Researchers at Erzurum Technical University Release New Data on Psychology (Cutting weight, gaining stress: the hidden battle that outweighs fight day tension in kickboxing).

This article focuses on a study from Erzurum Technical University, Turkiye, examining the effects of rapid weight-cutting on stress in elite kickboxers by measuring Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and subjective stress levels using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The study compared a weight-cutting group, which lost at least 5% of body weight within 48 hours before competition, to a control group maintaining regular training and nutrition. Results showed that the weight-cutting group experienced sustained physiological stress indicated by lower HRV (RMSSD values) and higher subjective stress, with incomplete physiological recovery despite post-weigh-in rehydration and feeding. The research highlights the importance of monitoring both autonomic and perceptual stress responses to protect athlete health and optimize performance in weight-category sports. [Extracted from the article]