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Incidence of pre-game dehydration in athletes competing at an international event in dry tropical conditions

Finn, James P. and Wood, Robert J. (2004). Incidence of pre-game dehydration in athletes competing at an international event in dry tropical conditions. Nutrition and Dietetics,61(4):221-225.

Document type: Journal Article
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Title Incidence of pre-game dehydration in athletes competing at an international event in dry tropical conditions
Author Finn, James P.
Wood, Robert J.
Journal Name Nutrition and Dietetics
Publication Date 2004
Volume Number 61
Issue Number 4
ISSN 1747-0080   (check CDU catalogue  open catalogue search in new window)
Start Page 221
End Page 225
Total Pages 5
Place of Publication Canberra, ACT, Australia
Publisher Dietitians Association of Australia
Field of Research 1106 - Human Movement and Sports Science
1111 - Nutrition and Dietetics
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DEST)
Abstract Objective: This study tested the hypothesis that the pre-game hydration status of athletes competing at an international event in dry tropical conditions may be inadequate. Differences in hydration status among athletes due to the athlete's place of origin and to activities during the previous 24 hours were also investigated, as well as the suitability of urine colour as a marker of hydration status. Design: There were 93 male athletes tested prior to their first game, with 68 retested three to four days later. A comparison between subjects' urine specific gravity ([U.sub.sg]) was made with urine colour ([U.sub.col]), subjects' origin and previous 24 hours' activities as indicated in a questionnaire. No prior warning was given for either test. Subjects: Subjects were selected on the basis of the environmental conditions they anticipated for competition and had therefore prepared for: indoor air conditioned (volleyball n = 43), outdoor (touch football n = 32) and indoor non-air conditioned (basketball n = 18). Setting: The 2001 Arafura Games, an international event held in dry tropical conditions in Australia. Main outcome measures: Urine specific gravity ([U.sub.sg]); urine colour. Statistical analyses: Differences in [U.sub.sg] between the first and second sampling periods were compared using a Student's t-test (paired). For differences in distribution of hydration levels between sports. Fishers exact tests with Bonferroni adjusted alpha levels were used. Stepwise linear regression was used to determine the effect of athletes' variables on [U.sub.sg]. Results: The [U.sub.sg] of all samples (mean [+ or -] standard deviation) was 1.020 [+ or -] 0.008, with 6% classified with serious dehydration, 50% with significant dehydration, 31% with minimal dehydration and 14% were well hydrated. There was no difference between the first and second sample (P = 0.166). There was a significant relationship between [U.sub.sg] and fluid intake rating (P = 0.015), but no relationships between [U.sub.sg] and other questionnaire items. There was a high correlation (r = 0.87) between [U.sub.col] and [U.sub.sg], though [U.sub.col] tended to underestimate hydration levels. Conclusion and application: Findings are of some concern as dehydration was prevalent among athletes. Recommendations are for hydration education to specifically target those groups identified as high risk, irrespective of whether athletes had spent the previous six months in a tropical environment, and to promote [U.sub.col] to be used by athletes for monitoring hydration status.
 
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