The effect of a personal fluid delivery system on thermoregulation and physical performance during a soccer simulation

Wombwell, Lewis

Abstract

Introduction: The requirements of soccer refereeing are physiologically demanding. As a consequence of these high physical demands and the relative inefficiency of the human body, the referee will generate a considerable amount of heat. Decreases in body fluid can result in reduced physical performance and increase thermoregulatory strain. This may be exacerbated when officiating in hot and humid conditions. When drinking only at half time referees do not intake sufficient amounts of fluid to replace fluid lost over the duration of a match. One possible solution for the soccer referee is to carry fluid with them in order to match fluid loss with fluid intake during the match. The purpose of this study was to investigate if a Personal Fluid Delivery System (PFDS) affected physical performance and thermoregulatory responses during a soccer specific simulation conducted in a hot and humid environment.

Methods: Using a repeated measures, randomly assigned crossover design, 14 male team sport players (Age 21 ± 2.1; VO2max 54.5 ml•kg-1 ± 5.8) complete a 90 min soccer simulation in hot/humid (30ºC & 45% RH) conditions with and without a PFDS. Physical performance measures (peak and mean power output), hydration markers and thermoregulatory measures (body and skin temperature) were examined. Protocol intensities were individualised to each participant based on ventilatory thresholds obtained during a pre-trial VO2max test.

Results: The main findings of the study were: 1) The use of a PFDS resulted in a very large effect upon fluid intake. 2) The use of a PFDS resulted in a moderate negative effect upon the hydration status of the players decreasing urine concentration.

Conclusion – The present study found that wearing a PFDS whilst performing in hot conditions greatly increases fluid intake. However, drinking solely at half-time provided enough protection from dehydration when players began exercise in a hydrated state.

Citation

Wombwell, L. (2016). The effect of a personal fluid delivery system on thermoregulation and physical performance during a soccer simulation. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4221156

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jan 8, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Sports science
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4221156
• Additional Information: Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Sep 1, 2016