Abstract
This study was conducted to develop a testing protocol which would determine the extent
of upper-body power output decrements in subjects following weight loss. Five athletes
who had trained via upper-body exercise performed a 6-minute variable intensity arm
crank test on an isokinetic ergometer before and after a 3-day, 4.5% body weight loss.
Blood samples were drawn from a forearm vein pre- and 1,3, and 5 min post-arm cranking
for assessment of lactate, pH, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. The work performed pre-weight
loss was significantly (paired t-test, p < 0.05) greater than that performed post-weight
loss. Repeated measures ANOVA yielded no significant differences in blood variables;
however, pre-weight loss lactate values were higher and hemoglobin, hematocrit, and
pH values were lower than post-weight loss values. It was concluded that a 4.5% body
weight reduction resulted in performance decrements during this arm crank test. Survey
information obtained from collegiate wrestlers (n= 14) subsequently tested under this
protocol indicates the physical demands of this test approximate the physical demands
of actual wrestling competition. It would therefore be appropriate to use this protocol
during future testing of wrestlers in weight loss studies.
Key words
Arm crank - upper body exercise - wrestlers - weight loss - test development
