Hydration for Better Performance – Autonomous or Prescribed Drinking Regime?
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2017 |
| Type | Article in Proceedings |
| Conference | Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Kinanthropology |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Keywords | athletes; dehydration; endurance; fluid intake; physical activity |
| Description | The amount and way of fluid administration during exercise and consequent changes in body weight are now being challenged in scientific literature. A contrasting debate between scientists supporting either the autonomous or prescribed model of fluid intake is escalating. Currently accepted guidelines, taken from the American College of Sport Medicine position stand published in 2007, favor an individually prescribed fluid intake regime with the aim of eliminating the negative effects of hypo-hydration on the athlete’s performance and health. The use of the prescribed regime assumes the estimation of the sweating rate. Contrasting to the theoretical postulation, however, athletes usually autonomously regulate fluid intake either by physiological signals (e.g. thirst) or they simply drink at any time and in any quantity (ad libitum). Based on the growing scientific evidence, autonomous hydration strategies may not reduce performance, even endurance-based in warm environment. |