Actively Recruiting
Effect of Acute Dehydration on Sleep Quality, Cognitive Skills, and Muscle Responses During Maximum Contraction in Male Combat Athletes
Led by Abant Izzet Baysal University · Updated on 2026-03-16
12
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
13 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
A
Abant Izzet Baysal University
Lead Sponsor
T
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating how rapid dehydration-induced weight loss affects sleep quality, cognitive skills, and muscle strength in male combat athletes aged 17 to 28. The study aims to document both benefits and risks of rapid weight-cutting methods used in weight-class sports, providing guidance for safer athlete weight management and potential updates to international weigh-in rules. This research is sponsored by Abant Izzet Baysal University and contributes important insights to sports science. The study involves competitive senior male combat athletes undergoing a randomized crossover design with three trials: two experimental trials involving 3% body weight loss through sauna-induced dehydration, and one control trial without dehydration. In the experimental trials, dehydration is achieved by repeated sauna sessions until the target weight loss. Measurements before and after dehydration include body weight, body composition, total body fluid, resting heart rate, body temperature, cognitive tests, and surface electromyographic (sEMG) responses during isokinetic leg strength testing. One experimental trial includes a night without rehydration to assess sleep quality effects, while the other allows rehydration overnight. Participants will undergo multiple assessments during each trial, including sleep monitoring, cognitive tests such as the Stroop test and Montreal Cognitive Assessment, sEMG recordings, and leg strength measurements. Sleep quality is recorded overnight using a sleep tracker. Measurements occur before dehydration, after dehydration, the next morning, and after rehydration when applicable. All tests repeat across three sessions spaced one week apart according to the randomized design. This thorough monitoring evaluates how dehydration and rehydration impact physical and cognitive performance, sleep, and muscle activity over time.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effect of Dehydration on Sleep Quality, Cognitive Skills, and Electromyographic Responses in Combat Athletes
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Voluntary participation
- Male combat athletes with prior rapid weight loss experience
- No existing health conditions
- No orthopedic injuries
You will not qualify if you...
- Use of sleep-related medications
- Experiencing complications during the intervention
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants undergo baseline tests including urine density, body weight, body composition, total body fluid, resting heart rate, body temperature, cognitive skill tests, and muscle strength measurements.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants undergo dehydration via sauna sessions to achieve 3% weight loss. After dehydration, all baseline measurements are repeated approximately 45 minutes later with no food or liquid consumed during this period.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Overnight plus next morning
Participants spend a routine night either dehydrated or rehydrated depending on trial arm. Sleep quality is recorded with a sleep monitor. The following morning, baseline tests are repeated to evaluate effects of dehydration and sleep quality on performance and cognition.
1 overnight monitoring and 1 morning visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 2 hours plus testing
Participants consume fluids and food to return to baseline weight. After rehydration, all baseline tests are repeated to assess recovery effects.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants complete the same testing procedures as other stages without dehydration to serve as control measurements.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Faculty of Sport Sciences,
Bolu, Turkey (Türkiye), 14030
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
U
Umid Karli, PhD
K
Kutlu Aydın, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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