Effects of Exercise and Short Term Rapid Weight Loss on Whole Blood Cells and Lymphocyte Subsets in Highly Trained National Level Wrestlers

Effects of Exercise and Short-Term Rapid Weight Loss on Whole Blood Cells and Lymphocyte Subsets in Highly Trained National-Level Wrestlers: A Two-Phase Repeated-Measures Study

Wrestling is a weight-classified sport in which athletes frequently apply rapid weight loss (RWL) strategies prior to competition. While the performance-related consequences of RWL have been widely investigated, its combined effects with exercise on hematological parameters and immune cell profiles remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effects of short-term weight loss and exercise on whole blood cell parameters and lymphocyte subsets in elite wrestlers.

Nine elite male wrestlers actively competing in the senior category (mean age: 22.90 ± 5.15 years; mean height: 1.75 m) voluntarily participated in this study. Athletes will achieve an average body mass reduction of 4.3% over a five-day period. Venous blood samples will be collected at 09:30 a.m. in a fasted state during two experimental phases: (1) Exercise-only phase, with blood sampling before and after exercise (BRWL1 and BRWL2); (2) Exercise plus weight loss phase, following the five-day weight loss period, with blood sampling before and after exercise (ARWL1 and ARWL2). Complete blood count parameters will be analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer, while lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, CD16/56+) will be assessed by flow cytometry. Statistical analyses will be performed with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

See brief summary for study protocol details

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being between 18 and 35 years of age
• Being clinically healthy
• Actively competing in wrestling
• Having regular training experience
• No history of chronic disease
• No musculoskeletal injury that could affect performance
• Not using any medication or nutritional supplements that could influence hematological or biochemical parameters during the study period
• Willing to volunteer and provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having any chronic disease (e.g., cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, or neurological disorders)
• Having a recent musculoskeletal injury that could affect exercise performance
• Using medications, ergogenic aids, or nutritional supplements that might influence hematological or biochemical parameters
• Having a history of smoking or alcohol abuse
• Failing to complete the testing procedures and training protocol required for the study
• Not providing written informed consent
• Withdrawing voluntarily during the study period