The aim of this systematic review is to comprehensively assess the weight loss (WL) practices in different combat sports (CS). The review protocol was preregistered with PROSPERO [CRD42023487196]. Three databases were searched (Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and PubMed) until 8 December 2023. Eligible studies had to meet five criteria: they must have been (a) written in English, (b) published in a peer-reviewed journal, (c) used a survey design to investigate the WL practices of CS athletes, and (d) reported the WL methods used by athletes using a five-point scale. Twenty-six studies (3994 participants from 14 CS) were included. This review found that (1) WL is highly prevalent in CS athletes; (2) many CS athletes started losing weight for competition as teenagers two to three times a year; (3) CS athletes usually lose <5% body weight in 7–14 days before competition; (4) increasing exercise and gradually dieting are the most commonly used WL methods; and (5) the influence of scientific practitioners on athletes is negligible. The habitual practices of CS athletes may be relatively harmless, but in some special cases, CS athletes also perform extreme WL practices. Scientific practitioners have little influence on their WL practices, which may form a vicious cycle of non-qualified influence.

This study used an online survey to investigate the practices and perspectives of strength and conditioning coaches (SCCs) across different high-performance sports in China. The survey comprised of the following sections: (a) background information, (b) muscular strength and power, (c) speed, (d) endurance, (e) plyometrics, (f) flexibility, (g) physical testing, (h) technology use, and (i) programming. In total, 93 SCCs from 44 high-performance sports across 25 provinces/municipalities participated in this study (age 31.5 ± 6.9 yrs, experience as a SCC 5.5 ± 4.4 yrs). Periodization strategies were used by 97% of SCCs. Clean and derivatives (37%) were deemed the most important exercises for strength and power development. Heart rate (85%) and repetition maximum (72%) were the most used methods for determining set loads in endurance and strength training, respectively. Box drills (91%) were the most prescribed plyometric exercise and dynamic stretching (91%) was the most prescribed flexibility exercise. All SCCs physically tested their athletes and 95% frequently used technology-based equipment. For open-ended questions, 30% of SCCs would change their programs by improving monitoring, testing, equipment, and facilities. Thirty-nine percent of SCCs believed digitization and monitoring will be prominent future trends. The results indicated that most practices of SCCs in Chinese high-performance sports were dissimilar to those of SCCs in other countries. SCCs generally prescribe training according to the needs of sports. However, the interferences of many external factors also affected the scientific nature of training prescription.

Purpose: This study systematically reviewed the literature on elite rowers’ training-intensity distribution (TID), volume, periodization, physiological determinants, and performance characteristics. Methods: Three electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science) were searched using relevant terms. Studies investigating and detailing training load (TID, volume, and periodization) and reporting data of physiological determinants or performance in elite rowers were included. Results: Nine studies (N = 82 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Training volume varied between 10 and 31 h·wk^–1, typically being between 14 and 20 h·wk^–1. The pyramidal TID pattern, which involves a progressive reduction in training volume from zone 1 (intensity at or below lactate threshold [LT1]) to zone 2 (intensity between LT1 and LT2, corresponding to blood lactate levels between 2 and 4 mmol·L⁻¹) and zone 3 (intensity above LT2) was most commonly used by elite rowers. Flexible seasonal TIDs were observed, whereby the combined training in zones 2 and 3 approached or exceeded 20%, and zone 1 training comprised more than 50%. Flexible TIDs were associated with greater improvements in physiological determinants and performance. Elite rowers typically employed a traditional periodization model, progressively transitioning from pyramidal toward a polarized TID model as they moved from preparation to competition phases. Conclusions: Elite rowers most commonly adopted a seasonal pyramidal model with variable volume. No evidence suggests that a particular TID or periodization model has a significant advantage. Conversely, TID models do not seem to differentiate training adaptations in rowing training, but specific TID percentages might.

Pre-competition weight loss (WL) is a widely adopted strategy in weight-sensitive sports, particularly among combat sport. This strategy enables athletes to compete at a weight or weight classes below their habitual body mass (BM). Although research on WL for weight-sensitive sports has steadily grown, it mostly employs the term "RWL". However, there is no compelling or universally accepted definition of RWL. In this current opinion, we discussed the deficiencies and misuse of the current definition of RWL and proposed a new theoretical framework to provide a basis for better defining RWL in the future. A most commonly used definition describes RWL as losing 5% of body mass within 7 days. However, this definition is somewhat arbitrary and lacks empirical justification. This definition is based on two parameters: magnitude (5% BM) and duration (7 days), yet its cut-off remains rigid and lacks empirical support. Several studies on combat athletes have found that a relatively faster rate of WL can lead to significant negative impacts on performance and health variables. We argue that using WL rate as the core criterion is more robust, as the term "rapid" emphasizes the speed of WL. However, at what rate does WL become classified as RWL? The limited research in this area underscores the need for studies to establish a solid foundation for defining RWL. In many studies, authors use the term "RWL," especially in quantitative research. However, using the current definition, some practices reported by participants (e.g., losing 2% BM over 30 days) do not qualify as RWL. Finally, we propose that WL (not RWL) practices be classified along two dimensions: WL rate and WL magnitude. Based on rate, practices can be categorized as slow, moderate, or rapid WL. Based on magnitude, they can be classified as low, moderate, or high WL.