Fluid and fuel intake during exercise

The effects of carbohydrate ingestion on the badminton serve after fatiguing exercise

The badminton serve requires great skill and may be affected by fatigue. The aim of the present study was to determine whether carbohydrate ingestion affects badminton performance. Nine male badminton players (age 25 ± 7 years, mass 80.6 ± 8.0 kg) attended the laboratory on three occasions. The first visit involved an incremental exercise test to exhaustion to determine peak heart rate. Participants were given 1 L of a carbohydrate-electrolyte drink or a matched placebo during the experimental trials. The accuracy of 10 long and 10 short serves was determined before and after exercise. The fatiguing exercise was 33 min in duration (83 ± 10% and 84 ± 8% peak heart rate for the placebo and carbohydrate trial respectively). Capillary blood samples (20 μL) were taken before and after exercise for determination of blood glucose and lactate. There was deterioration in long serve accuracy with fatigue (P = 0.002), which carbohydrate ingestion had a tendency to prevent (P = 0.077). There was no effect of fatigue (P = 0.402) or carbohydrate ingestion (P = 0.109) on short serve accuracy. There was no difference in blood glucose concentration between trials (P = 0.851). Blood lactate concentration was higher during the placebo trial (P = 0.016). These results suggest that only the long serve is influenced by fatigue and carbohydrate had a tendency to prevent the deterioration in performance.

The effects of creatine and glycerol hyperhydration on running economy in well trained endurance runners

Background

Ingestion of creatine (Cr) and glycerol (Gly) has been reported to be an effective method in expanding water compartments within the human body, attenuating the rise in heart rate (HR) and core temperature (T_core) during exercise in the heat. Despite these positive effects, a substantial water retention could potentially impair endurance performance through increasing body mass (BM) and consequently impacting negatively on running economy (RE). The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of a combined Cr and Gly supplementation on thermoregulatory and cardiovascular responses and RE during running for 30 min at speed corresponding to 60% of maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) in hot and cool conditions.

Methods

Cr·H₂O (11.4 g), Gly (1 g·kg^-1 BM) and Glucose polymer (75 g) were administered twice daily to 15 male endurance runners during a 7-day period. Exercise trials were conducted pre- and post-supplementation at 10 and 35°C and 70% relative humidity.

Results

BM and total body water increased by 0.90 ± 0.40 kg (P < 0.01; mean ± SD) and 0.71 ± 0.42 L (P < 0.01), respectively following supplementation. Despite the significant increase in BM, supplementation had no effect on V˙O2 and therefore RE. Both HR and T_core were attenuated significantly after supplementation (P < 0.05, for both). Nevertheless, thermal comfort and rating of perceived exertion was not significantly different between pre- and post-supplementation. Similarly, no significant differences were found in sweat loss, serum osmolality, blood lactate and in plasma volume changes between pre- and post-supplementation.

Conclusions

Combining Cr and Gly is effective in reducing thermal and cardiovascular strain during exercise in the heat without negatively impacting on RE.

Carbohydrate ingestion during team games exercise: current knowledge and areas for future investigation

There is a growing body of research on the influence of ingesting carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions immediately prior to and during prolonged intermittent, high-intensity exercise (team games exercise) designed to replicate field-based team games. This review presents the current body of knowledge in this area, and identifies avenues of further research. Almost all early work supported the ingestion of carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions during prolonged intermittent exercise, but was subject to methodological limitations. A key concern was the use of exercise protocols characterized by prolonged periods at the same exercise intensity, the lack of maximal- or high-intensity work components and long periods of seated recovery, which failed to replicate the activity pattern or physiological demand of team games exercise. The advent of protocols specifically designed to replicate the demands of field-based team games enabled a more externally valid assessment of the influence of carbohydrate ingestion during this form of exercise. Once again, the research overwhelmingly supports carbohydrate ingestion immediately prior to and during team games exercise for improving time to exhaustion during intermittent running. While the external validity of exhaustive exercise at fixed prescribed intensities as an assessment of exercise capacity during team games may appear questionable, these assessments should perhaps not be viewed as exhaustive exercise tests per se, but as indicators of the ability to maintain high-intensity exercise, which is a recognized marker of performance and fatigue during field-based team games. Possible mechanisms of exercise capacity enhancement include sparing of muscle glycogen, glycogen resynthesis during low-intensity exercise periods and attenuated effort perception during exercise. Most research fails to show improvements in sprint performance during team games exercise with carbohydrate ingestion, perhaps due to the lack of influence of carbohydrate on sprint performance when endogenous muscle glycogen concentration remains above a critical threshold of ∼200  mmol/kg dry weight. Despite the increasing number of publications in this area, few studies have attempted to drive the research base forward by investigating potential modulators of carbohydrate efficacy during team games exercise, preventing the formulation of optimal carbohydrate intake guidelines. Potential modulators may be different from those during prolonged steady-state exercise due to the constantly changing exercise intensity and frequency, duration and intensity of rest intervals, potential for team games exercise to slow the rate of gastric emptying and the restricted access to carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions during many team games. This review highlights fluid volume, carbohydrate concentration, carbohydrate composition and solution osmolality; the glycaemic index of pre-exercise meals; fluid and carbohydrate ingestion patterns; fluid temperature; carbohydrate mouthwashes; carbohydrate supplementation in different ambient temperatures; and investigation of all of these areas in different subject populations as important avenues for future research to enable a more comprehensive understanding of carbohydrate ingestion during team games exercise.

