Progressive Dehydration in Junior Laser Class Sailors During World Championship

Abstract

The purpose of this manuscript is to assess hydration status of elite young sailing athletes during World Championship competition. 12 young elite male Laser Class sailors (age: 15.8±1.1 y, height: 1.74±0.1 m, weight: 65.1±1.5 kg, body fat: 12.5±3.1%, training experience: 7.0±1.2 y) participated in this descriptive study. After three-day baseline bodyweight measurements, hydration status was assessed via pre-and post-race body weights, urine specific gravity, and thirst ratings via a visual analog scale during 4 consecutive days of racing.Measurements and data collection took place at the same time each racing day, with mean environmental temperature, humidity, and wind speed at 23.0±0.8 o C, 64-70% and 9±1 knots, respectively. Average racing time was 130±9 min. Body weight was significantly decreased following each race-day as compared to pre-race values (day 1: -1.1±0.2, day 2: -2.5±0.1, day 3: -2.8±0.1, and day 4: -3.0±0.1% of body weight; P<0.05). The participants exhibited dehydration of -2.9±0.2 and -5.8±0.2% of body weight before and after the 4th racing day as compared to the 3-day baseline body weight. Urine specific gravity (pre -post  day 1:1.014-1.017; day 2: 1.019-1.024; day 3: 1.021-1.026; day 4: 1.022-1.027) and thirst (pre -post  day 1: 2.0-5.2; day 2: 3.2-5.5; day 3: 3.7-5.7; day 4: 3.8-6.8) were also progressively and significantly elevated throughout the four days of competition. The data revealed progressive dehydration throughout four consecutive days of racing as indicated by decreased body weight, elevated urine concentration, and high thirst.

Analysis of Sports Supplements Consumption in Young Spanish Elite Dinghy Sailors

“…The results show higher consumption of SS in the days of competition with respect to the rest of the options, regardless of sex or the level of competition. This behavior may be driven by the fact that nutrition and hydration can be compromised during competition [20], due to the physical demand and limited access to liquid and solid foods [16]. In fact, when observing the most consumed SS (see Table 3), isotonic bars, and drinks are among the most consumed supplements.…”

“…Moreover, the competition rules and the small size of the boat allow the sailor to carry small amounts of food and drinks [16]. Consequently, it is likely that the nutritional status and hydration of sailors are compromised during the competition; thus the replenishment of nutrients and hydration becomes fundamental during pre-competition, competition, and post-competition periods [20]. Despite this, there are no specific nutrition guidelines for this sport, and the literature on the intake of food and liquids of sailors before, during, and after the regattas is scarce, although existing studies reveal that nutritional practices of sailors do not meet current nutrition guidelines [16].…”

Thermoregulatory burden of elite sailing athletes during exercise in the heat: A pilot study

“…Both exercise tests were separated by at least 3 days, and were scheduled at the same time of the day, to avoid interaction with the circadian rhythm [15]. The athletes were instructed to drink at least 500 ml of water 2 to 3 hours prior to the test to ensure proper hydration as progressive dehydration is indicated in Junior Laser Class Sailing during World Championship [16,17]. Furthermore, intake of fluid and nutrition was not allowed from 1 hour prior to the test until the end of the protocol.…”

Up in the Air: Evidence of Dehydration Risk and Long-Haul Flight on Athletic Performance

“…More comprehensive insight via EMG or interpolated twitch techniques is still needed. Interestingly, there are as yet no data on the combined effects of jet lag and dehydration on neuromuscular performance in weight-class athletes, including combat sports athletes, weightlifters, gymnasts, or sailors [53][54][55][56]. This is rather unexpected, since it is well known that these athletes will typically restrict their food and fluid intake ahead of competition to maintain lower body weight in an attempt to increase their likelihood of competitive success.…”