Evidence supporting an adverse effect on aerobic performance is widespread and with few exceptions.
If the time interval is greater than 5 hours then a more complete recovery can occur which may or may not be adequate to prevent a significant decrease in performance. The variables determining the overall effect of rapid weight loss on a competitor are many and difficult to quantify. In other words, it is difficult to apply results from a well-controlled study in which the degree of variability is minimized to the everyday wrestler whose methods of weight loss and recovery may vary from competition to competition. Another major limitation to research studying the effect of weight loss on performance is that results cannot be easily correlated to success on the wrestling mat. This is due in part to technical and psychological components which play a large role in wrestling success but which cannot be measured by a performance test.