Efeito de suplemento hidroeletrolítico na hidratação de jogadores juniores de futebol

O estado de hidratação de jogadores sub-18 de um time de futebol foi avaliado após a ingestão de suplemento hidroeletrolítico mais aceito em teste afetivo. A aceitação de três suplementos elaborados foi avaliada por meio de teste afetivo em laboratório. O estudo foi realizado com nove jogadores de futebol, do sexo masculino, submetidos a 80 minutos de treinamento, com a ingestão de 900mL de suplemento hidroeletrolítico comercial (controle) ou suplemento mais aceito no teste sensorial e 300mL de água. Para avaliação do estado de hidratação foram determinados o tempo de movimentação, a intensidade do exercício, a densidade de urina, o peso corporal, a perda de peso corporal, a porcentagem de perda de peso corporal, o grau de hidratação e a taxa de sudorese. A bebida com 8% de carboidrato teve melhor aceitação. A intensidade de exercício dos jogadores foi maior no dia de ingestão da bebida teste em comparação ao dia de ingestão da bebida controle, já o tempo de movimentação em relação à bebida teste foi significativamente menor do que a bebida controle (p = 0,008). A perda de peso, o grau de desidratação e a taxa de sudorese dos atletas com ingestão da bebida teste foram maiores quando comparadas à ingestão da bebida controle. Os atletas concluíram a partida mais desidratados com a ingestão de bebida teste; contudo, o limite de 2% de perda de peso corporal não foi ultrapassado. A intensidade do exercício (de leve a moderada) e as condições climáticas (temperatura mais baixa e umidade relativa do ar mais elevada) no dia da ingestão da bebida controle podem ter favorecido os melhores resultados de capacidade de hidratação da bebida comercial.

Evaluation of the nutrition knowledge of sports department students of universities

BACKGROUND

Individuals who have knowledge on the importance of adequate and balanced diet and reflect this knowledge to their behaviors are considered to be more successful in sports life. The present study aims to evaluate the nutrition knowledge of students receiving sports education in universities.

METHODS

The study sample consists of 343 voluntary students from the Sports Departments of Hacettepe, Gazi and Ankara Universities in Ankara. The questionnaire used in the study included a demographic section, and 30 questions on true-false nutrition knowledge. For the reliability of the questionnaire, the internal consistency coefficient was calculated and the Kuder Richardson (KR-20) value was found to be 0.71. For higher reliability, 9 dysfunctional questions were excluded from the questionnaire. The research data were collected through a questionnaire form and face-to-face interviews. For the statistical analyses of the data, tables were prepared to show mean, standard deviation (X̄±SD) and percentage (%) values. In order to determine the nutrition knowledge of students, the "independent t test" was used for nutrition lesson and gender.

RESULTS

University students receiving sports education and expected to continue their professional lives on sport-related fields were determined to have the lack of knowledge on nutrition. The mean value about the nutrition knowledge of the first year students was found 11.150 ± 2.962, while the mean value of the fourth year students was 13.460 ± 3.703, and the difference is statistically significant (p = .000).

CONCLUSION

Students, coaches and teachers in physical education were found not to give the necessary importance to their diets, and they were still not aware of the importance of nutrition on performance.

