results RWL resulted in a significant decrease in BFP (P < 0.05), whereas USG, urine pH, RHR, and CK levels showed no significant changes (P > 0.05). No significant differences were found in maximal anaerobic capacity (MAC), maximal anaerobic power (MAP), fatigue index (FI), or blood lactate between pre- and post-tests (P > 0.05). However, main effect analysis revealed significant differences in MAP (P < 0.04), lactate concentration (P < 0.001), and FI (P < 0.03). Conclusions RWL did not significantly affect anaerobic performance in elite wrestlers. Nonetheless, elevated CK values and reduced lactate levels following the intervention suggest physiological stress and metabolic adaptations associated with rapid weight reduction.