Fluid balance of female para hockey players during simulated competition

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to characterize the hydration habits and fluid balance of female para-ice hockey players.

Methods: Fifteen players [5 defense (D), 8 forwards (F), and 2 goalies (G)] volunteered to participate in the study (age: 26.3 ± 10.9 y; ht:155 ± 11 cm; arm length: 65 ± 8 cm; leg length: 88 ± 11 cm; trunk length: 66 ± 14 cm). Players were weighed pre- and postgame, while fluid intake and individual playing time (PT) was monitored throughout the game.

Results: On average, athletes arrived hydrated to the game (USG 1.019 ± 0.006) with 40% of players arriving dehydrated (USG >1.020). Mean playing time for forwards was 11:47-28:49 min:s (18:52 ± 5:48 min:s) and for defence 13:10-18:24 min:s (15:10 ± 2.05 min:s). Sweat loss was 0.96 ± 0.64 L (0.10-2.50 L) which exceeded net fluid intake (0.61 ± 0.37 L). Mean BM loss was 0.44 ± 0.9% (-2.1 to +0.9%) with 4 of 15 players (2 D, 1 F, 1 G) losing between 1.4 and 2.1% BM. Players preferred to drink water during the game compared to a carbohydrate electrolyte solution.

Conclusion: 60% of athletes arrived hydrated to the game and drank enough fluid to prevent a BM loss <1%. Of note is that 40% of players arrived at the arena mildly dehydrated based on USG, and despite abundant opportunities to drink fluid during the game, 25% of players lost >1.3% BM due to sweat loss which may compromise physical and cognitive performance.

Keywords: hydration; impairment; para ice hockey; performance; sledge hockey.

Figure 1

Pregame hydration [urine specific gravity (USG)] status. Individual data are presented (n = 15).

Figure 2

Net fluid intake (L) and sweat loss (L) during a hockey game. Data are presented as mean ± SD, n = 15.

Figure 3

Mean water, carbohydrate electrolyte solution (CES), and total fluid intake during the game and for each position. *p < 0.001 water vs. CES. Data are presented as means ± SD, n = 15.

Figure 4

Mean heart rate response during the game for each position. Data are presented as means ± SD, n = 15.

Figure 5

Relationship between (A) fluid intake (L) and sweat loss (L) over the game, and (B) percentage of body mass (%BM) loss and sweat loss (L), (C) playing time (min) of forwards and defense (n = 11) and sweat loss (L). Data are presented as means ± SD, n = 13.