BACKGROUND: Weight cutting is a phenomenon that exists in combative weight-class-based sports. Many athletes with specific weight classifications, such as those in wrestling, judo, and weight lifting, want to participate in competitions 6-8% below their normal weight. The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of weight cutting by dehydration (sauna) and rehydration on technical skills of wrestling and to create or not create any difference in biomechanical terms; these differences in the degree of influence was investigated in dehydration (dry sauna) and rehydration. METHODS: These tests were performed in three phases: pre-test (without dehydration), post-test 1 (dehydration 3.5%), and post-test 2 (18 hours after rehydration). Thirteen experienced and elite wrestlers who had been training for eight years participated as subjects (age 18.38±1.32 years, height 1.70±0.04 m; body mass 71.11±11.80 kg). Reflective body markers were attached to all of the subjects` joints, and they performed single-leg takedowns in front of three cameras (Hero 3, 15fps/1440 p). Three-dimensional motion analysis methods that measured linear and angular kinematic characteristics were evaluated by Skillspector (1.3.2 Version) software. RESULTS: The results showed that rapid weight loss could affect elite wrestlers` skills and performance of single-leg takedown technique`s linear and angular kinematics. Statistical analysis via the Parametric Repeated Measure Test showed significant differences between the single-leg takedown techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The finding demonstrated negative effects on shoulders, elbows, wrist, pelvises, knees` and ankles linear max velocity, position, and angular max velocity.
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