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Int J Sports Med 2009; 30(6): 443-447
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1105945
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Sweat Rate and Sweat Electrolyte Composition in International Female Soccer Players during Game Specific Training

A. E. Kilding 1 , H. Tunstall 2 , E. Wraith 1 , 3 , M. Good 4 , C. Gammon 1 , 3 , C. Smith 1 , 3
  • 1School of Sport and Recreation, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
  • 2New Zealand Football, Auckland, New Zealand
  • 3Sport and Exercise Science, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
  • 4School of Applied Sciences, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision November 5, 2008

Publication Date:
13 March 2009 (online)

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the sweat rate and sweat electrolyte composition in female international level soccer players. Thirteen soccer players performed two 90 min soccer-specific training sessions (T1 and T2) on separate days. Hydration status was determined prior to each session and sweat loss, sweat rate and sweat composition (Na+, K+, Mg++ and Ca+) were determined from patches worn during training. The mean sweat rate during T1 and T2 was 0.50±0.20 and 0.43±0.18 L.h−1 respectively (P>0.05). The mean sweat electrolyte composition during T1 and T2 was: [Na+]: 43.9±15.0 and 46.2±7.9 mmol.L−1; [K+]: 6.1±1.1 and 5.2±1.1 mmol.L−1; [Mg++]: 0.1±0.0 and 0.1±0.0 mmol.L−1; [Ca+]: 1.2±0.5 and 0.7±0.1 mmol.L−1, respectively. When data from T1 and T2 were combined, there were no relationships between sweat rate and sweat concentration of any electrolyte. In conclusion, the sweat rate and sweat electrolyte losses in this cohort of international female soccer players, during soccer-specific training in cool conditions, were small. Electrolyte losses of this magnitude are unlikely to require special consideration in terms of optimising player hydration.

Key words

dehydration - sodium - football - hydration - electrolytes

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Correspondence

Dr. A. E. KildingPhD 

School of Sport and Recreation

Auckland University of Technology

Private Bag 92006

1020 Auckland

New Zealand

Phone: +64/9/921 99 99

Fax: +64/9/921 99 60

Email: andrew.kilding@aut.ac.nz

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