[Purpose] The present study aimed to identify weight-loss and hydration levels before
competitions among elite wrestlers and determine the skeletal muscle damage and
inflammation levels after dehydration. [Subjects] Seventy-two elite wrestlers who
participated in the Turkish Wrestling Championship. [Methods] With the help of
specialists, 5 cc of blood were drawn from the forearm veins of the wrestlers. Laboratory
analyses of Na+, BUN, Glucose, CK, LDH, AST, ALT, C-RP levels were performed.
Using a mathematical formula for hydration the POsm levels of the athletes were
calculated. [Results] The wrestlers were divided into two groups based on hydration
status. There were significant correlations between hydration indicators of
Na+, BUN and PBWL values. There were significant differences between AST, LDH,
CK values and skeletal muscle damage indicators of the two groups, but there were no
significant differences between the inflammation levels and C-RP values of the groups.
[Conclusion] No differences existed in inflammation levels among the wrestlers, although
dehydrated wrestlers suffered from higher level of skeletal muscle damage than wrestlers
who were not dehydrated.