Carbohydrates for training and competition

An athlete's carbohydrate intake can be judged by whether total daily intake and the timing of consumption in relation to exercise maintain adequate carbohydrate substrate for the muscle and central nervous system ("high carbohydrate availability") or whether carbohydrate fuel sources are limiting for the daily exercise programme ("low carbohydrate availability"). Carbohydrate availability is increased by consuming carbohydrate in the hours or days prior to the session, intake during exercise, and refuelling during recovery between sessions. This is important for the competition setting or for high-intensity training where optimal performance is desired. Carbohydrate intake during exercise should be scaled according to the characteristics of the event. During sustained high-intensity sports lasting ~1 h, small amounts of carbohydrate, including even mouth-rinsing, enhance performance via central nervous system effects. While 30-60 g · h(-1) is an appropriate target for sports of longer duration, events >2.5 h may benefit from higher intakes of up to 90 g · h(-1). Products containing special blends of different carbohydrates may maximize absorption of carbohydrate at such high rates. In real life, athletes undertake training sessions with varying carbohydrate availability. Whether implementing additional "train-low" strategies to increase the training adaptation leads to enhanced performance in well-trained individuals is unclear.

Food and macronutrient intake of elite Ethiopian distance runners

Background

Explanations for the phenomenal success of East African distance runners include unique dietary practices. The aim of the present study was to assess the food and macronutrient intake of elite Ethiopian distance runners during a period of high intensity exercise training at altitude and prior to major competition.

Methods

The dietary intake of 10 highly-trained Ethiopian long distance runners, living and training at high altitude (approximately 2400 m above sea level) was assessed during a 7 day period of intense training prior to competition using the standard weighed intake method. Training was also assessed using an activity/training diary.

Results

Body mass was stable (i.e., was well maintained) over the assessment period (pre: 56.7 ± 4.3 kg vs. post: 56.6 ± 4.2 kg, P = 0.54; mean ± SD). The diet comprised of 13375 ± 1378 kJ and was high in carbohydrate (64.3 ± 2.6%, 545 ± 49 g, 9.7 ± 0.9 g/kg). Fat and protein intake was 23.3 ± 2.1% (83 ± 14 g) and 12.4 ± 0.6% (99 ± 13 g, 1.8 ± 0.2 g/kg), respectively. Fluid intake comprised mainly of water (1751 ± 583 mL), while no fluids were consumed before or during training with only modest amounts being consumed following training.

Conclusions

Similar to previous studies in elite Kenyan distance runners, the diet of these elite Ethiopian distance runners met most recommendations of endurance athletes for macronutrient intake but not for fluid intake.

Hydration: special issues for playing football in warm and hot environments

The high metabolic rates and body temperatures sustained by football players during training and matches causes sweating--particularly when in warm or hot environments. There is limited published data on the effects of this sweat loss on football performance. The limited information available, together with knowledge of the effects of sweat loss in other sports with skill components as well as endurance and sprint components, suggests that the effects of sweating will be similar as in these other activities. Therefore, the generalization that, on average, a body mass reduction equivalent to 2% should be the acceptable limit of sweat losses seems reasonable. This magnitude and more, of sweat loss is a common occurrence for some players. Sodium is the main electrolyte lost in sweat but there is large variability in sodium losses between players. However, the extent of sodium losses in some players may be such that its replacement is warranted for these players. Although football is a team sport, the great individual variability in sweat and electrolyte losses of players in the same training session or match dictates that individual monitoring to determine individual water and electrolyte requirements should be an essential part of a player's nutrition strategy.

Comparative effects of selected non-caffeinated rehydration sports drinks on short-term performance following moderate dehydration

BACKGROUND

The effect of moderate dehydration and consequent fluid replenishment on short-duration maximal treadmill performance was studied in eight healthy, fit (VO2max = 49.7 +/- 8.7 mL kg-1 min-1) males aged 28 +/- 7.5 yrs.

METHODS

The study involved a within subject, blinded, crossover, placebo design. Initially, all subjects performed a baseline exercise test using an individualized treadmill protocol structured to induce exhaustion in 7 to 10 min. On each of the three subsequent testing days, the subjects exercised at 70-75% VO2max for 60 min at 29-33 degrees C, resulting in a dehydration weight loss of 1.8-2.1% body weight. After 60 min of rest and recovery at 22 C, subjects performed the same treadmill test to voluntary exhaustion, which resulted in a small reduction in VO2max and a decline in treadmill performance by 3% relative to the baseline results. Following another 60 min rest and recovery, subjects ingested the same amount of fluid lost in the form of one of three lemon-flavored, randomly assigned commercial drinks, namely Crystal Light (placebo control), Gatorade(R) and Rehydrate Electrolyte Replacement Drink, and then repeated the treadmill test to voluntary exhaustion.

