Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
ISSN: 1303 - 2968   
Ios-APP Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
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©Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2006) 05, 1 - 9

Review article
Hydration and Temperature in Tennis - A Practical Review
Mark S. Kovacs 
Author Information
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

Mark S. Kovacs
✉ Department of Kinesiology, University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, 102 Moore, Box 870312, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, USA
Email: mskovacs@bama.ua.edu
Publish Date
Received: 16-09-2005
Accepted: 06-12-2005
Published (online): 01-03-2006
 
 
ABSTRACT

Competitive tennis is typically played in warm and hot environments. Because hypohydration will impair tennis performance and increases the risk of heat injury, consumption of appropriate fluid levels is necessary to prevent dehydration and enhance performance. The majority of research in this area has focused on continuous aerobic activity - unlike tennis, which has average points lasting less than ten seconds with rest periods dispersed between each work period. For this reason, hydration and temperature regulation methods need to be specific to the activity. Tennis players can sweat more than 2.5 L·h-1 and replace fluids at a slower rate during matches than in practice. Latter stages of matches and tournaments are when tennis players are more susceptible to temperature and hydration related problems. Sodium (Na+) depletion, not potassium (K+), is a key electrolyte in tennis related muscle cramps. However, psychological and competitive factors also contribute. CHO drinks have been shown to promote fluid absorption to a greater degree than water alone, but no performance benefits have been shown in tennis players in short matches. It is advisable to consume a CHO beverage if practice or matches are scheduled longer than 90-120 minutes.

Key words: Dehydration, heat stress, body temperature, electrolytes


           Key Points
  • Although substantial research has been performed on temperature and hydration concerns in aerobic activities, there is little information with regard to tennis performance and safety
  • Tennis athletes should be on an individualized hydration schedule, consuming greater than 200ml of fluid every changeover (approximately 15 minutes).
  • Optimum hydration and temperature regulation will reduce the chance of tennis related muscle cramps and performance decrements.
 
 
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