Sports science testing by investigators at Gatorade Sports Science Institute has revealed that many athletes arrive at practice with a high urine specific gravity indicating they are hypohydrated. Though the data showed that most athletes don't lose more than 2% of their body weight in sweat during a training session, it is not known what the cumulative effects of living and training in a hot environment are over the course of a week. Previous research has indicated that prescribing fluid intake is more effective than education in improving drinking behavior during exercise. No studies to date have compared the impact of fluid intake prescription versus education in adolescent boys and girls playing outdoor and indoor sports.
Comparing sexes and training environment may provide more clarity around potential barriers and challenges to proper hydration for each environment.
Females and males between the ages of 13-19 years old
Non-smoker
Currently enrolled in the IMG sports program
Able to give verbal and written informed consent for participation as well as obtain parental consent if <18 years of age
Expulsion from school for any reason
Leaving the IMG sports program
Pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Illness or injury that impacts sport participation or fluid balance
Parallel
Water
Other interventionPrescribed amount of bottled water the evening prior and 2 hours prior to team practice
Hydration Education
Other intervention30-60 minutes
urine specific gravity (USG).
Assessed using hand-held refractometer, units recorded to the nearest 0.001
Body weight
Assessed using Tanita portable scale, units recorded to the nearest 0.01 kg
Fluid intake Week 2 (measured for Prescription Group only)
Assessed using beverage weight scale. Units recorded to the nearest 1 ml
Thirst questionnaire
6 items (thirst, pleasure to drink now, mouth feel, taste, stomach fullness, stomach sickness) each anchored from not at all to very, each on a 100 mm scale.
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