Experimental evaluation of the hydration status during fitness training

This study aims to analyze the hydration status in a large group 01 litness athletes and to understand the amount
01 Iluids that they habitually consume during a typical training session.
lvIethods. One hundred lorty-eight volunteers (86 male [M], 62 Iemale [F]) aged 18-50 were examine (average age
32±8.3 years old, 77% between 18 and 38 years old). Average health: (M) 174±14 cm; (F) 164±12 cm. Average
weight: (M) 74±16 Kg; (F) 57±9 Kg. Body Mass Index (BMI) on mean: (M) 24,08±1,42 Kglm2; (F) 21 ,04±0,27 Kglm2.
Basai hydration status was determined by measuring urine specilic gravity (Usg) in the lirst urine sample collected
alter waking. We have used changes in body mass to calculate the amount 01 water lost during exercise and to divide
the subjects into three groups: dehydrated euhydrated and overhydrated. We also considered the amount and type
01 Iluids that they consumed during exercise. On the total sample, 20 athletes Irom the sample also underwent the
"Sweat test", which consists in measuring sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) concentrations in sweat to assess salt
losses through sweating.
Results. 1) Data on basai hydration status showed that 58% 01 the subjects are dehydrated, 39% euhydrated and
3% overhydrated; 2) 31 subjects lost more than 1% 01 their total body weight (measurements taken belore and alter
training), which means that they lost too much water through sweating and did not consume sufficient fluid, thereby
lalling into a hypertonic dehydration proli le.
Discussion and cone/usions. Our study shows that over 50'1., 01 the litness athletes do not pay enough attention to their
hydration status and begin their training in the condition of dehydration. In addition, more than 20% 01 the athletes do
not drink enough during exercise, losing more than 10;', 01 their weight. Sport and nutrition professionals should stress
the importance 01 hydration in improving litness athletes' performance and in reducing health risks.