RESULTS

VO2max returned to baseline levels with Rehydrate, while there was only a slight improvement with Gatorade and Crystal Light. There were no changes in heart rate or ventilation with all three different replacement drinks. Relative to the dehydrated state, a 6.5% decrease in treadmill performance time occurred with Crystal Light, while replenishment with Gatorade, which contains fructose, glucose, sodium and potassium, resulted in a 2.1% decrease. In contrast, treatment with Rehydrate, which comprises fructose, glucose polymer, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, amino acids, thiols and vitamins, resulted in a 7.3% increase in treadmill time relative to that of the dehydrated state.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that constituents other than water, simple transportable monosaccharides and sodium are important for maximal exercise performance and effective recovery associated with endurance exercise-induced dehydration.

Skin temperature modifies the impact of hypohydration on aerobic performance

This study determined the effects of hypohydration on aerobic performance in compensable [evaporative cooling requirement (Ereq) < maximal evaporative cooling (Emax)] conditions of 10°C [7°C wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT)], 20°C (16°C WBGT), 30°C (22°C WBGT), and 40°C (27°C WBGT) ambient temperature (Ta). Our hypothesis was that 4% hypohydration would impair aerobic performance to a greater extent with increasing heat stress. Thirty-two men [22 ± 4 yr old, 45 ± 8 ml·kg−1·min−1 peak O2 uptake (V̇o2peak)] were divided into four matched cohorts ( n = 8) and tested at one of four Ta in euhydrated (EU) and hypohydrated (HYPO, −4% body mass) conditions. Subjects completed 30 min of preload exercise (cycle ergometer, 50% V̇o2peak) followed by a 15 min self-paced time trial. Time-trial performance (total work, change from EU) was −3% ( P = 0.1), −5% ( P = 0.06), −12% ( P < 0.05), and −23% ( P < 0.05) in 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, and 40°C Ta, respectively. During preload exercise, skin temperature (Tsk) increased by ∼4°C per 10°C Ta, while core (rectal) temperature (Tre) values were similar within EU and HYPO conditions across all Ta. A significant relationship ( P < 0.05, r = 0.61) was found between Tsk and the percent decrement in time-trial performance. During preload exercise, hypohydration generally blunted the increases in cardiac output and blood pressure while reducing blood volume over time in 30°C and 40°C Ta. Our conclusions are as follows: 1) hypohydration degrades aerobic performance to a greater extent with increasing heat stress; 2) when Tsk is >29°C, 4% hypohydration degrades aerobic performance by ∼1.6% for each additional 1°C Tsk; and 3) cardiovascular strain from high skin blood flow requirements combined with blood volume reductions induced by hypohydration is an important contributor to impaired performance.

Weight Management Strategies for Recreational Athletes: What Do We Tell Them?

The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans provide clear recommendations for health care professionals to share with their patients and clients. The guidelines clearly lay out what the general public needs to do to improve their fitness level and manage their weight. The physical activity guidelines need to be reviewed in conjunction with appropriate dietary advice found in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Patients and clients who increase their physical activity to light or moderately active, the recreational athlete, can meet their nutrition needs by consuming a well-balanced, varied diet of nutrient-dense foods. Sports drinks and bars, which are heavily marketed to all levels of athletes and sedentary people, are not necessary for the recreational athlete in most situations and may negatively affect body weight.

Effects of aerobic fitness on hypohydration-induced physiological strain and exercise impairment

AIM

Hypohydration exacerbates cardiovascular and thermal strain and can impair exercise capacity in temperate and warm conditions. Yet, athletes often dehydrate in exercise, are hypervolaemic and have less cardiovascular sensitivity to acute hypervolaemia. We tested the hypothesis that trained individuals have less cardiovascular, thermoregulatory and performance affect of hypohydration during exercise.

METHODS

After familiarization, six trained [VO(2 peak) = 64 (SD 8) mL kg(-1) min(-1)] and six untrained [O(2 peak) = 45 (4) mL kg(-1) min(-1)] males cycled 40 min at 70%O(2 peak) while euhydrated or hypohydrated by 1.5-2.0% body mass (crossover design), before a 40-min work trial with euhydration or ad libitum drinking (in Hypohydration trial), in temperate conditions (24.3 degrees C, RH 50%, v(a) = 4.5 m s(-1)). Baseline hydration was by complete or partial rehydration from exercise+heat stress the previous evening.

RESULTS

During constant workload, heart rate and its drift were increased in Hypohydration compared with Euhydration for Untrained [drift: 33 (11) vs. 24 beats min(-1) h(-1) (10), 95% CI 5-11] but not Trained [14 (3) vs. 13 beats min(-1) h(-1) (3), CI -2 to 3; P = 0.01 vs. Untrained]. Similarly, rectal temperature drift was faster in Hypohydration for Untrained only [by 0.57 degrees C h(-1) (0.25); P = 0.03 vs. Trained], concomitant with their reduced sweat rate (P = 0.05) and its relation to plasma osmolality (P = 0.03). Performance power tended to be reduced for Untrained (-13%, CI -35 to 2) and Trained (-7%, CI: -16 to 1), without an effect of fitness (P = 0.38).

