The Magnitude of Rapid Weight Loss Affects Subjective Stress and Recovery in Elite Powerlifters at the World Championships: An Exploratory Analysis

Abstract

Rapid weight loss is common in weight category sports, and large magnitudes of it can affect performance. This study explored relationships between changes in the Short Recovery and Stress Scale (SRSS) items and the magnitude of rapid weight loss in elite powerlifters competing at the World Championships. A total of 53 powerlifters (27 males, 26 females) who competed in either the 2019 or 2022 International Powerlifting Federation World Championships participated. At 7, 2, and 0 days out from competition, the participants completed the SRSS and recorded their body mass. Cumulative link mixed models were used to explore the relationship between SRSS score and proximity to competition, competitive caliber (good lift points [GLP]), sex, and magnitude of relative weight change. On average, the participants lost -2.5% (1.83 kg) of body mass from day 7 to day 0. The results suggest that (a) elite powerlifters can decrease subjective stress and promote recovery leading into competition, (b) powerlifters with higher GLP at competition are more likely to report better recovery and negative emotional state scores, (c) higher relative magnitude of weight loss is associated with worse subjective stress and recovery scores, and (d) female powerlifters experience worse negative emotional state responses with higher relative weight loss. These findings highlight that the magnitude of rapid weight loss can affect subjective stress and recovery and provide data to inform future hypothesis testing.