Frontiers in Sports and Active Living (Nov 2024)
Fluid balance of female para hockey players during simulated competition
Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to characterize the hydration habits and fluid balance of female para-ice hockey players.MethodsFifteen players [5 defense (D), 8 forwards (F), and 2 goalies (G)] volunteered to participate in the study (age: 26.3 ± 10.9 y; ht:155 ± 11 cm; arm length: 65 ± 8 cm; leg length: 88 ± 11 cm; trunk length: 66 ± 14 cm). Players were weighed pre- and postgame, while fluid intake and individual playing time (PT) was monitored throughout the game.ResultsOn average, athletes arrived hydrated to the game (USG 1.019 ± 0.006) with 40% of players arriving dehydrated (USG >1.020). Mean playing time for forwards was 11:47–28:49 min:s (18:52 ± 5:48 min:s) and for defence 13:10–18:24 min:s (15:10 ± 2.05 min:s). Sweat loss was 0.96 ± 0.64 L (0.10–2.50 L) which exceeded net fluid intake (0.61 ± 0.37 L). Mean BM loss was 0.44 ± 0.9% (−2.1 to +0.9%) with 4 of 15 players (2 D, 1 F, 1 G) losing between 1.4 and 2.1% BM. Players preferred to drink water during the game compared to a carbohydrate electrolyte solution.Conclusion60% of athletes arrived hydrated to the game and drank enough fluid to prevent a BM loss <1%. Of note is that 40% of players arrived at the arena mildly dehydrated based on USG, and despite abundant opportunities to drink fluid during the game, 25% of players lost >1.3% BM due to sweat loss which may compromise physical and cognitive performance.
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