21st Annual Student Research Conference
Difference in Urine Specific Gravity and Body Composition Before and During the Competitive Season in High School Wrestlers
Devon B. Lacy*, Josh H. Miley, Emily Maxwell, and Kaci Stewart
Dr. Jerry Mayhew and Prof. Jana Arabas, Faculty Mentors
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate urine specific gravity (SG) before and during the competitive season in high school wrestlers. Methods: Twenty-one participants (age = 16.3 ± 0.2 y) were assessed for SG by refractometry and skinfolds (SKF) before the season and after 2.5 months of training. The first visit was the official state certification weigh-in while the in-season determination was unannounced. Results: SG was significantly higher at the in-season test (1.031 ± 0.006 g/cc) compared to the official weigh-in (1.004 ± 0.004 g/cc). While all wrestlers would have met the 1.020 g/cc standard at the pre-season, none would have at mid-season. Body weight and Σ3SKF were significantly lower at the in-season test compared to the pre-season by 2.7% (± 4.5%) and 19.6% (± 11.0%), respectively. Conclusion: Young wrestlers may have SG values higher than desirable during the season despite only modest weight losses.
Keywords: wrestling, urine specific gravity, refractometry, skinfolds
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 7-4
Location: OP Lobby
Time: 4:15