Fluid intake and dehydration in professional indoor football players depending on the specific position on the field

Introduction and objectives: Dehydration is one of the leading causes of the reduction in physical and mental performance, due to an insufficient fluid intake whilst playing. In team sports, fluid intake and level of dehydration can be influenced by the specific position of player. The objective of this work has been to determine the quantity of fluid intake and level of dehydration of goalkeepers, defenders and forwards. Methods: Fluid intake and body mass loss was measured in 3 goalkeepers, 5 defenders and 6 forwards from Elpozo Murcia Fatbol Sala during three official matches in the Liga Nacional de Fatbol Sala (LNFS). Results: Results showed that goalkeepers drank the least amount of liquid (1205+/-333.32 ml) opposite defenders (1446 +/-735.88 ml) and forwards (1747.33 +/- 789.28 ml). Goalkeepers and forwards reached the highest dehydration (1.27+/-0.61% and 1.27+/-1.1%), followed by defenders (0.56+/-1.04%). Fluid intake by goalkeepers and forwards was insufficient to compensate for losses caused by sweating, finishing the matches with levels of dehydration which gave rise to a reduction of performance, while defenders maintained their hydration. Conclusions: Fluid replacement strategies should be based on individual characteristics of players. It has been shown that there is variability of results within the same sport, even within a specific position. (C) 2009 Conseil Catala de l'Esport. Generalitat de Catalunya. Published by Elsevier Espana, S. L. All rights reserved.