CONCLUSION

Mild hypohydration exacerbated cardiovascular and thermoregulatory strain and tended to impair endurance performance, but aerobic fitness attenuated the physiological effects.

Direct evidence for the economy of action: glucose and the perception of geographical slant

When locomoting in a physically challenging environment, the body draws upon available energy reserves to accommodate increased metabolic demand. Ingested glucose supplements the body's energy resources, whereas non-caloric sweetener does not. Two experiments demonstrate that participants who had consumed a glucose-containing drink perceived the slant of a hill to be less steep than did participants who had consumed a drink containing non-caloric sweetener. The glucose manipulation influenced participants' explicit awareness of hill slant but, as predicted, it did not affect a visually guided action of orienting a tilting palmboard to be parallel to the hill. Measured individual differences in factors related to bioenergetic state, such as fatigue, sleep quality, fitness, mood, and stress, also affected perception: lower energetic states were associated with steeper perceptions of hill slant. This research shows that the perception of the spatial layout of the environment is influenced by the energetic resources available for locomotion within it. Our findings are consistent with the view that spatial perceptions are influenced by bioenergetic factors.

The effect of a carbohydrate-caffeine sports drink on simulated golf performance

A round of golf lasts approximately 4 h, during which time homeostasis could be challenged through either hypoglycemia or hypohydration. This might result in impaired motor skill or cognitive performance. Given the high cognitive demand of putting and the potential fatiguing effects from prolonged walking, the combination of a caffeine and carbohydrate drink could be beneficial in offsetting hypoglycemia and hypohydration. This study used a laboratory-simulated round of golf to examine the effect of an isotonic carbohydrate and caffeine sports drink on putting performance during a round of golf. After institutional ethics approval, 20 male golfers (mean +/- standard deviation: age 23 +/- 4 years, stature 176.4 +/- 5.6 cm, mass 72.8 +/- 17.4 kg, handicap 15 +/- 4, daily caffeine consumption 157.3 +/- 47.2 mg) consumed either an isotonic sports drink containing caffeine (6.4 g carbohydrate and 16 mg caffeine per 100 mL) or a no-energy, flavour-matched placebo drink in a double-blind, randomized, counter-balanced crossover design . Drinks were consumed preround (5 mL.kg-1 body mass (BM)) and at holes 6 and 12 (2.5 mL.kg-1 BM). Participants therefore consumed 1.6 mg.kg-1 BM of caffeine and 0.64 g.kg-1 BM of carbohydrate throughout the trial. Five and 2 m putting performance were assessed at each hole. Self-rated mood assessments were carried out every third hole. Putting performance over 5 m and 2 m and self-rated scores for alertness and relaxation showed a main effect for drink (p < 0.05). Ratings of mental fatigue and tiredness significantly increased during the round (p < 0.001). In experienced golfers, the consumption of an isotonic carbohydrate sports drink containing caffeine prior to and during a round of golf improved putting performance and increased feelings of alertness.

Efficacy of eat-on-move ration for sustaining physical activity, reaction time, and mood

Repeated carbohydrate feedings and caffeine have been shown to increase self-paced physical activity. Whether a field ration pack that promotes snacking of these items would enhance physical activity remains unclear.

PURPOSE

Evaluate the effectiveness of a ration pack consisting of eat-on-move items to promote snacking, as well as caffeine items, as a nutritional strategy to improve performance.

METHODS

Twenty-eight wildland firefighters consumed both an eat-on-move ration (first strike ration (FSR): 13.2 MJ, 420 g CHO, 665 mg caffeine daily) and entrée-based ration (meals, ready-to-eat (MRE): 11.9 MJ, 373 g CHO, 100 mg caffeine daily) for 2 d separated by 1 d. Diet order was counterbalanced. Outcome measurements included self-paced physical activity determined by actimetry, reaction time, number of eating occasions using dietary recall, and dietary intake from food wrapper collection.

