Hidratação e redução rápida de peso no Taekwondo: conhecimentos, práticas e efeitos percebidos por atletas de alto rendimento

Abstract

Introduction: Taekwondo, an Olympic combat sport, presents among its athletes the recurrent practice of rapid weight loss during the pre-competitive period, often carried out through intentional dehydration strategies such as fluid restriction and the use of thermal clothing, aiming to fit into lower weight categories and gain a potential competitive advantage. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge about hydration and the negative effects of dehydration among elite Brazilian Taekwondo athletes in the youth, under21, and adult categories. Methodology: A total of 46 Taekwondo athletes (30 men and 16 women), with a mean age of 22 years, from the Youth, Under-21, and Adult categories, all active in national and international competitions, participated in the study. Data were collected using an adapted questionnaire on hydration knowledge, administered digitally through Google Forms. Results: The sample consisted of 46 Brazilian Taekwondo athletes (30 men and 16 women), from the Youth, Under-21, and Adult categories. The results indicated that most athletes reported hydrating regularly during training (78.3%). However, pre-competitive dehydration practices were frequent, including fluid restriction and the use of thermal clothing for rapid weight loss. The most prevalent dehydration symptoms were intense thirst (65.2%), loss of strength (50%), and generalized fatigue (39.1%). When comparing sexes, only the symptom of cramps showed a statistically significant difference, being more common among men (χ² = 3.94; p = 0.047). Despite demonstrating knowledge about hydration, many athletes maintained inadequate behaviors during the pre-competitive period, indicating a dissociation between knowing and applying safe practices. Conclusion: The study showed that although Taekwondo athletes demonstrate good knowledge about hydration, they still adopt inappropriate practices, especially in the pre-competitive period, such as fluid restriction and the use of thermal clothing for rapid weight loss. A higher occurrence of cramps was identified among men, possibly related to physiological factors and insufficient electrolyte replacement. The persistence of these behaviors, despite awareness of the risks, highlights the need for continuous educational actions, professional guidance, and sports policies that promote safe and sustainable strategies, aligning theory and practice within the Taekwondo context