Impact of hydration and climatic conditions on performance metrics in professional football players: an observational study
Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Hydration and environmental conditions significantly impact physiological responses and performance in professional football. This study investigates the relationship between hydration status, climatic conditions, and performance metrics in professional football players under different environmental settings. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted with professional football players from Al Gharafa Sports Club (n=18), comparing training sessions in Slovakia (SVK) and Qatar (QA). Hydration status was assessed through body mass variations, urine-specific gravity (USG), urine color, and sweat rate. Performance metrics, including total distance, high-speed running (HSR), and heart rate (HR) parameters, were collected using GPS and heart rate monitoring systems. Climatic conditions, such as temperature and relative humidity, were also recorded. Results: Pre-training hydration levels were significantly lower in QA, with higher USG (1.022±0.007 vs. 1.016±0.006, p=0.018) and urine color values (4.46±1.90 vs. 3.15±1.77, p=0.037), indicating greater hypohydration. Fluid intake was significantly higher in QA (1.104±0.390 L vs. 0.725±0.289 L, p=0.005). Training in QA resulted in higher physiological strain, with increased HRmax (182.93±13.56 bpm vs. 177.29±11.85 bpm, p=0.022) and RPE (4.79±0.70 vs. 3.71±1.14, p=0.010). Despite differences in climatic conditions, hydration status showed no significant correlation with performance metrics such as total distance, HSR, or acceleration/deceleration patterns (p>0.05). Conclusion: Although hydration status varied across different environments, it did not directly influence football performance metrics. However, hot and humid conditions increased cardiovascular strain and perceived exertion, leading to pre-training dehydration. This highlights the importance of individualized hydration strategies and environmental adaptations for optimal performance in professional football.
Author: Silva, Francisco João Ferreira da
Language: Portuguese
Subfield: Physiology (medical)
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6991803777