RESULTS

Total eating episodes were higher with FSR compared with MRE (P = 0.013; mean +/- SD: 8.2 +/- 1.3 vs 7.6 +/- 1.1 episodes x 2 d(-1)), as were 2-d energy intake (22.0 +/- 2.4 vs 18.4 +/- 2.5 MJ; P < 0.01), carbohydrate intake (698 +/- 76 vs 546 +/- 82 mg; P < 0.01), self-reported caffeine intake (347 +/- 262 vs 55 +/- 65 mg; P < 0.01), and average end-shift salivary caffeine (1.6 +/- 1.9 vs 0.7 +/- 1.0 microg x mL(-1); P < 0.01). Total activity counts were higher (P = 0.046) when consuming FSR (507,833 +/- 129,130 counts per shift) compared with MRE (443,095 +/- 142,208 counts per shift). This was accomplished by spending a greater percentage of work shift with activity counts >1000 counts x min(-1) (21 +/- 8% vs 18 +/- 6%; P = 0.01) and less percent of work shift <50 counts x min(-1) (33 +/- 10% vs 38 +/- 10%; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Delivery of energy and caffeine in a manner that promotes snacking behavior is advantageous for increasing self-selected physical activity during arduous labor.

Fluid and food intake during professional men's and women's road-cycling tours

PURPOSE

To quantify the fluid and food consumed during a men's and women's professional road-cycling tour.

METHODS

Eight men (age 25 +/- 5 y, body mass 71.4 +/- 7.4 kg, and height 177.4 +/- 4.5 cm) and 6 women (age 26 +/- 4 y, body mass 62.5 +/- 5.6 kg, and height 170.4 +/- 5.2 cm) of the Australian Institute of Sport Road Cycling squads participated in the study. The men competed in the 6-d Tour Down Under (Adelaide, Australia), and the women, in the 10-d Tour De L'Aude (Aude, France). Body mass was recorded before and immediately after the race. Cyclists recalled the number of water bottles and amount of food they had consumed.

RESULTS

Men and women recorded body-mass losses of approximately 2 kg (2.8% body mass) and 1.5 kg (2.6% body mass), respectively, per stage during the long road races. Men had an average fluid intake of 1.0 L/h, whereas women only consumed on average 0.4 L/h. In addition, men consumed CHO at the rate suggested by dietitians (average CHO intake of 48 g/h), but again the women failed to reach recommendations, with an average intake of approximately 21 g/h during a road stage.

CONCLUSIONS

Men appeared to drink and eat during racing in accordance with current nutritional recommendations, but women failed to reach these guidelines. Both men and women finished their races with a body-mass loss of approximately 2.6% to 2.8%. Further research is required to determine the impact of this loss on road-cycling performance and thermoregulation.

A review of fluid and hydration in competitive tennis

Hypohydration is known to impair performance and increases the risk of heat injury. Therefore, the consumption of appropriate fluid volumes before, during, and after tennis play is important to maintain physiological homeostasis and performance. Tennis is a sport that typically has points lasting fewer than ten seconds, with short-to-moderate rest periods between each work bout. This sequence is repeated over hours. Most fluid and hydration research has focused on continuous aerobic exercise, which provides vastly different physiological strain compared with tennis practice and competition. Consequently, practical recommendations on maintaining hydration status for aerobic continuous exercise may not be appropriate for tennis athletes. Tennis players can sweat more than 2.5 L.h(-1) and replace fluids at a slower rate during competition than in practice. In warm and hot environments, electrolyte-enhanced fluid should be consumed at greater than >200 mL per changeover and ideally closer to 400 mL per changeover. Tennis scientists, coaches, and players need to individualize hydration protocols to arrive at the optimal hydration strategy.

Conference on "Multidisciplinary approaches to nutritional problems". Symposium on "Performance, exercise and health". Hydration, fluids and performance

Sweat evaporation can be a key thermoregulatory mechanism and it causes a loss of water from all compartments of the body. Hypohydration can also develop with restricted fluid intake or with intake of diuretics. Hypohydration can affect physical and/or mental performance and/or have implications for dietary recommendations. A variety of different types and modes of exercise performance can be influenced by hydration state. Reviews of the published literature are currently most conclusive for endurance exercise. Dehydration equivalent to 2% body mass loss during exercise in a hot environment (31-32 degrees C) impairs endurance performance, but when the exercise is performed in a temperate environment (20-21 degrees C) a 2% body mass loss appears to have a lesser and inconsequential effect. In cold environments a body mass loss >2% may be tolerable for endurance exercise. There is a less conclusive picture as to the effects of hypohydration on other types of physical performance, including strength and power activities, team sports and the skills component of many sports, and for mental performance. A number of physiological mechanisms are responsible for the effects observed. Fluid consumption can be used to attenuate the development of a water deficit or to correct it. The composition and temperature of a drink and the volume and rate of its consumption can all influence the physiological responses to ingestion and can impact on exercise performance.

