Dehydration and Performance in Athletes
Chapter from the book:
Uluç,
E.
A.
&
Uluç,
S.
&
Çetin,
B.
(eds.)
2024.
Academic Research and Evaluations in the Field of Sports Sciences VII.
Synopsis
This study examines the impact of hydration status on athletic performance. Maximizing an athlete's physical performance is associated with several factors, including muscle strength, endurance, proper nutrition, and well-prepared training programs. Maximum oxygen consumption is a critical factor for high performance, and insufficient oxygen levels can negatively affect athletes' performance. Fluid balance in the body plays a vital role in essential processes such as digestion, metabolism, and body temperature regulation. During intense exercise, athletes may lose water through sweating, leading to dehydration and a subsequent decrease in performance.
During exercise, the body’s fluid balance is crucial for circulation and thermoregulation. When adequate fluid intake is not maintained, disruptions may occur in bodily functions, such as chemical reactions, the transport of nutrients to muscles, and the elimination of waste products. Water loss during training or competition can delay the delivery of necessary nutrients to the muscles, thereby impacting performance negatively.
In conclusion, athletes must pay attention to their hydration levels to maintain optimal performance. Sufficient fluid intake should be planned before, during, and after training or competition, and water consumption should not be neglected. In this context, water intake is considered an essential element for sustaining a healthy life.