Summary
The Gatorade Sports Science Institute conducted a review on several clinical hydration assessment techniques. “Although there is no scientific consensus for 1) how best to assess the hydration status of athletes, 2) what criteria to use as acceptable outcome measurements, or 3) the best time to apply practical assessment methods, there are methods that can be used to provide athletes with useful feedback about their hydration status.” (Cheuvront, Sawka, 2006)
One method in particular was evaluating shifts in body mass. “Body mass is often used to assess the rapid changes of athlete hydration in both laboratory and field environments. Acute changes in hydration are calculated as the difference between pre- and post-exercise body mass. The level of dehydration is best expressed as a percentage of starting body mass rather than as a percentage of Total Body Weight because the latter varies widely.” (Cheuvront, Sawka, 2006)
“There is also evidence that body mass may be a sufficiently stable physiological marker for monitoring daily fluid balance, even over longer periods (1-2-wks).” (Cheuvront, Sawka, 2006)
Analysis
It is a widely accepted scientific notion that body mass evaluations can serve as a measurement for fluid intake levels. This something that will inform the structure of a primary research method. Specifically, it can be applied to a daily log research format. The current project timeline aligns perfectly with evidence, suggesting that it would take one to two weeks in order to mark an individual’s daily fluid balance. The research phase of this project will end at the beginning of October, which means that there is a little over three weeks to retrieve data. By implementing a daily log, I’ll gain insight into the daily progression of the player’s BMI. Additionally, a log will allow them to track other external factors (e.g. temperature, duration of exercise) that could potentially influence the data.
Sources
Cheuvront, Samuel, and Michael Sawka. “Hydration Assessment of Athletes.” Gatorade Sports Science Institute, Oct. 2006, https://www.gssiweb.org/sports-science-exchange/article/sse-97-hydration-assessment-of-athletes.