Symposium on ‘Performance, exercise and health’ Practical aspects of nutrition in performance

The importance of nutrition in sport has been recognised since the ancient Olympians, and its role in improving both health and sports performance has widespread acceptance. However, in sporting circles nutritional knowledge, beliefs and practices are extremely varied. Within any sporting organisation the sports dietitian or nutritionist must be able to work with athletes, their family, coaches and other support staff to develop and monitor realistic and practical strategies that work best for each performer, contributing to a positive and sustained outcome on performance. The present review examines the practical application of current key issues in performance nutrition, highlighting the advantages of early intervention in youth development and comprehensive and integrated nutrition services.

Effect of the nucleotides CMP and UMP on exhaustion in exercise rats

The aetiology of muscle fatigue has yet not been clearly established. Administration of two nucleotides, cytosine monophosphate (CMP) and uridine monophosphate (UMP), has been prescribed for the treatment of neuromuscular affections in humans. Patients treated with CMP/UMP recover from altered neurological functions and experience pain relief, thus the interest to investigate the possible effect of the drug on exhausting exercise. With such aim, we have determined, in exercised rats treated with CMP/UMP, exercise endurance, levels of lactate, glucose and glycogen, and the activity of several metabolic enzymes such as, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Our results show that rats treated with CMP/UMP are able to endure longer periods of exercise (treadmill-run). Before exercise, muscle glucose level is significantly higher in treated rats, suggesting that the administration of CMP/UMP favours the entry of glucose in the muscle. Liver glycogen levels remains unaltered during exercise, suggesting that CMP/UMP may be implicated in maintaining the level of hepatic glycogen constant during exercise. Lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase activity is significantly lower in the liver of treated rats. These results suggest that administration of CMP/UMP enable rats to endure exercise by altering some metabolic parameters.

Effects of milk ingestion on prolonged exercise capacity in young, healthy men

OBJECTIVE

The effects of fluid intake during prolonged exercise have been extensively studied but at present there exists little information on the effects of milk-based drinks on the response to prolonged exercise. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of milk-based drinks on exercise capacity.

METHODS

Eight healthy males (age 24 +/- 4 y, height 1.76 +/- 0.04 m, mass 68.9 +/- 9.5 kg, body fat 12.5 +/- 2.4%, peak oxygen consumption 4.3 +/- 0.6 L/min) exercised to volitional exhaustion at 70% peak oxygen consumption on four occasions. Subjects ingested 1.5 mL/kg body mass of plain water, a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution, low-fat (0.1%) milk, or low-fat (0.1%) milk with added glucose before and every 10 min during exercise. The effect of the drink on exercise capacity and the cardiovascular, metabolic, and thermoregulatory responses to prolonged exercise were examined.

RESULTS

Exercise time to exhaustion was not significantly influenced by the drink ingested (P = 0.19), but there was a tendency for subjects to exercise longer when the carbohydrate-electrolyte (110.6, range 82.0-222.7 min), milk (103.3, range 85.7-228.5 min), or milk plus glucose (102.8, range 74.3-167.1 min) was ingested compared with water (93.3, range 82.4-192.3 min). The solution ingested did not influence the cardiovascular, metabolic, or thermoregulatory response to exercise.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that although the low-fat milk-based fluids did not enhance exercise capacity over that seen with the ingestion of plain water, the effect was comparable to that observed with a carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage.

Hypernatremia and intravenous fluid resuscitation in collapsed ultramarathon runners

OBJECTIVE

To determine if a return to normonatremia is required for symptomatology to resolve in collapsed hypernatremic runners and if intravenous (IV) administration of an isotonic solution would adversely affect serum sodium concentration ([Na+]) in collapsed normonatremic runners.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

2006 Comrades Marathon.

PARTICIPANTS

103 collapsed runners.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Final serum [Na] upon discharge.

RESULTS

58% of all collapsed runners were hypernatremic. Hypernatremic runners reported significantly more vomiting than normonatremic runners (79 versus 34%; P < 0.001). A significant decrease in serum [Na] in hypernatremic collapsed runners occurred after the IV administration of either 1 L of 0.45% normal saline (150.5 +/- 3.5 versus 148.0 +/- 4.6; P < 0.05) or Ringers lactate solution (147.7 +/- 2.2 versus 146.2 +/- 2.1; P < 0.05). One liter of IV fluid administration caused an increase in plasma volume that was not significantly different between (1) hypernatremic runners receiving a hypotonic solution (13.5 +/- 12.7%) and (2) normonatremic runners receiving an isotonic solution (15.6 +/- 11.3%). The final serum [Na+] of hypernatremic runners was above the range for normonatremia upon discharge (>145 mmol/L).

