The Invisible Threat in Football: Dehydration Impairs Motor Competence, Attention, and Technical Skills in Adolescent Football Players
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 75
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
研究概览
简要总结
This study aims to investigate how hydration status affects attention, motor competence, and football skills in adolescent male football players aged 13-14 years. Participants will complete standardized cognitive, motor, and sport-specific tests under two conditions: normal hydration (euhydration) and controlled dehydration (hypohydration). Hydration levels will be assessed using urine colour and body mass measurements, while attention and motor skills will be evaluated with validated tools. The study seeks to understand the impact of fluid balance on physical and cognitive performance in young athletes, without altering their usual routines.
详细描述
This comparative, quasi-randomised, counterbalanced, repeated-measures study investigates the effects of hydration status on cognitive function, motor competence, and football skills in adolescent male football players aged 13-14 years. A pilot study with 15 participants was conducted to determine effect size (Cohen's d = 0.43) and assess feasibility, confirming that a minimum of 73 participants would be required for the main study.
Seventy-five participants met strict inclusion criteria, including voluntary participation, no chronic or metabolic diseases, and a homogeneous sporting background. Participants had a mean age of 13 ± 1 years, height of 148 ± 5 cm, weight of 42 ± 5 kg, and BMI of 19.1 ± 1.2 kg/m². Most trained 8-10 hours per week and had 3-4 years of competitive football experience.
Each participant was tested under two hydration conditions: euhydration and hypohydration. In the euhydration condition, participants maintained regular fluid intake for 12 hours prior to testing and consumed 500 ml of water with a standardised breakfast. Hydration status was verified using first-morning urine samples and Armstrong's eight-point urine colour scale. In the hypohydration condition, participants underwent controlled fluid restriction and a treadmill walking protocol to achieve a 2-3% body mass loss. Pre- and post-exercise body weight and urine measurements were used to quantify hypohydration.
Following each testing session, participants completed the d2 Attention Test, the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency - Short Form (BOT-2 SF), and a structured football skill test assessing passing, dribbling, and shooting accuracy. All procedures were performed under supervision in controlled environmental conditions, with scheduled rest intervals to prevent fatigue and ensure safety. Secondary checks included urine strip tests, while perceived exertion and local muscle discomfort were monitored continuously.
The study design allows for within-subject comparisons across hydration conditions to determine how fluid balance affects attention, motor skills, and sport-specific performance in adolescent athletes. Data will be analyzed to provide insights into the relationship between hydration and physical-cognitive performance in young football players, with implications for training and competition strategies.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Crossover
- 主要目的
- Basic Science
- 盲法
- None
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 13 Years 至 14 Years（Child）
- 性别
- Male
- 接受健康志愿者
- 是
入选标准
- •Male sex (to avoid hormonal variability related to the menstrual cycle)
- •Voluntary participation
- •Age between 13 and 14 years
- •Similar sporting background (regular football training and competition experience)
- •No chronic or metabolic disease
- •No respiratory or renal disease
- •No medical condition requiring fluid restriction
- •Not taking any medications or dietary supplements (e.g., vitamins, minerals, creatine, protein)
- •No recent history of injury
排除标准
- •Outside the specified age range
- •Female sex
- •Diagnosis of chronic/metabolic, respiratory, or renal disease
- •Regular use of medication, diuretics, or dietary supplements (e.g., vitamins, - minerals, creatine, protein)
- •Medical condition requiring fluid intake restriction
- •Not engaged in sports or without a football background
- •Recent injury history
结局指标
主要结局
Body Mass Index (BMI)
时间窗: Baseline (single assessment during one laboratory visit prior to any exercise or hydration manipulation)
Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using height and body weight measurements obtained at baseline. Height was measured once at baseline using a standard stadiometer, and body weight was measured immediately prior to any exercise or fluid manipulation using a calibrated scale with ±50 g precision (InBody 120). BMI was calculated as body weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²).
Hydration status assessed using urine color
时间窗: Baseline (first-morning urine sample) and immediately post-exercise (within 5 minutes after completion of treadmill exercise), assessed during a single test day
Hydration status was assessed using first-morning urine samples (50-60 mL) collected prior to exercise and immediately following the exercise-induced dehydration protocol. Urine samples were analyzed using Armstrong's eight-point urine color chart. Urine color values of 1-2 indicated euhydration, whereas values of 5-6 indicated moderate hypohydration.
Hydration Status via Body Mass Loss
时间窗: Baseline (pre-exercise body weight) and immediately post-exercise (within 5 minutes after completion of treadmill exercise), assessed during a single laboratory visit
Exercise-induced body mass loss was used as an objective indicator of hydration status. Body weight was measured immediately before exercise and again within 5 minutes after completion of the treadmill protocol. Percentage hypohydration was calculated as the percentage change in body mass relative to baseline body weight. A body mass loss of 2-3% was considered indicative of significant hypohydration.
Perceived Exertion and Muscle Discomfort
时间窗: From start of treadmill exercise until completion of the exercise protocol (up to 60 minutes), assessed during a single laboratory visit
Perceived exertion was assessed using Borg's 6-20 Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale, and localized muscle discomfort was monitored through direct observation, particularly in the lower limbs. Ratings were recorded at regular 10-minute intervals during the treadmill protocol to ensure participant safety and to monitor subjective fatigue.
次要结局
- Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency - Short Form (BOT-2 SF)(Post-exercise recovery period, assessed once between 15 and 30 minutes after completion of treadmill exercise during a single test day)
- d2 Attention Test(Post-exercise recovery period, assessed once between 8 and 15 minutes after completion of treadmill exercise during a single test day)
- Football Skill Test(Post-exercise recovery period, assessed once between 30 and 45 minutes after completion of treadmill exercise during a single test day)
研究者
bekir tokay
Instructor, Ph.D
Uşak University