Influence Of Different Hydration Levels On Artistic Gymnastics Performance In Preadolescent And Adolescent Gymnasts

Abstract

The effect of different hydration levels in artistic gymnastics performance has not been studied. PURPOSE: To examine the possible influence of different hydration levels in artistic gymnastics performance in preadolescent and adolescent gymnasts. METHODS: Eleven male preadolescent and adolescent artistic gymnasts [12.1 ± 0.8 (range 10-15) years old, 2.8 ± 0.2 (range 2-3.5) Tanner Stage; mean ± SE] performed two 3-hour identical training sessions separated by one week, while they ingested artificially sweetened water equivalent to either 50% (Low Volume; LV) or 150% (High Volume; HV) of the fluid lost in training. After training, in both trials participants performed the same programs in 3 apparatuses and were evaluated by an international level judge via the assistance of video. The fluid lost in training was identified during three similar preliminary training sessions, where gymnasts drunk water ad libitum, and was observed that they replaced about 50% of their fluid lost. Hydration, dietary and training status were controlled before LV and HV trials which were performed in a random order and under similar environmental conditions (23.4 ± 0.3 °C and relative humidity 53-54 ± 2% in both LV and HV). Pre and post exercise differences between trials were analyzed using two-tailed t-tests, whereas responses over time were examined by 2-way ANOVA. RESULTS: The different volumes of fluid provided established different hydration levels as indicated by the different urine specific gravity (USG) levels post-exercise (LV: 1.017 ± 0.002 vs. HV: 1.002 ± 0.001; p<0.001), while pre-exercise USG were similar between conditions (LV: 1.018 ± 0.002 vs. HV: 1.015 ± 0.001; p=0.09). The percentage of fluid lost was higher in LV (1.2 ± 0.2 %) compared to HV (0.4 ± 0.1 %) (p=0.02), however, mean performance evaluation in the 3 apparatuses was not different between conditions (LV: 8.72 ± 0.21 vs. HV: 8.68 ± 0.20; p=0.57). CONCLUSIONS: By ingesting fluid equivalent to about 50% of the fluid lost during a 3-hour training session, artistic gymnasts of about 12 years old maintain short-term hydration levels and avoid excessive dehydration (>2 %). Ingesting a higher amount of fluid equivalent to about 1.5 times the fluid lost does not provide an additional benefit in terms of performance evaluation.