Feasibility Study of an Educational Intervention to Improve Water Intake in Adolescent Soccer Players: A Two-Arm, Non-Randomized Controlled Cluster Trial

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of an educational intervention on hydration behavior in adolescent soccer players. A pilot study of a two-arm, non-randomized controlled cluster trial was conducted. A total of 316 players aged 13–16 agreed to participate. The response variables were the players’ participation in the intervention, their perception of the knowledge acquired, the usefulness and the overall assessment of the intervention. Hydration patterns and acquisition of knowledge on hydration behavior were also assessed. The intervention involved two elements: posters and a web app. A total of 259 adolescents completed the study (intervention group (IG) = 131; control group (CG) = 128). 80.6% of the players responded to the survey assessing the feasibility of the intervention. The mean number of correct answers regarding behavior was significantly higher in the IG (3.54; SD = 1.162) than in the CG (2.64; SD = 1.174) (p < 0.001). The water consumption pattern at all the clubs was ad libitum. Of the players, 10% did not drink any water at all during the game. In conclusion, this intervention has been shown to be feasible for implementation with adolescent soccer players. It suggests that hydration guidelines should be informed by personal factors and that ad libitum water consumption should be avoided.

Analysis of Fluid Balance and Urine Values in Elite Soccer Players: Impact of Different Environments, Playing Positions, Sexes, and Competitive Levels

“…Effective interventions include talks, informative posters, infographics, and web or mobile applications. These interventions have been shown to improve knowledge and habits in young soccer players [ 42 , 43 , 44 ]. In our study, we found that U19-17 soccer players had lower values for SR, fluid intake, and weight loss after exercise compared to U23-21 soccer players, particularly during summer training.…”

“…Physiological differences may contribute to discrepancies in these values. Factors such as a higher basal metabolic rate in adults, a higher body mass to body surface area ratio, more efficient thermoregulatory capacity in adults, physiological development, and established hydration habits may result in a greater need for thermoregulation through sweating during exercise [ 4 , 42 , 45 ].…”

A questionnaire study on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of fluid replacement and urination among Chinese elite athletes

“…Atkins WC et al [ 48 ] have reported that educational intervention improves hydration status and behaviours in high school football players. Martín-Payo [ 49 ] has also reported that feasible educational intervention improves hydration behaviour in adolescent soccer players, but hydration guidelines should be based on personal factors. In a word, an appropriate and personalized rehydration education is necessary.…”

Improving hydration in elite male footballers during a national team training camp – an observational case study

“…Previous reports have indicated a lower rate of hypohydration in football players [ 13 , 15 ]. It is well established that thirst does not constitute a proper measure for dictating fluid intake, and proper hydration guidance should be provided to players to prevent hypohydration and induce proper hydration levels [ 15 , 25 ]. The results of this study support this suggestion, since the educational intervention that was implemented in order to advise for proper hydration resulted in progressively lower dehydration rates in players participating in this series of football fixtures.…”