Fluid Balance and Carbohydrate Intake of Elite Female Soccer Players during Training and Competition

Abstract

This study examined sweat rate, sweat sodium concentration [Na+], and ad-libitum carbohydrate and fluid intakes in elite female soccer players during training (n = 19) and a match (n = 8); eight completed both for comparisons. Body mass (kg) was obtained before and after exercise to calculate sweat rate. The sweat [Na+] was determined from absorbent patches on the thigh or back. Sweat rate, percentage body mass change, and sweat [Na+] for 19 players during training were 0.47 ± 0.19 L·h−1, +0.19 ± 0.65%, and 28 ± 10 mmol·L−1, respectively. Sweat rate was higher during a match (0.98 ± 0.34 L·h−1) versus training (0.49 ± 0.26 L·h−1, p = 0.007). Body mass losses were greater post-match (−1.12 ± 0.86%) than training (+0.29 ± 0.34%, p = 0.003). Sweat [Na+] was similar for training (29 ± 9 mmol·L−1) and a match (35 ± 9 mmol·L−1) (p = 0.215). There were no differences in match versus training carbohydrate intakes (2.0 ± 2.3 g·h−1, 0.9 ± 1.5 g·h−1, respectively, p = 0.219) or fluid intakes (0.71 ± 0.30 L·h−1, 0.53 ± 0.21 L·h−1, respectively, p = 0.114). In conclusion, female soccer players’ sweat rates were higher during a match than during training, and carbohydrate intakes were below recommendations for matches and training.

Analysis of Fluid Balance and Urine Values in Elite Soccer Players: Impact of Different Environments, Playing Positions, Sexes, and Competitive Levels

“…Studies have shown that women generally have lower SR values due to their lower body mass and lower absolute work rates [ 12 , 21 ]. Our results are consistent with the scientific literature, indicating lower values in female soccer players (0.65 ± 0.16 L/h) compared to U23-21 male soccer players (1.14 ± 0.54 L/h), particularly during summer training in both RM (0.72 ± 0.17 L/h vs. 1.34 ± 0.46 L/h) and n-RM (0.68 ± 0.16 L/h vs. 1.46 ± 0.40 L/h).…”

“…It is important to note that the sensation of thirst may not always accurately reflect the body’s fluid needs [ 11 ]. Additionally, the high-intensity nature of soccer, coupled with limited fluid availability during competitions, may increase the risk of dehydration for players [ 4 , 12 ].…”

Fluid Balance, Sodium Losses and Hydration Practices of Elite Squash Players during Training

“…Pre-session urine osmolarity conveyed that 11/14 players (79%) commenced the training session euhydrated (<700 mOsmol·kg −1 ) [ 54 ], with a mean pre-session urine osmolarity of 453 ± 283 mOsmol·kg −1 . Previous research investigating the pre-exercise hydration status of athletes in a variety of sports is equivocal, with some athletes displaying euhydration pre-exercise [ 65 , 68 , 70 , 71 , 73 , 75 , 77 , 79 , 80 , 90 , 93 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 100 , 102 , 115 ] and others displaying hypohydration pre-exercise [ 62 , 63 , 66 , 72 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 82 , 84 , 88 , 89 , 91 , 92 , 94 , 95 , 101 , 116 ]. Athletes’ hydration status appears to be individualised, as exhibited by the range in values recorded in the present study (150 mOsmol·kg −1 to 1000 mOsmol·kg −1 ).…”

“…Athletes’ hydration status appears to be individualised, as exhibited by the range in values recorded in the present study (150 mOsmol·kg −1 to 1000 mOsmol·kg −1 ). Indeed, previous research displays high variability among cohorts of athletes [ 62 , 63 , 65 , 66 , 68 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 82 , 84 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 , 95 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 100 , 101 , 115 , 116 ].…”

“…Previous research has quantified the fluid balance, sweat [Na + ] losses and hydration practices of athletes in a variety of racket sports, such as tennis [ 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 ] and badminton [ 64 ], as well as high intensity intermittent sports, such as soccer [ 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 ], American football [ 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 ], basketball [ 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 ], field hockey [ 93 ]; ice hockey [ 94 , 95 , 96 , 97 ], Gaelic football [ 98 ], rugby league [ 99 , 100 ], and rugby union [ 101 , 102 ]. Despite this, no study has quantified the fluid balance, sweat [Na + ] or hydration practices of elite squash players during a training session.…”