Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2017 Sep;52(9):877-895.
doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-52.9.02.

National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Fluid Replacement for the Physically Active

Brendon P McDermott  1 , Scott A Anderson  2 , Lawrence E Armstrong  3 , Douglas J Casa  3 , Samuel N Cheuvront  4 , Larry Cooper  5 , W Larry Kenney  6 , Francis G O'Connor  7 , William O Roberts  8
Affiliations

National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Fluid Replacement for the Physically Active

Brendon P McDermott et al. J Athl Train. 2017 Sep.

Abstract

Objective: To present evidence-based recommendations that promote optimized fluid-maintenance practices for physically active individuals.

Background: Both a lack of adequate fluid replacement (hypohydration) and excessive intake (hyperhydration) can compromise athletic performance and increase health risks. Athletes need access to water to prevent hypohydration during physical activity but must be aware of the risks of overdrinking and hyponatremia. Drinking behavior can be modified by education, accessibility, experience, and palatability. This statement updates practical recommendations regarding fluid-replacement strategies for physically active individuals.

Recommendations: Educate physically active people regarding the benefits of fluid replacement to promote performance and safety and the potential risks of both hypohydration and hyperhydration on health and physical performance. Quantify sweat rates for physically active individuals during exercise in various environments. Work with individuals to develop fluid-replacement practices that promote sufficient but not excessive hydration before, during, and after physical activity.

Keywords: athletic performance; dehydration; fluid overload; hydration protocol; hydration status; hyponatremia; oral rehydration solution; overhydration; rehydration.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Raman A, Schoeller DA, Subar AF, et al. . Water turnover in 458 American adults 40-79 yr of age. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2004; 286 2: F394– F401. (Level of evidence [LOE]: 1) - PubMed
    1. Casa DJ, Ganio MS, Lopez RM, McDermott BP, Armstrong LE, Maresh CM. . Intravenous versus oral rehydration: physiological, performance, and legal considerations. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2008; 7 4: S41– S49. (LOE: 3)
    1. Walsh RM, Noakes TD, Hawley JA, Dennis SC. . Impaired high-intensity cycling performance time at low levels of dehydration. Int J Sports Med. 1994; 15 7: 392– 398. (LOE: 2) - PubMed
    1. Bardis CN, Kavouras SA, Arnaoutis G, Panagiotakos DB, Sidossis LS. . Mild dehydration and cycling performance during 5-kilometer hill climbing. J Athl Train. 2013; 48 6: 741– 747. (LOE: 2) - PMC - PubMed
    1. Casa DJ, Stearns RL, Lopez RM, et al. . Influence of hydration on physiological function and performance during trail running in the heat. J Athl Train. 2010; 45 2: 147– 156. (LOE: 2) - PMC - PubMed