Publication at Second Faculty of Medicine |
2012
Abstract
Available data indicate that despite maturation difference in sweating rates, child athletes appear to incurr similar levels of dehydration during exercise as adults. Thirst-driven drinking behavior also appears to be similar, as ad libitum fluid intake, as percentage of looses is comparable.
The level of voluntary drinking 13 ml.kg-1.h-1 for body weight is expected to avoid detrimental levels of dehydration. Post-exercise replenishment of 4 ml.kg-1 is equally important prior to subsequent exercise bouts.
Coaches and parents therefore need to take responsibility for enforcing fluid intake guidelines in young athletes.