Influence of Drinks with Different Sodium Content in the Rehydration of Schoolchildren Who Are Involved in Exercise Program

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine which sodium concentration in water is the best for maintaining hydration during training since adequate hydration is of great importance in preventing thermoregulation disorder. Ninety children, aged 6-12 years, who trained karate for 2-4 years, participated in this study. The children were divided in three groups. Two groups drank water with different sodium concentration while one group did not drink water during training. Subjects in groups were matched for body mass, specific urine gravity, amount of excreted urine and heart rate. Between examined groups there were no significant differences in terms of body mass. However, observing the differences in body mass in each group separately, before and after training, it can be noticed that the differences are highly significant. Among groups of children it was noticed that, in terms of specific urine gravity values and heart rate, differences were statistically significant. The results point out to a certain degree of dehydration among children who did not drink water or drank water with low sodium concentration during training.