Effect of different hydration protocols on military

Abstract

Introduction: Thermal stress decreases the performance of military operations and increase in heat-related disturbances. To minimize these effects, adequate fluid replacement is recommended. Objective: Evaluate the knowledge of hydration and compare the state of hydration after different protocols of hydration after a run. Methods: 46 military were allocated to three groups: deprivation of fluid intake (GA), intake recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) (GB) and ingestion ad libitum (CG). Results: The sweating rate of GA and GC was higher than GB (26.81 ± 5.5 ml.min –1, 15.92 ± 10.69 ml.min –1 vs 4.47 6 6.5 ml.min- 1). Regarding ingestion, GB had a higher value than GA and GC (453.0 ± 91.0 vs 0.0 ml ± 0.0 ml, 165.0 ± 136.0 ml). Conclusion: ACSM recommendations were adequate to keep the military hydrated, however, the military had a low level of knowledge and inadequate hydration habits.