Effects of hydration on athletes' muscle function
Effects of Hydration Changes on Neuromuscular Function of Athletes With Low Water Intake
This study tests if drinking more water can improve muscle function and performance in highly trained athletes who usually don't drink enough.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Faculdade de Motricidade Humana Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lisbon) |
| Trial ID | NCT05380089 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how changes in hydration levels affect the neuromuscular function of highly trained athletes. It focuses on athletes who are considered low drinkers, defined as those with a total water intake of 35ml/kg or less. The research will utilize electromyography (EMG) to analyze the impact of hydration on muscle strength and power, aiming to clarify the relationship between hydration status and athletic performance. The intervention involves increasing water intake to assess its effects on neuromuscular activation and overall athletic performance.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are highly trained athletes aged 18 to 35 who have low water intake and live in Lisbon or its surroundings.
Not a fit: Patients who consume more than 35ml/kg of water daily or have a clinical history of exertional heat illness may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved hydration strategies that enhance athletic performance and reduce injury rates.
How similar studies have performed: While some studies have explored hydration's effects on neuromuscular function, there is no consensus, making this approach both relevant and potentially novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Highly trained athletes (i.e., participating in national and international championships and/or ≥6 h of training per week) * Athletes considered low drinkers (i.e., total water intake ≤ 35ml/kg/) * Aged between 18 and 35 years * Living in Lisbon and/or its surroundings * All women should have a (self-reported) normal menstrual cycle (i.e., cycles at median intervals of less than 35 days) * Completion of the sport's medical examination Exclusion Criteria: * Total water intake above 35ml/kg/day. * Clinical history compatible with exertional heat illness (i.e., heat stroke, heat exhaustion, hyperthermia, among other events that suggest poor response to thermically challenging environments) * Taking medication known to alter the normal fluid-electrolyte balance, plasma osmolality, urinary osmolality, or the chronotropic response to exercise (e.g., diuretics, antidiuretics, laxatives, oral contraceptives, drugs to control blood pressure (39) * Exhibiting self-reported metabolic disorders or malfunction of salivary glands * Active smoking status * Unwilling to abstain from alcohol during this study * Respiratory disorders, including asthma * Injuries that would limit exercise performance * Mechanical prostheses * Pregnancy /planning to get pregnant within the next 8 months * Having been pregnant within the past 6 months or breastfeeding * Failure to complete the dietary intake and physical activity recording * Unable to communicate with local study staff * Needle phobia * Inability to complete the study within the designated time frame because of plans to move out of the study area or occurrence of competition periods during the study timeframe * Inability to attend the visits/appointments and evaluation measurements
Where this trial is running
Lisbon
- Faculdade Motricidade Humana — Lisbon, Portugal (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Analiza Silva, PhD — Faculdade Motricidade Humana
- Study coordinator: Ruben Francisco, MSc
- Email: rubenfrancisco@fmh.ulisboa.pt
- Phone: 910943132
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.