(44) DIFFERENCES IN PRE-EXERCISE HYDRATION LEVELS AND BODY MASS LOSS DURING EXERCISE AMONG FEMALE DIVISION II TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES

Hydration state and body mass loss through sweating are important to consider when developing training programs, particularly in lower division female sports where resources might be limited. 

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in pre-exercise urine specific gravity (USG) and body mass loss after exercise in female Division II collegiate track and field athletes. 

Methods: USG of 25 female participants (21 ± 2.7 y, 165.9 ± 8.9 cm, 62.4 [AK1] ± 16.0 kg) was measured prior to their team training session.  Nude body mass was measured before and after training to determine percent body mass loss.  Data was analyzed based on event (distance runners, n = 11; power athletes, n = 9; throwers, n = 5).  RESULTS: Pre-exercise USG was not different among groups (distance runners: 1.020 ± 0.007; power athletes: 1.017 ± 0.008; throwers: 1.019 ± 0.009[CH2] ; F(2,22) = 0.43, p = 0.658[CH3] .  Distance runners exhibited significantly greater (F(2, 22) = 37.93, p < 0.001[CH4] ) body mass loss (-1.00 ± 0.20%) than power athletes (-0.04 ± 0.24%, p < 0.001) and throwers (-0.30 ± 0.37%, p < 0.001[AK5] ).  There was no difference between power athletes and throwers (p = 0.239). 

Conclusions: While initial hydration states were similar among groups, distance runners experienced the greatest decrease in percent body mass loss potentially due to the combination of greater sweating and lack of fluid availability during training.  PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Coaches are encouraged to help athletes monitor sweat losses during training to prevent body mass losses greater than 2%.

Acknowledgements: None