Abstract:The aim of the study was to investigate the fluid and electrolyte imbalance associated with Badminton match play. Six female badminton players (age 16-18 years) currently competing at state level and national levels, played a best of three matches against a competitively matched oppenet. Pre and post data on body weight, hemetocrat, hemoglobin, serum sodium, serum potassium, urine specific gravity, urine sodium and urine potassium were analysed from blood samples and urine samples taken before and after matches. Aweat rate, quantity of fluid consumed during match and duration of the matches were also calculated.
The paired T-test and Pearson’s product moment correlation were used to analyse the data. The percentage were also computed to find out the magnitude of differences from pre to post on selected variables. The study results indicated significant decrease from pre to post match for body weight among the badminton players. Urine sodium showed significantly decreased levels from pre to post match following the badminton matches. No significant differences for other body fluid and electrolyte variables pre to post after the badminton match. The percentage changes from pre to post match for body weight showed a range from 0.22 to 1.73% for the six badminton players, with an average of 0.99%. The relationship of sweat rate to the differences score from pre to post match for selected variables indicated significant correlation for sweat rate to changes in body weight. The study results suggest that badminton players need to match fluid intake to sweat rate losses to avoid dehydration. Quantity of water intake alone may not be sufficient, a hydration protocol involving proper fluid and electrolyte fluid replacement should be planned and individiually monitored for plyers.
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