Practices of weight regulation among elite athletes in combat sports : a matter of mental advantage?
Deutscher übersetzter Titel: | Praktiken der Gewichtsregulation unter Profisportlern im Kampfsport : eine Frage des mentalen Vorteils? |
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Autor: | Pettersson, Stefan; Pipping Ekström, Marianne; Berg, Christina M. |
Erschienen in: | Journal of athletic training |
Veröffentlicht: | 48 (2013), 1, S. 99-108, Lit. |
Format: | Literatur (SPOLIT) |
Publikationstyp: | Zeitschriftenartikel |
Medienart: | Elektronische Ressource (online) Gedruckte Ressource |
Sprache: | Englisch |
ISSN: | 1062-6050, 0160-8320, 1938-162X |
DOI: | 10.4085/1062-6050-48.1.04 |
Schlagworte: | |
Online Zugang: | |
Erfassungsnummer: | PU201302000958 |
Quelle: | BISp |
Abstract
Context : The combination of extensive weight loss and inadequate nutritional strategies used to lose weight rapidly for competition in weight-category sports may negatively affect athletic performance and health. Objective : To explore the reasoning of elite combat-sport athletes about rapid weight loss and regaining of weight before competitions. Design : Qualitative study. Setting : With grounded theory as a theoretical framework, we employed a cross-examinational approach including interviews, observations, and Internet sources. Sports observations were obtained at competitions and statements by combat-sport athletes were collected on the Internet. Patients or Other Participants : Participants in the interviews were 14 Swedish national team athletes (9 men, 5 women; age range, 18 to 36 years) in 3 Olympic combat sports (wrestling, judo, and taekwondo). Data Collection and Analysis : Semistructured interviews with 14 athletes from the Swedish national teams in wrestling, judo, and taekwondo were conducted at a location of each participant's choice. The field observations were conducted at European competitions in these 3 sports. In addition, interviews and statements made by athletes in combat sports were collected on the Internet. Results : Positive aspects of weight regulation other than gaining physical advantage emerged from the data during the analysis: sport identity, mental diversion, and mental advantage. Together and individually, these categories point toward the positive aspects of weight regulation experienced by the athletes. Practicing weight regulation mediates a self-image of being “a real athlete.” Weight regulation is also considered mentally important as a part of the precompetition preparation, serving as a coping strategy by creating a feeling of increased focus and commitment. Moreover, a mental advantage relative to one's opponents can be gained through the practice of weight regulation. Conclusions : Weight regulation has mentally important functions extending beyond the common notion that combat-sport athletes reduce their weight merely to gain a physical edge over their opponents. Verf.-Referat