Fluid Balance and Carbohydrate Intake of Elite Female Soccer Players during Training and Competition.

This study examined sweat rate, sweat sodium concentration [Na + ], and ad-libitum carbohydrate and fluid intakes in elite female soccer players during training ( n = 19) and a match ( n = 8); eight completed both for comparisons. Body mass (kg) was obtained before and after exercise to calculate sweat rate. The sweat [Na + ] was determined from absorbent patches on the thigh or back. Sweat rate, percentage body mass change, and sweat [Na + ] for 19 players during training were 0.47 ± 0.19 L·h -1 , +0.19 ± 0.65%, and 28 ± 10 mmol·L -1 , respectively. Sweat rate was higher during a match (0.98 ± 0.34 L·h -1 ) versus training (0.49 ± 0.26 L·h -1 , p = 0.007). Body mass losses were greater post-match (-1.12 ± 0.86%) than training (+0.29 ± 0.34%, p = 0.003). Sweat [Na + ] was similar for training (29 ± 9 mmol·L -1 ) and a match (35 ± 9 mmol·L -1 ) ( p = 0.215). There were no differences in match versus training carbohydrate intakes (2.0 ± 2.3 g·h -1 , 0.9 ± 1.5 g·h -1 , respectively, p = 0.219) or fluid intakes (0.71 ± 0.30 L·h -1 , 0.53 ± 0.21 L·h -1 , respectively, p = 0.114). In conclusion, female soccer players' sweat rates were higher during a match than during training, and carbohydrate intakes were below recommendations for matches and training.