Hydration and thermal strain during tennis in the heat

Abstract

Competitive tennis in the heat can prompt substantial sweat losses and extensive consequent body water and electrolyte deficits, as well as a level of thermal strain that considerably challenges a player's physiology, perception of effort, and on-court well-being and performance. Adequate hydration and optimal performance can be notably difficult to maintain when multiple same-day matches are played on successive days in hot weather. Despite the recognised effects of the heat, much more research needs to be carried out to better appreciate the broader scope and full extent of the physiological demands and hydration and thermal strain challenges facing junior and adult players in various environments, venues and competition scenarios. However, certain recommendations of best practices should be emphasised to minimise exertional heat illness risk and improve player safety, well-being and on-court performance.

Assessment of Physical Demands and Fluid Balance in Elite Female Handball Players During a 6-Day Competitive Tournament

“…As observed previously, no relationships were found between whole body sweat rate and sweat concentration of any electrolyte (Maughan et al, 2007b;Kilding et al, 2009). This is in contrast to recent data in tennis which suggests sweat sodium concentration is related to an individual athletes sweat rate (Bergeron, 2014). Given that a significant correlation did exist between player sweat rates and time spent exercising at higher intensities, present data are suggestive that time exposure to intense exercise may, in part, have a role in overall electrolyte loss (Hamouti et al, 2011).…”

Lifestyle Modification Decreases Arterial Stiffness in Overweight and Obese Men: Dietary Modification vs. Exercise Training

“…As observed previously, no relationships were found between whole body sweat rate and sweat concentration of any electrolyte (Maughan et al, 2007b;Kilding et al, 2009). This is in contrast to recent data in tennis which suggests sweat sodium concentration is related to an individual athletes sweat rate (Bergeron, 2014). Given that a significant correlation did exist between player sweat rates and time spent exercising at higher intensities, present data are suggestive that time exposure to intense exercise may, in part, have a role in overall electrolyte loss (Hamouti et al, 2011).…”

Acute Medical Problems in the Adolescent Tennis Player

“…In addition to their rigorous training schedules, tournament play poses the even more grueling challenge of multiple same-day matches [ 1 ]. When players are required to play more than one match per day with little time for rest and rehydration, there is an increased risk of heat-related illness from a phenomenon known as cumulative dehydration [ 2 ].…”

“…Therefore, sports beverages containing sodium and chloride should be encouraged [ 3 ]. The combination of strong and constant exposure to the sun, high humidity levels, and degree of dehydration can lead to a variety of medical issues that vary in severity from exertional heat cramps to the potentially fatal exertional heat stroke [ 1 ].…”