Water is an essential nutrient that is often overlooked. As a result of this hydration status is often forgotten as well. Becoming hypohydrated puts athletes at risk of decreased performance and potentially life-threatening heat illness. Being able to self-assess hydration status is may be instrumental in helping athletes safely optimize performance. Therefore, this study investigated, 1) the ability of an athletic population vs. trained investigators to self-diagnose underhydration, 2) the diagnostic ability of urine color (Ucol) charts as a method for diagnosing underhydration, and 3) the accuracy of participant and investigator assessments. Members of an athletic population each provided a urine sample and scored samples using both the traditional 8-color and newly developed 7-color Ucol chart. Investigators then scored the samples using the same methods. To determine the diagnostic value of the Ucol charts, Ucol scores were compared to concentration measures of Urine Specific Gravity (USG) and Urine Osmolality (Uosm). Differences in participant and investigator scores were compared using Mann-Whitney U and Spearman’s Correlation. Bland-Altman plots were drawn to assess individual differences in reporting against the mean of the two methods. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to both determine the ability of both charts to diagnose underhydration and to determine how well participants and investigators can determine their level of hydration. Athletes reported Ucol significantly lighter compared to investigators. Investigators showed no difference in reporting between the two charts but, athletes reported less than a color shade difference. The charts performed fair (8-color) to good (7-color) at diagnosing hypohydration. Athletes reported with less accuracy compared to investigators, and Ucol classification was found to be more accurate when compared to USG. Ucol charts are a practical tool to determine hydration status. Ucol scoring is similar regardless of the type of chart used. Trained investigators reported with slightly higher accuracy on both charts compared to untrained athletes. Athletes score Ucol fair to good in comparison to investigators. Ucol scoring is similar regardless of the type of chart used. The diagnostic ability of both Ucol charts is good in relation to USG. With education, athletes may be able to improve scores.

The assessment and evaluation of dietary intake and nutrition knowledge in female athletes is especially important due to the high prevalence of inadequate intake in this population (Black et al., 2019). This study evaluated 1) the relationship of nutrition knowledge and dietary intake among collegiate female athletes at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I, National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), and Club sport levels and 2) the impact of competition level on this relationship as well. Participants (NCAA DI, n=51; NJCAA, n = 36; Club, n = 37) in this study answered two questionnaires, the Nutrition Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (NSKQ) and the Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants (REAP) questionnaire to assess knowledge and dietary intake. Participants also provided anthropometric and demographic information. The NSKQ was scored as a whole and for each of the four subcategories. REAP was scored both by tallying the number of “usually/often” frequency responses and given a numeral score to estimate diet quality. Statistical analysis was conducted using Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square and Spearman’s correlation tests to compare differences within subgroups of participants and evaluate any relationships that may exist between nutrition knowledge and dietary intake with significance set at p≤0.05. Differences in nutrition knowledge between competition groups were significant, H(2)= 16.94, p< 0.001. NCAA DI (p<0.001) and Club (p<0.001) athletes had higher nutrition knowledge than athletes at the NJCAA level. This was true for overall knowledge as well as knowledge subcategories. However, minimal relationships between nutrition knowledge and dietary intake were found. The overall correlation value was rs(118)= -0.10 (95%CI: -0.28 to 0.08), p>0.05. This suggests those with higher nutrition knowledge did not necessarily have better dietary intake. Improvements in the assessment of nutrition knowledge and quick assessment of dietary quality and the relation between both is needed.

Exposure to sun radiation (SUR) with ambient temperature may be an influencer on athletes’ sweat loss in different environments, but the results are not currently known. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of SUR on fluid balance (FB) and hydration status (HS) in athletes exercising indoors and outdoors.

Initial FB and HS were assessed in NCAA-DI female soccer athletes (n=10) of a single team in temperate, dry conditions (55-68°F, 18-48% humidity) who were monitored during 3 practices of equal estimated energy expenditure (EE): two outdoors in direct SUR (cold/moderate temperatures) and one indoors without SUR (moderate temperatures). Humidity, temperature, and wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT – a measurement partly based on SUR, including ambient temperature/relative humidity) were recorded using Heat Stress Meters placed in the direct sun or in the shade. Each athlete’s semi-nude dry body weight was recorded before and after exercise. Urine samples were taken before, after, and the morning after. Urine specific gravity (USG) was tested to assess HS. Athletes wore combined heart rate and activity monitors to estimate EE and were provided ad libitum water and/or a zero-calorie sports drink. Their total intake included weights of consumed food and drink. Sweat rate was calculated using body weight change and intakes of liquids minus urine losses/hour.

Two-way repeated measures ANOVA analyzed group-level differences. No significance was found in total FB (1.01±0.32 L/hr) or EE/hr (444±97.1 kcal/hr) across all days (p>0.05). In analyzing individual athlete results, 40% had consistent USG >1.025 (p=0.001) suggesting potential dehydration. These 4 athletes selected water as their beverage, of which is known that consuming only water does not stimulate drinking behavior as does electrolyte drinks. The remaining 60% were overall not dehydrated (USG <1.025) but must be aware of incidental dehydration in hotter temperatures.

The conclusion is that in low-moderate temperatures, athletes self-regulate drinking habits and achieve fluid balance during exercise with or without sun radiation. However, athletes with average USG >1.025 are likely to remain dehydrated in moderate temperatures. The findings suggest that more education would benefit these athletes by ensuring hydration in any environment.