Assessment of the body water content in the Spanish Women's National Waterpolo Team.

Abstract

Introduction: The regular practice of physical exercise generates in the human body a series of acute and chronic answers, which include physiological adaptations that lead to improvement of physical performance. However, there are some factors that influence negatively such as dehydration which is motivated by water loss through sweat and low fluid intake. Objective: To observe the water content and body composition in the Spanish women′s National Waterpolo Team. Method: The population sample was composed of 18 female athletes (Spain national water polo team) aged between 18 and 31, weight from 59 to 108 kilograms and height from 162 to 178 centimeters. Data collection was conducted in May 2015, with a hydration questionnaire and analysis of body composition with the bioelectrical impedance method (InBody 720), by which the variables of total body water (TBW), intracellular water (ICW) and extracellular water (ECW) were obtained. Results: The results show that all athletes had an optimal water content, in total body water, intracellular and extracellular water variables, according to the established normal values. Their liquid intake was suitable.