Prevalence of dehydration and fluid intake practices in elite rally Dakar drivers

Dehydration has long been shown to reduce physical performance, cognitive function, and alertness in a range of athletic and non-athletic populations. The motor sport needs several perceptive and neuromuscular skills to adequately perform the race. Objectives: Describe the hydration practices and dehydration prevalence in elite motor sport athletes. Equipment and methods used: the sample consisted of four distinct groups of drivers; motorcycle riders (n= 7), quad riders (n= 4), car drivers (n= 8), and truck drivers (n= 4). The urine samples and a brief questionnaire to assess hydration habits and practices were collected after the race. Urine specific gravity was determined for hydration status. Results: During the race, subjects consumed water (82%) and isotonic drinks (18%). After the race, athletes consumed energy drinks (17%), beer (13%), soft drinks (26%), water (30%), and isotonic drinks (13%), and showed a mean urine specific gravity of 1.031±0.02g·mL^-1, with drivers showing a significant and serious dehydration, 29% and 71% respectively. Our results show that rally racers present an important dehydration status after finishing the stage, in addition to inadequate rehydration strategies.