Efficacy of Education Versus Education Plus Prescribed Fluid Intake on Hydration Status in High School Athletes
brief 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.
detailed description
This study will implement a parallel design with 4 sports team groups: 1) Indoor girls, 2) Indoor boys, 3) Outdoor girls, and 4) Outdoor boys. Each group of 36 per groups will be randomized into 1 of 3 conditions: 1) control (no intervention), 2) hydration education intervention, 3) prescribed hydration and education intervention. Athletes will be observed for three practices per week for 2 weeks. Practices are separated by at least 48 hours.