Children Participating in Summer Soccer Camps are Chronically Dehydrated

Abstract

1239 PURPOSE: Research related to the hydration of children during successive days of exercise in the heat is scarce. We assessed the incidence and degree of dehydration of children during summer soccer camps. METHODS: 34 boys (mean ± SEM, 12.8 ± .3 yrs old, 163 ± 1 cm, 51.7 ± 2.1 kg, 7 ± 1 yrs soccer experience) and 24 girls (12.4 ± .3 yrs old, 154 ± 3 cm, 48.2 ± 2.6 kg, 7 ± 0 yrs soccer experience) attending 4 days of summer soccer camp in Pennsylvania participated. The camps consisted of 3, 2-hour exercise sessions per day (boys) and 3, 1.5-hour exercise sessions per day (girls). The WBGT for the boys and girls camps averaged 26.9 and 27.4 degrees C, respectively. Hydration status was assessed before the first practice session (PRE) of the day (after breakfast) and after the second practice session of the day (before dinner). 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 (as adapted with modification from the recent NATA Position Statement: Fluid Replacement for Athletes). Participants were monitored during the camp and were not encouraged or educated regarding hydration by the research team. All practice sessions had fluid coolers within 25 meters, frequent rest breaks for rehydration, and coaches encouraged athletes to drink during breaks or any time during practice. RESULTS:TableCONCLUSION: Given the relatively mild thermal conditions (for July) and the pro-active atmoshpere in which to maintain proper hydration (supportive coaches, availability of fluids at practices and meals) it is noteworthy to report that children were not able to maintain a well-hydrated condition at any time during the 4 days, and worrisome that they were beginning a day of 4.5–6 hours of intense exercise already dehydrated. Education regarding the importance of minimizing dehydration and strategies in which to optimize hydration during summer exercise sessions are essential with child populations. Supported by the National SAFE KIDS Campaign