Effects of Rapid Weight Reduction on Force Production and Vertical Jumping Height

The effects of three weight reduction methods on maximal strength, rate of force development, vertical jumping height, and mechanical power were studied in track and field athletes and volleyball players. The three methods were sauna, diet with diuretic, and diuretic alone. The reductions in weight achieved were 3.4%, 5.8%, and 3.8% of body weight after sauna, diet + diuretic, and diuretic, respectively (P less than 0.001). Maximal isometric leg strength and the rate of isometric force development were decreased after the sauna and diet + diuretic treatments. Dehydration caused by the diuretic method alone did not impair neuromuscular performances. As had been expected from theoretical calc…