INTRODUCTION: Euhydration is required for optimal health and sporting performance. Significant dehydration has been associated with impaired cognitive function and sporting performance and an increased perception of effort. Invasion team sports, such as Gaelic football, are characterised by intermittent high-intensity bouts of activity over a prolonged period and have been associated with potentially high sweat rates. Given the physically demanding nature of Gaelic football training and competition, adequate fluid intake is essential for optimal health and performance. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate hydration and fluid replacement knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of Gaelic football players. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-five Gaelic football players (m=85, f=90; mean age: 24±6.4 years; mean playing history: 15±5.8 years) playing at club (n=97), college (n=28) and elite (n=50) level were recruited. Participants completed a modified version of a previously validated survey [1]. The 59 question survey involved 4 sections including (1) background demographic information and (2) knowledge, (3) attitudes and (4) behaviour towards hydration and fluid replacement and was completed online. The maximum score obtainable in each of section 2, 3 and 4 was 17, with higher scores indicating positive hydration knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. RESULTS: Players` mean hydration knowledge score was 12.9±1.7 (75.9%±9.7%). Almost 80% of players had a knowledge score of 12 (70%) or more. Only 4.5% (n=8) of players scored 100%. The mean attitude and behaviour scores were 12.2±2.2 (72%±12.8%) and 12.2±1.8 (71.9%±10.6) respectively. No significant differences were observed for knowledge, attitudes or behaviour between gender or playing level. Significant correlations were observed between knowledge, attitude and behaviour scores (p<0.05). Almost one-third (65.3%) of players did not know that consuming a sports drink is recommended when exercising for more than 60 minutes while almost one-half (47.2%) did not know that sports drinks are better than water at restoring muscle glycogen. CONCLUSION: Although both male and female Gaelic football players had a good knowledge of general hydration further education is required around sports drinks and their use and role. Further education is also warranted on hydration guidelines and requirements and monitoring of hydration status.
© Copyright 2022 27th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Sevilla, 30. Aug - 2. Sep 2022. Julkaistu Tekijä Faculty of Sport Science - Universidad Pablo de Olavide. Kaikki oikeudet pidätetään. / Kääntänyt https://www.DeepL.com/Translator