Background
Dehydration refers to an imbalance in fluid dynamics when fluid intake doesn’t replenish water losses. Limiting dehydration during training and competition is a major concern for soccer players. A moderate exercise workout generally produces a 0.5to1.5 litre sweat loss over a 1 hour period, depending on training status and individual features. Changes in body weight (before/after match) indicate the extent of body loss during exercise, and the adequacy of fluid supply during the match. However, it’s also important to consider fluid shifts between different body compartments (intra vs. extracellular), and the influence of fluid loss and shifts on functional and subjective parameters and fatigue. The aim of the study was to assess individual sweat rates during a soccer match, and the relationships between sweat rates and both body composition change and rate of perceived exhaustion.