A new ‘Hydration Protocol’ for Prevention and Management of Heat Stroke in High Endurance Military Training

Abstract

Background: Rigorous exercise is a hallmark of military training and more than often gives rise to dehydration and stress related injuries. Proper hydration and carbohydrate loading can overcome dehydration and protein supplement can prevent its imminent complications. Severe dehydration gives rise to loss of fluid, electrolyte imbalance and acid base disorders and needs to be managed with correct fluids, quantitatively and qualitatively. Objectives. To develop and implement a new hydration protocolfor military endurance training in hot and humid climatic conditions. Methodology: A longitudinal pilot study was conducted amongst the under trainees in a military academy in Southern India which has a hot and humid climate throughout the year. Data was collected for all heat exhaustion and heat stroke cases admitted to the hospital A new hydration and diet protocol based on extensive review of existing and current literature was developed The protocol was divided into three parts Le. pre exercise, during exercise and post exercise. Results: Out of a total of 1200 under trainees being trained in each term of six months (both in 2014 and 2015), there were a total of 95 cases of heat exhaustion and 05 cases of heat stroke in 2014 and 48 cases of heat exhaustion and 05 cases of heat stroke in 2015. Conclusion: The results of implementation of the new protocol for endurance training is encouraging with a sharp decline in number of cases of heat exhaustion in 2015 post introduction of the new hydration and dietprotocol An appropriate selection of food andfluid, timing of intake, and supplement choices as per the new hydration protocol we developedfor the study are highly recommended for optimal health and exercise performance in military training and to prevent heat related illnesses.