(22) CORRELATION BETWEEN HYDRATION STATUS AND FLUID INTAKE DURING PHYSICAL TRAINING OF DIVISION II FEMALE TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between pre-exercise hydration status and fluid intake during training of female track and field athletes.  METHODS: 10 female participants (Mean ± SD; 22 ± 2.6 y; 168.7 ± 6.6 cm; 59.1 ± 9.7 kg) provided a urine sample prior to the start of their training session for urine specific gravity (USG) analysis.  Water intake was recorded during the training session.  Measurements were completed on one day of training on a flat field and on a separate day on hills. 

Results: USG was not different between day one and day two (1.017 ± 0.008 vs. 1.018 ± 0.007; t(9) = -0.39, p = 0.703).  Fluid intake was significantly higher on day one (382.2 ± 113.6 mL/h) than day two (246.9 ± 108.7 mL/h; t(9) = 5.53, p < .001). There was no significant correlation between pre-exercise USG and fluid intake on day 1 (r = -0.09, p = 0.803) or day 2 (r = 0.03, p = 0.944). 

Conclusion: Athletes began each training session with a similar hydration state but ingested a different amount of fluid each day, and there was no correlation between initial hydration state and ingested volume.  Taken together, these results suggest other variables might affect fluid intake more than initial hydration level.  PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: It is still important to understand drinking behaviors.  Athletes should follow the current hydration recommendations such as beginning exercise in a well hydrated state and drinking palatable beverages to replenish sweat losses.  

Acknowledgements: None