Although there are many studies demonstrating a high percentage of adult athletes which start exercise in sub-optimal hydration state, limited data concerning hydration levels in athletic youth exists. The purpose of this study was to identify the hydration status of elite young athletes of different sports, during a typical day of training. Fifty-nine young elite men athletes from different sports (basketball, gymnastics, swimming, running, canoeing) participated in the study (age: 15.2±1.3 y, years of training: 7.7±2.0). Hydration status was assessed in the morning, before and immediately after practice. Data collection took place at the same time of the day, with mean environmental temperature and humidity at the time of the measurements at 27.6±0.9 °C and 58±8%, respectively. All athletes trained for approximately 90 min and they were consuming fluids ad libitum throughout their practice. Over 89% of the athletes were hypohydrated (USG≥1.020 mg/dl) based on their first morning urine sample. Pre-training urine samples revealed that 76.3% of the athletes were hypohydrated, while a significant high percent remained hypohydrated even after training according to USG values ≥ 1.020 mg/dl (74.5%) and urine color scale: 5-6 (76.3%). Mean body weight loss during training was −1.1±0.07%. We concluded that the prevalence of hypohydration among elite young athletes is very high, as indicated by the USG and urine color values. The majority of the athletes was hypohydrated throughout the day and dehydrated even more during practice despite fluid availability.

Mouth-rinsing with carbohydrate solutions during cycling time trials results in performance enhancements, however the majority of studies have utilised ~6% carbohydrate solutions.Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of mouth-rinsing with 4%, 6%, and 8% carbohydrate (CHO) solutions on 1-h simulated cycling time trial performance. On four occasions, seven trained male cyclists completed at the postprandial period, a set amount of work as fast as possible in a randomised, counterbalanced order. The subjects mouth rinsed for 5-s, upon completion of each 12.5% of the trial, with 25 mL of a non-CHO placebo, 4%, 6%, and 8% CHO solutions. No additional fluids were consumed during the time trial. Heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), thirst (TH) and subjective feelings (SF) were recorded after each rinse. Further, blood samples were drawn every 25% of the trial to measure blood glucose (BG) and blood lactate (BG) concentrations, whilst whole body carbohydrate oxidation was monitored continuously. Time to completion was not significant between conditions with the placebo, 4%, 6%, and 8% conditions completing the trials in 62.0 ± 3.0, 62.8 ± 4.0, 63.4 ± 3.4, and 63 ±4.0 minutes respectively. There were no significant differences between conditions in any of the variables mentioned above however significant time effects were observed for HR, RPE, TH, and SF. Post-hoc analysis showed that TH and SF of subjects in the CHO conditions but not in the placebo were significantly increased by completion of the time trial. In conclusion, mouth-rinsing with CHO solutions did not impact 1-h cycling performance in the postprandial period and in the absence of fluid intake. Our findings suggest that there is scope for further research to explore the activation regions of the brain and whether they are receptive to CHO dose, before specific recommendations for athletic populations are established. Consequently mouth-rinsing as a practical strategy for coaches and athletes is questionable under specific 3 conditions and should be carefully considered before its inclusion. The emphasis should be focused on appropriate dietary and fluid strategies during training and competition.

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