Body composition, rate of sweating and hydration in handball players

The assessment of body composition, hydration and sweat rate are essential for athletes in the way to helping them to improve their performance. This study aimed at assessing hydration status, sweat and body composition of male athletes practicing handball who compete in the league of western state of Santa Catarina. It was evaluated seven male players, aged between 19 and 45 years old. The assessment of nutritional status and hydration were performed using the method of bioelectrical impedance analysis; hydration habits of athletes were assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire, and sweat rate was calculated during a technical and tactical training. The study followed the rules of CNS 196/96 Resolution. All the athletes are eutrophic featuring average fat percentage corresponding to 11.91 +0.68, which is considered optimal for obtaining good athletic performance. Regarding to hydration, all handball athletes are well hydrated, with an average percentage of body water equivalent to 71 + 0.65, according to the bio-impedance test. The sweat rate showed corresponding average of 6.10 + 1.47 ml / min and the percentage of weight loss was less than 1% for all individuals. The hydration habits revealed that 100% of the athletes believe that drinking fluids before, during and after training and competition interferes with the performance of physical activity. In that sense, it reinforces the importance of the performance of professional physical educator and dietitian to improve nutritional status and performance of athletes.