Attitudes Towards Hydration And Incidence Of Dehydration In Youths At Summer Soccer Camp

Abstract

PURPOSE Research has shown that children are often unable to maintain adequate hydration during summer soccer camps. We assessed the hydration status of youths at summer soccer camp and their attitudes regarding hydration. METHODS 20 boys (mean ± SD, 12±2y old, 151±11cm, 41.3±9.8kg, 6±1y soccer experience) and 11 girls (13±2y old, 153±8cm, 45.2±9.0kg, 5±3y soccer experience) participated in 4 days of summer soccer camp in Connecticut. The camp consisted of three 90-min exercise sessions per day. The WBGT for the camp averaged 20.6 degrees C. Hydration status was assessed before the first practice (AM), and after the second practice (PM). Urine Specific Gravity (USG) readings of 1.020–1.024, 1.025–1.029, and 1.030 and greater were used to define minimal, significant, and serious dehydration, respectively (adapted from previous literature). Urine osmolality (OSM) values of 700–899, 900–1099, and 1100 and greater were also used to define the respective levels of dehydration. The research team did not encourage or educate participants regarding hydration. All practice sessions had water available on the practice field, frequent rest breaks for rehydration, and coaches encouraged athletes to hydrate. On day 3, participants completed a survey assessing attitudes and habits regarding hydration. RESULTS USG and OSM measures, AM and PM, indicated the frequencies of the various levels of dehydration (DHY). Most campers had a basic level of understanding of how and when to hydrate. However, hydration attitude scores did not correlate with average USG (0.006 boys, −0.235 girls) or OSM (−0.043 boys, −0.178 girls) scores during the camp. CONCLUSION Despite extremely mild temperatures for summer in Connecticut, youths participating in soccer camp had difficulty maintaining optimal hydration. Campers had a general idea of how and when to hydrate, however attitudes towards hydration did not correlate with hydration status of the athlete. Specialized education may help youths and camp organizers implement strategies to better facilitate hydration during sports.Table