Comparison Of Hydration Practices Of Long-distance Runners During Covid-19: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess and compare the self-reported hydration practices of long-distance runners during an intended long training run and an intended event during COVID-19. Inconsistent hydration practices may lead to overhydration, a primary cause of exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH). METHODS: Cross-sectional survey design. An online survey utilized both the North Dakota State University online community and a Connecticut running group listserv(s) in October, 2020. A long-distance runner was defined as one who had completed at least one ten-mile run. Survey questions addressed hydration practices, including hydration strategies and volumes consumed before and during an intended long-distance training run (LTR) and an intended race. Demographics, training experience, sources of hydration information, and knowledge of EAH were collected. RESULTS: The comparison of self-reported hydration strategies between an intended LTR and an intended event showed moderate agreement (0.74) among n = 203. The agreement between an intended LTR and an intended event was statistically significant when estimated by the Kappa statistics (K = 0.674; p < 0.0001). When comparing intended volumes during a LTR and an event, there was a correlation of 0.74. In a one-sided paired t-test, the intended volumes during an event were significantly greater than the intended volumes during a LTR (t = 5.99; p < 0.0001). Runners reported “drinking according to thirst” 24% of the time during an intended LTR, compared to 23% of the time for their intended event. Finally, this study found that 59% reported knowledge and awareness of EAH, while 89% felt they had a solid understanding an effective hydration plan for long distance running. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, long-distance runners reported some differences in planned hydration practices when comparing an intended long training run to an intended event. Drinking according to thirst is recommended to prevent EAH in lieu of a personalized hydration plan. If runners mimic appropriate hydration practices, such as drinking according to thirst, during training when running an event, the risk of EAH may be decreased. This indicates a need for ongoing education on hydration practices and EAH. The primary limitation of this study was the self-reported nature of historical data.