CONCLUSIONS

A return to normonatremia was not required for hypernatremic runners to "recover" and be discharged from the medical tent. Vomiting either aggravated and/or facilitated the development of hypernatremia. IV administration of 1 L of either (1) a hypotonic solution to hypernatremic runners or (2) an isotonic solution to both normonatremic and hypernatremic runners did not produce any adverse biochemical or cardiovascular changes and can therefore be considered a safe and effective treatment for collapsed runners if used in this context.

Sweat rate, salt loss, and fluid intake during an intense on-ice practice in elite Canadian male junior hockey players

Previous research in many sports suggests that losing ~1%–2% body mass through sweating impairs athletic performance. Elite-level hockey involves high-intensity bursts of skating, arena temperatures are >10 °C, and players wear protective equipment, all of which promote sweating. This study examined the pre-practice hydration, on-ice fluid intake, and sweat and sodium losses of 44 candidates for Canada’s junior men’s hockey team (mean ± SE age, 18.4 ± 0.1 y; height, 184.8 ± 0.9 cm; mass, 89.9 ± 1.1 kg). Players were studied in groups of 10–12 during 4 intense 1 h practices (13.9 °C, 66% relative humidity) on 1 day. Hydration status was estimated by measuring urine specific gravity (USG). Sweat rate was calculated from body mass changes and fluid intake. Sweat sodium concentration ([Na]) was analyzed in forehead sweat patch samples and used with sweat rate to estimate sodium loss. Over 50% of players began practice mildly hypohydrated (USG > 1.020). Sweat rate during practice was 1.8 ± 0.1 L·h–1 and players replaced 58% (1.0 ± 0.1 L·h–1) of the sweat lost. Body mass loss averaged 0.8% ± 0.1%, but 1/3 of players lost more than 1%. Sweat [Na] was 54.2 ± 2.4 mmol·L–1 and sodium loss averaged 2.26 ± 0.17 g during practice. Players drank only water during practice and replaced no sodium. In summary, elite junior hockey players incurred large sweat and sodium losses during an intense practice, but 2/3 of players drank enough to minimize body mass loss. However, 1/3 of players lost more than 1% body mass despite ready access to fluid and numerous drinking opportunities from the coaches.

The hydration ability of three commercially available sports drinks and water

This paper compares the hydration ability of three commercially-available sports drinks with water under conditions of rest and exercise, using a deuterium dilution technique. For the rest group, 0.05g/kg of body weight of deuterium, contained in gelatine capsules, was ingested with one of the test solutions and saliva samples were collected every five minutes for an hour while the subject remained seated. The deuterium was administered as above for the exercise group but sample collection was during one hour of exercise on a treadmill at 55% of the subject's maximum heart rate. The enrichment data for each subject were mathematically modelled to describe the kinetics of hydration and the parameters obtained were compared across drinks using a basic Anova. At rest, significant differences were found for t(1), t(1/2), and the percent of drink absorbed at t(1). The differences between drinks were not significant for t(2) or the maximum absorption rate. For the exercise group, the only significant difference was found between water and the sports drinks at t(1). Therefore, we conclude that labelling with a deuterium tracer is a good measure of the relative rate ingested fluids are absorbed by the body. Because of the lack of differences found at t(2), which is indicative of the 100% absorption time, both at rest and during exercise, it may be speculated that, compared to water, the sports drinks studied in this paper did not hydrate the body at a faster rate.

Hydration and physical performance

There is a rich scientific literature regarding hydration status and physical function that began in the late 1800s, although the relationship was likely apparent centuries before that. A decrease in body water from normal levels (often referred to as dehydration or hypohydration) provokes changes in cardiovascular, thermoregulatory, metabolic, and central nervous function that become increasingly greater as dehydration worsens. Similarly, performance impairment often reported with modest dehydration (e.g., -2% body mass) is also exacerbated by greater fluid loss. Dehydration during physical activity in the heat provokes greater performance decrements than similar activity in cooler conditions, a difference thought to be due, at least in part, to greater cardiovascular and thermoregulatory strain associated with heat exposure. There is little doubt that performance during prolonged, continuous exercise in the heat is impaired by levels of dehydration >or= -2% body mass, and there is some evidence that lower levels of dehydration can also impair performance even during relatively short-duration, intermittent exercise. Although additional research is needed to more fully understand low-level dehydration's effects on physical performance, one can generalize that when performance is at stake, it is better to be well-hydrated than dehydrated. This generalization holds true in the occupational, military, and sports settings.