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Effect of overhydration on time-trial swim performance
C M Maresh1, M F Bergeron, R W Kenefick
1The Human Performance Laboratory, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|December 1, 2001
Summary
Overhydration did not significantly improve swim performance in collegiate swimmers, despite some individual improvements. Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for optimal athletic performance in swimming.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Swimming Performance
Background:
- Hydration status is critical for athletic performance but understudied in swimmers.
- Theoretical benefits of overhydration include reduced fluid loss during intense exercise.
- Understanding hydration's impact is key for optimizing swim training and competition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of overhydration on performance in collegiate swimmers.
- To compare performance metrics between euhydrated and overhydrated states during a 183-m time trial.
- To determine if overhydration offers a performance advantage in swimming.
Main Methods:
- Eleven collegiate swimmers completed two 183-m time trials, one in a euhydrated (EUH) state and one in an overhydrated (OH) state, separated by three days.
- Hydration status was confirmed through plasma osmolality, urine specific gravity, and body weight measurements.
- Performance was assessed by time trial duration, with physiological markers like plasma lactate and heart rate also monitored.
Main Results:
- Overhydration was successfully induced, confirmed by significant differences in pre-exercise plasma osmolality, urine specific gravity, and body weight.
- No statistically significant differences were observed in post-exercise plasma osmolality, plasma volume, plasma lactate, heart rate, or perceived exertion between the EUH and OH conditions.
- While 7 out of 11 swimmers showed improved times in the OH state, the overall difference in performance time between EUH (121.2 ± 8.1 s) and OH (120.8 ± 7.7 s) was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).
- A significant negative correlation (r = -0.602, p < 0.05) was found between the change in body weight and the change in performance time from EUH to OH trials.
Conclusions:
- Overhydration did not provide a statistically significant performance advantage for collegiate swimmers in a 183-m time trial.
- The study highlights the importance of adequate hydration for maintaining swim performance.
- Individual responses to hydration status may vary, warranting further investigation into personalized hydration strategies for athletes.