HYDRATION STATUS IN ATHLETES ON 15 KM STREET RACE UNDER ELEVATED HEAT STRESS

Introduction: An adequate hydration status is of utmost importance to participants of street running, both for better sports performance and to preventi disorders caused by heat. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the hydration status of males on a 15 km street race. Methods: The sample consisted of 15 males (37.67 + 7.22 years old) habitual street runners. The hydration status was evaluated before and after the race by the following parameters: body weight, color and urine specific gravity (USG), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Ht). In data analysis, the paired Student t-test or the Wilcoxon test were used, setting as statistically significant p < 0.01. Results: There was a decrease in body weight of the subjects after the race (p < 0.0001), as well as an increase in Hb and Ht. Despite the observed decrease in USG after exercise, there was no significant improvement in the standard of urine color or difference between the initial and final contents of total body water. The room temperature (RT) and relative humidity (RH) were 38.75 +/- 1.79 degrees C and 37.37 +/- 4.66%, respectively. Conclusion: The exercise in the environment at issue led the individuals to a state of dehydration, only detected by the analysis of variation in body weight and blood parameters such as Hb and Ht. Urinary parameters such as urine color and USG, as well as those obtained by BIA, were probably confused by variables that were not controlled by the present study.