Banca de DEFESA: FRANCISCO JOSE PINTO DE FREITAS

Uma banca de DEFESA de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : FRANCISCO JOSE PINTO DE FREITAS
DATE: 28/11/2025
TIME: 14:00
LOCAL: Via Google Meet
TITLE:

INFLUENCE OF THE RAPID WEIGHT LOSS PROCESS ON SLEEP PATTERNS IN MIXED MARTIAL ARTS ATHLETES

KEY WORDS:

Rapid Weight Loss; Sleep; Mixed Martial Arts; Actigraphy; Athletic Performance.

PAGES: 45
BIG AREA: Ciências da Saúde
AREA: Educação Física
SUMMARY:

Introduction: Mixed martial arts (MMA) frequently involve rapid weight loss (RWL) to fit into competitive categories. This practice, based on caloric restriction and acute dehydration, may negatively affect sleep, which is essential for recovery and performance. Objective: To analyze the effects of RWL on sleep patterns in professional MMA athletes during official competitive events. Methods: This was an observational and longitudinal study involving eight male professional athletes. Sleep was monitored by actigraphy for 15 consecutive days, covering four time points: baseline (M1), training intensification (M2), rapid weight loss (M3), and post-weigh-in recovery (M4). Body composition (DXA), hydration (bioimpedance), dietary intake (three-day and 24-hour recalls), daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), and stress (DALDA) were also assessed. Data were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE), with α = 0.05. Results: There was a significant reduction in total sleep time during RWL (M3) compared to baseline (p < 0.05), accompanied by decreased caloric intake and total body water. Although sleep and hydration improved after recovery (M4), they did not return to baseline levels. Daytime sleepiness remained above the clinical cutoff point (≥10) in M3 and M4, indicating residual fatigue. Conclusion: Rapid weight loss impairs sleep duration and quality in MMA athletes, an effect associated with energy restriction and dehydration. These findings reinforce the need for safer and evidence-based weight management strategies.

 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Presidente - 1793257 - ARNALDO LUIS MORTATTI
Interno - 1277591 - DANIEL GOMES DA SILVA MACHADO
Interno - 3138718 - RICARDO SANTOS OLIVEIRA
Externo ao Programa - 1216466 - JOHN FONTENELE ARAUJO - UFRNExterno à Instituição - BRUNO TEIXEIRA BARBOSA - UFPB