Efficacy of Education Versus Education Plus Prescribed Fluid Intake on Hydration Status in High School Athletes

Summary

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.

Description

Eligibility

Age range

13–19 years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Interventions

• Other
  Water

  Prescribed amount of bottled water the evening prior and 2 hours prior to team practice

• Other
  Hydration Education

  30-60 minutes

Location