Effects of Playing Position on Hydration Status in Collegiate Marching Band Musicians

Marching band musicians often endure prolonged daily practices in warm-hot outdoor environments. Evaluation of hydration status by instrument position can shed light on health-related issues for these performers. The objective of this study was: a) to determine the effects of playing position on hydration status based on urinary biomarkers (urinary specific gravity and urinary osmolality) before and after marching band practice, and b) to evaluate the relation of hydration status with body mass change and fluid consumption for all playing positions.

Fifty-eight collegiate marching band players participated in this study, involving five playing positions: band pit (n=10), baritone and euphonium (n=12), snare drum (n=13), trumpet (n=12), and tuba (n=11). All participants performed their own routine marching band practice, which lasted a total of 6 hrs on 1 day. Each individual consumed ad libitum commercially available carbohydrate-electrolyte solution during the practice. To determine hydration status, urine samples were collected before and after practice for analysis of urinary specific gravity and urinary osmolality. Body weight and total fluid intake were also assessed pre- and post-exercise.

There were no significant effects for playing position and time or interaction concerning the levels of urinary osmolality and specific gravity after practice.

Our main findings suggest that hydration status may be similar among the different playing positions following prolonged practice in the outdoor environment.