Fluid Balance and Carbohydrate Intake of Elite Female Soccer Players during Training and Competition

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute have found that elite female soccer players experience higher sweat rates during matches than during training. The study, published in the journal Nutrients, also found that players' carbohydrate intakes are often below recommended levels during both training and competition.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sweat rates were significantly higher during matches (0.98 ± 0.34 L·h) compared to training (0.49 ± 0.26 L·h, p = 0.007).
  • Body mass losses were greater post-match (-1.12 ± 0.86%) than during training (+0.29 ± 0.34%, p = 0.003).
  • Sweat sodium concentration was similar for training (28 ± 10 mmol·L) and matches (35 ± 9 mmol·L, p = 0.215).
  • Carbohydrate intakes were below recommendations for both matches (2.0 ± 2.3 g·h) and training (0.9 ± 1.5 g·h, p = 0.219).
  • Fluid intakes were also below recommended levels for both matches (0.71 ± 0.30 L·h) and training (0.53 ± 0.21 L·h, p = 0.114).
  • The study involved 19 female soccer players, with 8 players completing both training and match sessions for comparisons.

Statistics:

  • 0.98 ± 0.34 L·h: average sweat rate during matches
  • 0.49 ± 0.26 L·h: average sweat rate during training
  • -1.12 ± 0.86%: body mass loss post-match
  • +0.29 ± 0.34%: body mass gain during training
  • 28 ± 10 mmol·L: average sweat sodium concentration during training
  • 35 ± 9 mmol·L: average sweat sodium concentration during matches
  • 2.0 ± 2.3 g·h: average carbohydrate intake during matches
  • 0.9 ± 1.5 g·h: average carbohydrate intake during training
  • 0.71 ± 0.30 L·h: average fluid intake during matches
  • 0.53 ± 0.21 L·h: average fluid intake during training

Sources:

  • "Fluid Balance and Carbohydrate Intake of Elite Female Soccer Players during Training and Competition." Nutrients 2022;14(15):3188.