Body Weight Changes and Voluntary Fluid Intakes during Training and Competition Sessions in Team Sports

TLDR

The study measured fluid losses and voluntary intakes in elite basketball, netball, and soccer teams during typical summer and winter sessions to determine fluid requirements and replacement adequacy. Participants were weighed before and after training and competition, and data on fluid intake, exercise duration, environmental conditions, and drinking opportunities were recorded, while factors such as personal water bottles, proximity, encouragement, game rules, break frequency, and sweat rate awareness were noted to assess fluid replacement. Sweat rates were highest during competition and lower during weight sessions, seasonal dehydration differences were modest—especially indoors—and the authors offer sport‑specific guidelines to optimize fluid intake.

Abstract

Fluid losses (measured by body weight changes) and voluntary fluid intakes were measured in elite basketball, netball, and soccer teams during typical summer and winter exercise sessions to determine fluid requirements and the degree of fluid replacement. Each subject was weighed in minimal clothing before and immediately after training, weights, and competition sessions; fluid intake, duration of exercise, temperature and humidity, and opportunity to drink were recorded. Sweat rates were greatest during competition sessions and significantly lower during weights sessions for all sports. Seasonal variation in dehydration (%DH) was not as great as may have been expected, particularly in sports played indoors. Factors influencing fluid replacement during exercise included provision of an individual water bottle, proximity to water bottles during sessions, encouragement to drink, rules of the game, duration and number of breaks or substitutions, and awareness of personal sweat rates. Guidelines for optimizing fluid intakes in these three sports are provided.