Voluntary hypohydration in 10- to 12-year-old boys

This study was performed to determine whether a) children voluntarily dehydrate while exercising in hot climate; b) such dehydration affects their well-being and thermoregulation. Eleven 10p to 12-yr old, partially acclimatized boys underwent two work-in-the-heat protocols (cycle rides, 45% aerobic capacity at 39 degrees C, 45% rh). During one session they drank only voluntarily when thirsty (VD). In the other, drinking was forced (FD) to replenish fluid losses. VD induced a progressively increasing fluid loss (0.3% of body wt.h-1) due to insufficient drinking (72% of intake in FD). URinary output was lower (55.7 vs. 81.6 ml.h-1) and its osmolality higher (880 vs. 523 meq.1-1) than during FD. Sweat rate, rectal (Tre) and mean skin (T-sk) temperatures, heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, sweat gland counts, blood hemoglobin, hematocrit (Hct), serum electrolytes, and total proteins did not differ between sessions. However, the rise of Tre, Hct, and proteins positively correlated with hypohydration level. It is concluded that exercising children progressively dehydrate when not forced to drink. At equal levels of % weight loss they have greater Tre rise than do lean adults.