Less Aggressive Weight Making Practices in Combat Sport When Recovery Time is Limited: Weight Loss Practices of Pencak Silat Athletes in Singapore

Abstract

Weight making behaviours and best practice recommendations for various combat sports have been well documented, however this is not true for Silat athletes. Pre- and post- weigh-in recommendations for other combat sports may not be suitable for Silat due to differences in weigh-in rules. Using a well-established questionnaire, this questionnaire-based cross sectional study examined weight making practices of Silat match athletes (n = 102) competing at a national Pencak Silat championship. The 24.5% of athletes engaged in pre-competition weight loss, and the overall Rapid Weight Loss Score (RWLS) was 27.7 ± 8.7, considerably lower than other combat sports. The median age when weight loss began was 17 years, with 32% (n = 8) starting such practices under 17 years. Risky weight management practices such as the use of laxatives, diet pills and vomiting were less common than in other combat sports. Coaches and fellow athletes are key influencers of weight making practices, and dietitians were found be an underutilised resource. Appropriate measures to empower coaches and athletes with the knowledge and ability to guide and execute less detrimental weight making practice with the involvement of dietitians are suggested. The study findings provide information to establish Silat-specific dietary strategies to improve health and performance.