Educational strategies used in increasing fluid intake and enhancing hydration status in field hockey players preparing for competition in a hot and humid environment: A case study

The purpose of the present study was to develop a hydration strategy for us e by female English field hockey players at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia. An additional aim was to initiate the process of acclimation. Fif teen elite players, mean age (+/- SEM) 24.1 +/-1.19 years, height 1.67 +/-0 .01 m, and body mass 62.8 +/-1.76 kg, took part in a 5-day training camp im mediately prior to departure for the Games. In order to develop the hydrati on strategy, training took place under similar environmental conditions to those to be experienced in Malaysia (i.e., 32 degreesC, 80% humidity). Accl imation training consisted of 30-50 min of either continuous, low intensity cycling or high intensity intermittent cycling, which more closely replica ted the pattern of activity in field hockey. Body mass measures taken each morning, and pre and post training, together with urine color measures, wer e used to assess hydration status. Pre-loading with up to 1 L of a 3% carbo hydrate-electrolyte solution or water immediately prior to acclimation trai ning, as well as regular drinks throughout, ensured that players avoided si gnificant dehydration, with percent body mass changes ranging from -0.34% t o +4.24% post training. Furthermore, the protocol used was sufficient to in itiate the process of acclimation as demonstrated by a significant reductio n in exercising heart rate and core temperature at all time points by days 4 and 5. In conclusion, although labor intensive and time consuming, the ca mp was successful in developing a hydration strategy that players were able to utilize once at the Games.