PREVALENCE OF DEHYDRATION BEFORE TRAINING IN PROFESIONAL CHILEAN SOCCER PLAYERS

Introduction: there is a lack of studies concerning hydration status before training in professional soccer player. Purpose: to describe hydration status before regular training practices in professional soccer players. Methods: a total of 156 male soccer players (age 25.4 +/- 5.2 y) from six professional Chilean clubs were included. No hydration or food intake recommendations were made before experiment, with the aim to assess hydration status under athlete's regular "real" conditions. Body mass, height and urine specific gravity (USG) measurements were performed before training practices. Results: 98% of athletes showed dehydration (between moderate and severe) before regular training practices. Discussion: dehydration is the most prevalent hydration status in professional Chilean soccer players before training, which may negatively affect athlete's performance and may increase their risk of heat-related injuries.