New Research: Young Sailors More Dehydrated as Competition Continued

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Stavros Kavouras, left, and Adam Seal

New research from a team including a University of Arkansas doctoral student and professor shows young sailors became increasingly dehydrated over four days of competing in the Junior World Sailing Championship.

Stavros Kavouras, professor of exercise science, and graduate student Adam Seal worked with researchers at Harokopio University in Greece and the University of Athens. They studied 12 boys ages 14-16 considered elite sailors who competed in the 2015 event held in the Netherlands.

Kavouras directs the Hydration Science Lab in the College of Education and Health Professions. The article titled "Progressive Dehydration in Junior Laser Class Sailors During World Championship" was published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.

The researchers measured body weight, took urine samples and recorded thirst ratings of the subjects over the competition period. Pre-race body weight significantly and progressively decreased over the course of the competition, indicating progressive dehydration. The study is the first to show the phenomenon occurring progressively throughout a multi-day competition, the team reported.

The data also indicate that relying on thirst alone to maintain optimal hydration is not effective, especially in events spanning multiple days, and the researchers recommend hydration education for athletes. However, considering the unique nature of competitive sailing, the results of the study may not be generalizable to other multi-day sporting events.