Relationship between objective and subjective hydration measures on sprint performance among soccer players during actual matches in hot and humid environment
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-1-2022
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Studies that investigate the effect of hydration on soccer performance in the heat are mostly carried out in a laboratory -controlled environment or simulated setting. Generally, on site, hydration is measured subjectively. Hence, the relationships between objective and subjective hydration measures during actual soccer matches in natural hot and humid environment with performance remain unclear. METHODS: Forty-two soccer players (age: 27.34 +/- 3.62 years; BMI: 23.80 +/- 2.70 kg/m2; temperature: 30.8 +/- 1.92 degrees C; humidity: 82 +/- 1.4%) hydra-tion status were assessed using urine specific gravity (USG) and bodyweight (BW) as the objective measures, meanwhile, thirst was measured subjectively using a thirst scale. For performance evaluation, 20 and 50 m sprint time were measured before and after match. RESULTS: The results showed a significant relationship between USG and sprint time (r=1.00, CI 0.98-0.99; P<0.05), and as expected, USG at post-match was significantly higher than pre-match (P<0.05) indicating dehydration. In line, changes (between post and pre-match) in BW also showed positive relationship with changes in sprint time (r=0.99, CI 0.98-0.99; P<0.05). Not to our expectation, the self-reported thirst level was not found to be correlated with USG and sprint time. CONCLUSIONS: Objective measures better reflect hydration status and predict sprint performance compared to subjective measure when play-ing in hot and humid environment. Players need to monitor their hydration status to maintain their sprint performances. (Cite this article as: Lee MY, Khong TK, Ramliy N, Yusof A. Relationship between objective and subjective hydration measures on sprint perfor-mance among soccer players during actual matches in hot and humid environment. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2022;62:1560-7. DOI: 10.23736/ S0022-4707.21.13413-9)
Keywords
Organism hydration status, Soccer, Thirst, Urine
Divisions
1234
Funders
None
Publication Title
Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
Volume
62
Issue
11
Publisher
Edizione Minerva Medica
Publisher Location
CORSO BRAMANTE 83-85 INT JOURNALS DEPT., 10126 TURIN, ITALY