Fluid Needs for Training, Competition, and Recovery in Track-and-Field Athletes.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Environmental Physiology
• Athletic Performance

Background:

• Upcoming 2019 International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) World Championships in Qatar and 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo face record-breaking heat.
• Extreme temperatures significantly amplify the importance of hydration for track-and-field athletes.
• Variability in track-and-field events, training, and individual physiology leads to diverse fluid needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the risks of dehydration for track-and-field athletes in extreme heat.
• To examine the potential consequences of dehydration on athletic performance.
• To discuss effective strategies for mitigating dehydration risks.

Main Methods:

• Classification of track-and-field events based on dehydration risk (low, moderate, high).
• Assessment of risk factors including training scenarios, competition environment, fluid availability, and sweat loss.
• Literature review on hydration, performance, and heat stress in athletics.

Main Results:

• Track-and-field events present varying risks for dehydration due to environmental and physiological factors.
• Dehydration poses significant threats to athlete performance and health in hot conditions.
• Individualized hydration plans are essential for optimal fluid balance.

Conclusions:

• Athletes competing in hot climates require heightened attention to hydration.
• Understanding event-specific and individual dehydration risks is key.
• Implementing proactive hydration strategies can safeguard performance and well-being.