Abstract
The effects of three weight reduction methods on maximal strength, rate of force development,
vertical jumping height, and mechanical power were studied in track and field athletes
and volleyball players. The three methods were sauna, diet with diuretic, and diuretic
alone. The reductions in weight achieved were 3.4%, 5.8%, and 3.8% of body weight
after sauna, diet +diuretic, and diuretic, respectively (P<0.001). Maximal isometric leg strength and the rate of isometric force development
were decreased after the sauna and diet +diuretic treatments. Dehydration caused by
the diuretic method alone did not impair neuromuscular performances. As had been expected
from theoretical calculations, the rise of the body center of gravity in vertical
jumping was slightly improved with all three treatments, the improvement being the
greatest following the diuretic treatment (7.1%, (P<0.001). However, when the work performed was extended for 15 s, an improved power
output could be observed only with the diet +diuretic treatment (P<0.01). No explanation for the results observed could be made in terms of physiologic
parameters.
Key words
weight reduction - strength - power - sauna - diuretics - starvation - vertical jumping
