Pre-exercise hypohydration prevalence in soccer players: A quantitative systematic review

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Hydration Research

Background:

• Pre-exercise hypohydration negatively impacts soccer performance.
• Understanding hypohydration prevalence across diverse soccer player demographics is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and report hypohydration prevalence in soccer players.
• To analyze prevalence based on sex, performance level, and context (training vs. games).

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of Pubmed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus databases until November 2018.
• Inclusion of 24 studies measuring hypohydration via urine specific gravity (USG), urine osmolality (U Osm), or urine color.
• Pooled data analysis to compare hypohydration prevalence across subgroups.

Main Results:

• Overall pre-exercise hypohydration prevalence was 63.3% (USG), 37.4% (U Osm), and 58.8% (urine color).
• Higher prevalence observed in males (66.0%), professional players (66.2%), and before training sessions (79.6%) using USG.
• No studies utilized blood samples; prevalence was 46.8% in females and 55.6% in recreational players.

Conclusions:

• Pre-exercise hypohydration is a significant concern in soccer players.
• Hydration status requires attention, especially in male, professional, and training contexts.
• Further research is needed to develop sustainable methods for improving pre-exercise hydration.