Hydration and Cooling Strategies for Paralympic Athletes

Document Type

Article

Department or Administrative Unit

Nutrition Exercise and Health Sciences

Publication Date

5-29-2020

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Effective thermoregulation is paramount for optimizing athletic performance and minimizing the risk of heat illness when exercising, especially in hot conditions. Para-athletes can face unique challenges in regard to thermoregulation and hydration, especially when travel is involved.

Recent Findings

For example, athletes with spinal cord injuries (SCI) have an impaired ability to thermoregulate due to a decreased sweat rate and ability to dissipate heat, thus making vigorous activity in the heat a challenge. These factors may put the athlete at risk for the following: dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion and stroke, an inability to complete training sessions or competition, cramping, and impaired cognitive function/decision-making, which can lead to increased risk for injury.

Summary

Therefore, fluid and cooling needs should be periodized and individualized according to the athlete’s needs and impairment type. Strategies for cooling, and developing hydration plans for para-athletes will be reviewed.

Comments

This article was originally published in Current Nutrition Reports. The full-text article from the publisher can be found here.

Due to copyright restrictions, this article is not available for free download from ScholarWorks @ CWU.

Journal

Current Nutrition Reports

Rights

Copyright © 2020, Springer Science Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature

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