This study is aimed at an examination of the effects of the weight reduction on body composition and cardio-respiratory functions. Seven university judomen participated in the experiment. They submitted themselves to a seven day regimen of dietary reduction accompanied by heavy sweating brought about by both judo practice and repeated sauna baths.
Results obtained were as follows.
The decrease in body weight attained was 3-5 kg (3-4.5%). Lean body mass show no significant change, but a drop in total body weight was achieved due to a reduction in adipose tisse (total body fat). The ratio of lean body mass to body weight increased. These changes were not associated with a significant drop of maximum oxygen consumption. These were no significant changes max. ventilation, max. cardiac output, max. heart rate, max. stroke volumes and arteriovenous oxygen difference between pre- and post weight reduction conditions.
It is concluded that these results were not related to deteriorated circulatory or respiratory functions but to changes in lean body mass.
