Hydration Status of Elite Young Sailors during World Championship Laser 4.7.

Abstract

Maintenance of fluid homeostasis is essential for health, athletic performance and thermoregulation. Although there are a lot of studies evaluating hydration status in many sports, there are no data concerning hydration levels during sailing events. PURPOSE: To assess hydration status of elite young sailing athletes during the World Championship Laser 4.7. METHODS: 12 young elite male athletes participated in the study (age: 15.8±1.1 y, height: 1.74±0.1 m, weight: 65.1±1.5 kg, body fat: 12.5±3.1%, training age: 7.0±1.2 y). Hydration status was assessed via pre- and post-race urine samples, based on urine specific gravity (USG), and urine color. Measurements and data collection took place at the same time each day, with mean environmental temperature, humidity and wind speed at 23.0±0.8o C, 64-70% and 9±1 knots, respectively. All athletes competed for 130±9 min. RESULTS: Although all sailors were euhydrated after the end of the 1st semifinal race (day 1) (USG=1.017±0.001), a significant body weight loss was observed (-1.4%) despite ad libitum drinking during the race. Hydration indices were significantly elevated during the remaining days, with post-race USG (2nd semifinal race/day 2: 1.024 ±0.001, 1st final/day 3: 1.026±0.001, 2nd final/day 4: 1.027±0.001, p>0.05), post-race urine color (5, 6, and 6) and change in body weight (-2.5, -2.8, and -3%). All measured parameters indicated progressively increasing levels of dehydration for the athletes. CONCLUSION: The data suggested that progressive dehydration was developed throughout the consecutive days of racing and especially during the race. It is of vital importance even for elite athletes to be educated about the importance of euhydration.