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MALE COLLEGIATE SOCCER PLAYERS UNDERESTIMATE SWEAT LOSSES REGARDLESS OF SWEAT LOSS VOLUME

Abstract

Marcus A. Robinson1, Tate M. Dean1, Savanna N. Knight2, Angela R. Russell1, Eric K. O'Neal2, Brett A. Davis1. 1Auburn University at Montgomery, Montgomery, AL. 2University of North Alabama, Florence, AL.

BACKGROUND: Prescribing fluid intake during and between training or competition bouts requires an accurate estimation of individual sweat losses. This study evaluated sweat loss estimation accuracy among collegiate male soccer players (n = 17) following three practice sessions in the heat. METHODS: Data were collected during a pre-season training camp morning (AM1; 90 minutes; 31.2 ± 0.5°C) and afternoon (PM1; 90 minutes; 26.9 ± 0.9°C) practice and during a regular season morning practice (AM2; 90 minutes; 31.5 ± 0.3°C). Change in nude body mass, with adjustment for fluid intake and urine output, from pre- to post-practice was assessed to determine sweat loss volume. After each practice participants estimated their sweat loss volume by filling cups with a volume of water equivalent to the volume of sweat they believed they lost during the practice session. RESULTS: Sweat losses differed (p < 0.05) among all 3 practices (AM1 2.181 ± .693 L; PM1 1.706 ± .474 L; AM2 3.360 ± .956 L). Estimated sweat loss volume was less (p < 0.001) than actual sweat losses for AM1 (0.804 ± 0.329 L; 40.2 ± 21.5%), PM1 (0.672 ± 0.324 L; 40.1 ± 19.9%) and AM2 (1.076 ± 0.489 L; 31.8 ± 11.6%) but there were no differences in percentage accuracy. PM1 sweat loss estimation was less than the two morning practices (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Male soccer players greatly and consistently underestimate sweat losses regardless of sweat loss volume. Displaying to players their actual versus estimated sweat losses may increase awareness of fluid needs and improve hydration behaviors, particularly among those who chronically hypohydrate.

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