Case Report: An integrated proposal for nutritional periodization and body mass loss management in a world boxing council super-bantamweight champion Artículo académico uri icon

Abstracto

  • Purpose This case study presents a 25-week nutritional period and body mass management strategy for a Mexican world champion that competes in the super bantamweight category. While the primary goal was to achieve competition weight, the intervention revealed unexpected physiological adaptations to prolonged energy restriction. Methods A structured nutritional plan was implemented using multiple indicators of nutritional status. Assessments included anthropometry, hemoglobin concentration, creatine kinase activity, and urine specific gravity. The resting metabolic rate (RMR) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were measured six times. Dietary intake was recorded via the ASA24® Dietary Assessment Tool. Strength was evaluated via isometric dynamometry (legs, chest, and back) and grip strength. VO ₂max was estimated pre- and postintervention via the Åstrand-Ryhming step test. Results After 23 weeks, the athlete's body mass decreased by 23.7 kg (30.1%), and the sum of the six skinfolds decreased from 106 mm to 67 mm. The RER decreased from 0.92 to 0.78, indicating improved metabolic flexibility. VO ₂max increased from 42 to 58  mL/kg/min. The isometric strength increased from 120 kg to 150 kg, and the grip strength improved bilaterally. Notably, the RMR increased rather than decreased, and lean mass loss coexisted with improvements in physical function, challenging conventional expectations under energy deficit. Conclusion These findings illustrate potential individual variability in physiological responses during prolonged energy restriction in weight-class sports. The coexistence of elevated RMR, changes in body composition, and improved physical function highlights the complexity of athlete adaptation and underscores the need for further research in elite combat sport athletes.

fecha de publicación

  • 2026

Página inicial

  • 1816128

Volumen

  • 8