Posted: August 30, 2005

Science of Sport: Canada’s Hockey Hopefuls Sweat It Out

Hockey Canada Men’s Under-20 Team Explores Scientific “Sweat Strategy” to Prevent Heat Illness and Improve Performance

TORONTO, August 29, 2005 -- The last person you may want to get close to is an ice hockey player dripping with sweat -- unless you're a scientist from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute Canada (GSSI Canada).

Scientists from the GSSI Canada attended the Hockey Canada Men’s Under-20 Team Whistler-based training camp earlier this month to conduct hydration testing and help the athletes understand exactly how hydration affects their performance.

A sweat analysis test and a hydration assessment test were used to help the GSSI Canada scientists determine if players are adequately replacing the fluids and electrolytes like sodium and potassium they lose through sweat during training. Special “sweat patches” collect samples from the athletes for lab analysis.

“Dehydration can be a serious health condition affecting the body and an athlete’s performance,” says Dr. Lawrence Spriet, Advisory Board Chairman, GSSI Canada, “Through the sweat testing, we can help the athlete understand how proper hydration can help prevent cramping, heat illness and optimize their performance on the ice.”

Even though most athletes know they should be drinking during exercise, many still experience dehydration because they underestimate how much sweat they are losing during a game or training session.

“This is a championship winning team and we always look for ways to improve performance and give us a competitive advantage,” said Dr. Ian Auld, Hockey Canada Men’s Under-20 Team Doctor, “Participating in the GSSI Canada sweat tests will raise hydration awareness throughout the team and teach how proper hydration can make the players better competitors.”

Sweat Analysis Test

The GSSI Canada scientists collect sweat samples from players during training to determine the concentration of electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, which an athlete loses through sweat. Athletes who have a high concentration of sodium in their sweat may be prone to severe whole-body cramping.

· Based on their findings, the GSSI Canada scientists can provide fluid and electrolyte replacement recommendations that may help players prevent cramping and optimize their athletic performance.

Hydration Assessment Test

· The hydration assessment test shows how well a player replaces the fluids he or she loses through sweat during training by measuring a player’s weight change pre- and post-exercise to calculate a player’s fluid lost vs. fluid replaced. The test can show how rapidly dehydration occurs.

· By testing a player’s fluid replacement behaviour, the GSSI Canada scientists can prescribe a fluid-drinking regimen to help players stay hydrated, which will help optimize athletic performance and help prevent heat illness.

GSSI scientists have tested professional sports teams from all over the world including Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus soccer teams; NBA teams Chicago Bulls and Dallas Mavericks; NFL teams Oakland Raiders, New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers; and also elite professional athletes including New York Yankees Shortstop, Derek Jeter; NFL quarterback, Peyton Manning; and NBA all-star, Vince Carter.

The GSSI Canada aims to help athletes optimize their health and performance through research and education in hydration and nutrition science, and will be conducting Canada-specific research. The GSSI Canada’s educational efforts are focused on enhancing the performance and well-being of athletes. The information provided to coaches and athletes will help them understand how to properly fuel their bodies, ultimately allowing them to perform longer and feel better when training or competing.

To learn more about testing or to access the GSSI’s extensive library of research and educational materials, log onto www.gssiweb.org.

For Canadian information, media, sport health professionals and coaches can contact the GSSI Canada toll-free number at 1-866-621-GSSI (4774) or email at GSSICanada@qtgcanada.com.