BackgroundOlympic class sailing poses physiological challenges similar to other endurance sports such as cycling or running, with sport specific challenges of limited access to nutrition and hydration during competition. As changes in hydration status can impair sports performance, examining fluid consumption patterns and fluid/electrolyte requirements of Olympic class sailors is necessary to develop specific recommendations for these elite athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine if Olympic class sailors could maintain hydration status with self-regulated fluid consumption in cold conditions and the effect of fixed fluid intake on hydration status in warm conditions.MethodsIn our cold condition study (CCS), 11 elite Olympic class sailors were provided ad libitum access to three different drinks. Crystal Light (control, C); Gatorade (experimental control, G); and customized sailing-specific Infinit (experimental, IN) (1.0:0.22 CHO:PRO), were provided on three separate training days in cold 7.1°C [4.2 – 11.3]. Our warm condition study (WCS) examined the effect of fixed fluid intake (11.5 mL.kg.-1.h-1) of C, G and heat-specific experimental Infinit (INW)(1.0:0.074 CHO:PRO) on the hydration status of eight elite Olympic Laser class sailors in 19.5°C [17.0 - 23.3]. Both studies used a completely random design.ResultsIn CCS, participants consumed 802 ± 91, 924 ± 137 and 707 ± 152 mL of fluid in each group respectively. This did not change urine specific gravity, but did lead to a main effect for time for body mass (p < 0.001), blood sodium, potassium and chloride with all groups lower post-training (p < 0.05). In WCS, fixed fluid intake increased participant’s body mass post-training in all groups (p < 0.01) and decreased urine specific gravity post-training (p < 0.01). There was a main effect for time for blood sodium, potassium and chloride concentration, with lower values observed post-training (p < 0.05). C blood sodium concentrations were lower than the INW group post-training (p = 0.031) with a trend towards significance in the G group (p = 0.069).ConclusionAd libitum fluid consumption in cold conditions was insufficient in preventing a decrease in body mass and blood electrolyte concentration post-training. However, when a fixed volume of 11.5 mL.kg.-1.h-1 was consumed during warm condition training, hydration status was maintained by preventing changes in body mass and urine specific gravity.
An effective taper in training load is essential for increased performance outcomes at competition, however optimal taper individualization remains elusive. Monitoring psychological and physical adaptations that occur during the taper may help guide the optimization of training during a taper resulting in improvements in performance. We monitored physical and psychological variables as well as competition performance of 10 elite swimmers before and during a 21-day taper in preparation for the Canadian National Championships or World Championships. Mood and recovery were assessed using the Brunel Mood Scale and the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire. Resting muscle tension, skin conductance, and respiration rate were measured using biofeedback technology. Speed and heart rate were assessed with a 2 Â 200 m submaximal swim test. Resting HR was measured using the Rusko test. We hypothesized that psychological and physiological measurements would change during the taper phase and that these changes would be associated with improved competition performance. Results showed that the Brunel Mood Scale, Recovery-Stress Questionnaire, 2 Â 200 m submaximal test, and the Rusko test changed significantly throughout the taper period. Variables from the Brunel Mood Scale and the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire showed a significant relationship with improved performance, indicating that these questionnaires show good utility for assessing progress during a taper in the future.
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