Abstract
PURPOSE We assessed the incidence and degree of dehydration, and attitudes regarding hydration, in adolescents at summer football camp. METHODS 18 boys (mean ± SD, 15±1y old, 174±7cm, 77.4±14.9kg, 4±2y football experience) participated in 4 days of summer football camp in Connecticut. The camp consisted of 2, 2-hr exercise sessions per day. The WBGT for the camp averaged 23.1 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. Practice sessions had occasional rest breaks for rehydration. Near the end of camp, participants completed a survey assessing their attitudes and habits regarding rehydration. RESULTS USG and OSM measures, AM and PM, indicated the following percent of subjects at the various levels of dehydration (DHY). According to survey scores, there was no correlation between attitudes towards hydration and actual hydration status during the camp. According to the athletes, although fluids were plentiful and readily available during practices, inadequate time and the competitive drive of the athletes were the major factors preventing them from drinking. CONCLUSION These athletes were not able to maintain adequate hydration status during summer football camp. The majority of the athletes were significantly dehydrated at the beginning and end of each practice over the 4 days. Educating both athletes and camp organizers regarding optimal hydration strategies is critical to the health of young athletes exercising in the heat. A hydration plan should stress the importance of hydration, teach strategies to assess fluid needs, and allow athletes access to fluids and time to drink.Table
Published Version
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